Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star)
- May 27, 2018 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The capital
city of Masbate has declared itself coal free, joining the growing list of
provinces committing to shun coal-fired power plants and stick to renewable
energy developments.
The provincial board issued a
resolution declaring Masbate City as an eco-friendly city. In line with the
Renewable Energy Act of 2008, it encourages the development and utilization of
renewable energy to protect and reduce harmful emissions to the environment.
It also prohibits any local
government office to issue any permit, authorization, endorsement or any
expression of support to the development and operation of coal-fired power
plants.
Consequently, the declaration is in
accordance to the Philippine Clean Air Act, which acknowledges the adverse
impact of coal combustion, not only to the environment, but also to the health
of the citizens.
In the same resolution, the
provincial board has banned the use of coal throughout the province as it
threatens the natural beauty and pristine ecosystem of Masbate City.
In its effort to contribute to the
national and global environment, Masbate recognizes its responsibility by
committing to a clean and renewable atmosphere.
With this commitment, the province
envisions a brighter future for tourism-based economic development. By prohibiting
the use of coal-fired powered plants, the eco-tourism of provinces will be
preserved.
For the city of Masbate, this
includes the famous Buntod Marine Sanctuary, which is one of the most resilient
coral reef areas in the Philippines, its vibrant cattle industry, and the Rodeo
Festival.
Masbate now joins Guimaras,
Sorsogon, Ilocos Norte and Negros Oriental as pioneers in leading the country
towards sustaining a coal-free environment.
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