KIDAPAWAN CITY, April 16, 2009—The Diocese of Marbel has registered its strong opposition to the proposed construction of the 200 Megawatt coal-fired power plant in one of the villages in Maasim town in Saranggani province.
In a statement sent to DxND-NDBC Kidapawan, the Sta. Cruz Parish under Fr. Floro Litigio expressed fears the proposed coal-fired power plant will contaminate the environment through emission of chemicals considered toxic both to humans and to animals.
The parish has since criticized the plan of foreign-owned Conal Holdings Corporation (CHC) to construct the coal-fired power plant.
The project assessment and evaluation has started in February this year.
Mobilize the people
In Manila, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez said they will mobilize the people for their Earth Day celebration on April 22 in General Santos City to manifest their strong opposition to the proposed coal-fired power plant.
Interviewed at his office at the CBCP’s National Secretariat of Social Action (NASSA) where he serves as Vice Chairman, the prelate said, “No way will we allow the establishment of the Alcantara-owned power plant in our area.”
“When carbon is burnt, it produces so many gases, carbon dioxide though it is food for the trees it is also food for cancer cells in the human body. There will also be sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide plus lead, zinc, arsenic and other elements,” the prelate explained.
He added that the range of its pollution will be wide “because the pollution in continental America reaches Canada, just like pollution in England reaches Norway and the pollution in Germany destroyed the forests in Russia.”
Gutierrez said sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide will affect the atmosphere and becomes sulfate and nitrate which becomes sulfuric acid to nitric acid returning to earth, it is not just acid rain but becomes acid deposition.
“The plants’ roots will be affected by acid deposition and would result to growth problems as germination and reproduction will be inhibited and the waxy cover the leaves making the plants susceptible to diseases and other microorganisms,” he added.
Other beneficial microorganisms in the soil will be destroyed. Acid rain affects the water tributaries and planktons, marine insects and crustaceans and of the water’s ph becomes lower than 5, the fish will die.
“Ultimately, human beings will be affected and only the fittest will survive,” the prelate argued. “Now is that what God wants for his creation?” the prelate asked.
He said gases emitted by the power plant would endanger not only the rivers and water tributaries but the rich flora and fauna and marine life.
“While it is still in its planning stage, it would be good for the proponents and the government to know our concerns,” the 70-year old prelate said.
The consultation made in Maasim sometime ago was one-sided according to Gutierrez.
He said known personalities opposing the planned coal-fired power plant were not allowed to participate by the police and military who secured the venue. Placards and streamers were not allowed except those that agree with and approve the project.
“Only those in favor of their project were given snacks,” the prelate further said.
However, Gutierrez remained optimistic the government will look into the negative effects of the proposed coal-fired power plant soon. (Jimmy Sta. Cruz/DxND/Melo M. Acuna)
