Olongapo Zambales Civil Society Network (OZCSN)
Resolution No. 1
Series 2011

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A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING
THE OLONGAPO ZAMBALES CIVIL SOCIETY'S OBJECTION TO COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS AS AN ENERGY SOURCE AND URGING THE PROPONENT TO CONSIDER SAFER ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY FOR SUBIC BAY



Whereas, Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. a joint venture between Aboitiz Energy and a Taiwanese company is proposing to put up 2 X 150megawatt coal-fired power plant in Sitio Naglatore, Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales;
 
Whereas, the presence of coal-fired power plant in Subic Bay would generate negative perception and impact in the clean, pristine image of the environment - the idyllic mountain ranges, clear water and affable people which are the core selling points of Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan;

Whereas, the proponents of coal-fired power plant assures relatively low emission and the lowest environmental impact possible. Even so, it does not discount the fact that the harmful emissions will definitely affect lives and the livelihood of communities in the next 50 years. There must be no tolerable and acceptable levels of pollution so as not to compromise the health and welfare of environment and the communities;

Whereas, the use of coal and other fossil fuels contribute to the global warming, pollution and environmental degradation. As a matter of fact, China is suffering from the ill effects of years of using coal as energy, with an estimated of four hundred thousand (400,000) premature deaths every year and increasingly worsening air quality. China is now switching to renewable, green source of energy. In the United States, there are even scientific studies showing that the high mercury emission levels from coal-fired power plants have direct links to autism and mental retardation;

Whereas, although a cheap source of energy, the long term effect of coal-fired power plants on our community will prove costly, triggering massive respiratory infections and diseases, promising to add  to the present economic burdens of escalating prices of basic goods, commodities and fuels;

Whereas, part of the requirements in the issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the social acceptance of a proposed project by the affected stakeholders of the community;

Whereas, after diligent analysis of the presentation of the proponent vis-a-vis the concerns and studies of various environmental groups, health experts, socio-civic organizations, business entities, marine scientist and tourism stakeholders, the OZCSN believes that the grim environmental and economic impact of a coal-fired power plant in Subic Bay is long lasting, far outweighing its perceived and unproven benefits to our local economy which ironically relies heavily on tourism;

"NO TO COAL, YES TO RENEWABLE, SUSTAINABLE, GREEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR SUBIC BAY!"

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of Olongapo Zambales Civil Society Network;
 
RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Olongapo Zambales Civil Society Network member duly assembled during its regular meeting on May 6, 2011 held at PREDA Center, Olongapo City, as it hereby expresses its objection to coal-fired power plants as energy source and urging the proponent and the SBMA to consider safer alternative sources of energy for Subic Bay such as the proposed Wind Turbine Energy and Solar Power Energy.

Let a copy of this resolution be furnished to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Board of Directors.


Signed:

Alex Corpus Hermoso, PREDA              

Anna Leah Escresa Colina, EILER         

Gary Hernandez, ANAKPAWIS              

Arcel Dabu, AKBAYAN                  

Danilo Zabala, TREES

Alma Bulawan, Buklod

Ricky Ebbay, CBR

Rodelio Carias, SJCCFI

Sonny Valdez, KAAGAPAY

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