Davao council clears way for coal plant

DAVAO CITY—Local councilors on Tuesday approved the construction of a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in this city which takes pride in the strict enforcement of environmental laws.

When the vote came, only one councilor—Leah Librado—continued to reject the coal plant, to be built by Aboitiz Power Corp. in a village close to the boundary of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Many were surprised, however, at the vote of the council’s committee on environment chair, Marissa Abella, who had promised to vote for the environment. She voted in favor of the coal plant.

Abella, explaining her vote, said rejecting the coal plant in this city would simply move it to Sta. Cruz.

“It would be easy for us to monitor the operations of the company if it is built in Davao,” she said.

The same statements were expressed by those who approved the project.

Councilor April Marie Dayap said the construction of the power plant, although feared to cause environmental destruction, would mean “maintaining control over the operations of the plant.”

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who presides over council sessions, said keeping the plant in the city would help ensure it does not violate environmental laws.

“We need power for our generation and the next generation to come. We did right in voting yes,” Duterte said.

Librado expressed frustration over the vote. “We can’t do anything … but the fight is not yet over,” she said.

“Coal is known to be the primary source of carbon emission and air pollution in the world,” she added.

Norma Javellana, an environmental advocate, said her “heart was bleeding for the environment, for the people of Davao.”

Manuel Orig, Aboitiz Power vice president for Mindanao operations, said the city council decision was a vote for “growth and development of Davao.”

“The vote is a vote for jobs, for development, livelihood and investment,” Orig said.