CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 27, 2009—The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro led by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J. is set to convene a public forum on the controversial P 2.1 billion bio-ethanol project on top of the city’s watershed area on Tuesday, April 28.
“The consultation aims to inform the general public about the proposed Alson’s Consolidated Resources’ Bio-ethanol Processing Plant and to surface and hopefully respond to the concerns of the community regarding this project,” the prelate said.
Ledesma added the forum is a venue to listen to the perspectives of the various stakeholders involved, as well as an opportunity to be clarified on the issues being raised.
“Tell the Public on Bio-ethanol Forum” will have various stakeholders including the academe, various environment-focused groups, civil society groups and the affected community members of Barangays Bayanga and Mambuaya.
Archdiocesan Social Action Center Director Fr. Jose Cabantan will explain the stand of the Archdiocese and explain why the Catholic Church of Cagayan de Oro continues to oppose the bio-ethanol plant.
“We are not assured of the safety of its wastes though the Alson's Consolidated Resources claims of a zero waste disposal, and there can be benefits as to alternative fuel but the risks involved remain high” Father Cabantan told CBCPNews.
Cabantan added the questionable location and the purported benefits of the plantation to farmers are among the issues that will be raised during the forum.
City Councilor Ian Acenas and head of Committee on Environment and Sabdullah Abubacar, Regional Director of DENR’s Environment Management Bureau will serve as reactors.
Expected to represent Alson’s Consolidated Resources is its Business Development Manager Mario Jose C. Baile. He will discuss the details of the bio-ethanol project.
The proposed 16-hectare bio-ethanol plant is scheduled for commercial operations by early 2011 with a targeted capacity of 100,000 liters per day, to address an expected rise in demand for alternative fuels this year.
The forum will be held at the St. Patrick Cronin Hall, St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral Compound at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday. (Maryann Alasay-Zamora)
