Coal is still cheap energy
President Benigno Aquino III was in Cebu yesterday to inaugurate the 200-MW coal-fired power plant of Kepco in Naga City. Some environmentalists questioned his sincerity because Kepco has a pending case with the environment court of Judge Marilyn Yap.
I think the government should come up with a clear-cut policy on coal-fired powered plants especially since the Capitol is entertaining the establishment of another one in Cebu province.
Many times, renewable sources of energy have been considered but solar energy remains expensive while wind power is impractical. Wind turbines in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, produce only 10 percent to 30 percent of power needs of the locality.
I think that is the reason the Province of Cebu, despite relentless protests from certain groups, entertained the idea of establishing another power plant to address the looming energy crisis.
Time and again, energy supply in Cebu has been questioned because of numerous brownouts given the island’s tremendous economic growth.
Apparently renewable energy is not yet viable. Coal-fired may not be the cleanest energy sources, but these are the cheapest.
Stakeholders should continue to dialogue to adopt energy sources that are acceptable and good for Cebu. It would be best for protesters to come up with a workable alternative to coal-fired powered plant to make their cause relevant and better appreciated.
The government will have to continue addressing our power problems with the help of the private sector. The Aquino administration has recognized that it needs the private sector to succeed.
* * *
I think Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama decided to deliver his State of the City Address at Plaza Sugbo in response to the statement of Vice Mayor Joy Young that the mayor should wait to be invited by the City Council. Rama earlier said he would deliver the SOCA in the session hall with the council’s courtesy invitation.
Funny but Young denied issuing the statement that Rama would not be invited. So where did the statement come from? I think this issue should be clarified; otherwise, it would appear that the media is trying to drive a wedge between Rama and the City Council.
We must remember that Vice Mayor Young came out with hostile words against Rama since his meeting with Congressman Tommy Osmeña. Many frown on the political quarrel between the two groups and are hoping that Rama and the council can still work harmoniously for the interest of Cebu City.
It is too early for politicking with elections still in 2013. It would be best if the leaders gave the people a break from partisan politics.
Congressman Osmeña should concentrate on his job as a member of the House of Representatives and stop meddling in the affairs of the city.
* * *
The National statistics Office revealed that 19 percent of the population in Central Viasayas lacks access to power and about 18percent lack access to toilets.
These are two challenges that our government must address especially in this time of high technology.
The absence of toilets affects sanitation and public health. The government should see to it that people have access to toilets across the country if it wants to have healthy Filipinos.
