by Madelaine B. Miraflor August 5,
2016
Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez will stand by its mandate to
protect the environment even if it means going against their family business.
Responding to complaints from local
residents in Mt. Talinis against the Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC)
planned expansion of its geothermal plant in Negros Oriental, Lopez said she
will not hesitate to “use the full force of the law” to protect the environment
and preserve the ecological balance of Mt. Talinis and other biodiversity
areas.
EDC is one of the world’s biggest
geothermal producers and is owned by the Lopez family.
“We will look into this and I assure
the public that DENR will be fair through the entire process and take into
account the concerns of all,” said Lopez.
Some local residents and
representatives of some organizations are opposing EDC’s expansion saying it
would lead to cutting of old trees in the local mountain range.
EDC, which operates a 223-megawatt
(MW) geothermal plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental, submitted an application
for environmental clearance certificate (ECC) for the expansion of the plant’s
capacity by some 60 additional megawatts.
The DENR’s Environmental Management
Bureau office in the region has held public hearings on the application to
gather the position and opinions of stakeholders.
“Through good environmental
governance, we aim to harmonize our economic activities with nature through
sound practices that will not only address climate change but ensure the
sustainable use of our resources, conservation, and preservation,” Lopez said.
Lopez said this is the paramount
reason for her adherence to strict compliance with environmental laws, rules,
regulations and standards, stressing “there is no room for violation.”
“This is our guiding principle, our
commitment, our preaching and our practice in our quest for sustainable
development. This is our call to all stakeholders,” she said.
“Our concern for the environment and
the pursuit of the common good transcends familial and other ties,” she added.
Before taking up the position,
Lopez’ appointment as the country’s environment chief has been criticized by
many groups and stakeholders.
Lopez is also staunch advocate
against coal-fired power plants but she is also part of the same clan who runs
First Gen Corporation (FGEN), a listed renewable energy company.
Some argued that there’s a conflict
of interest here because her being the new DENR secretary may also benefit the
growth of her family’s business.
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