Scrapping of coal-fired power plants, fisheries code sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Panaghugpong sa mga Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Sugbo yesterday called for an investigation into operations of coal-fired power plants as well as for the junking of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code which they tagged as “a failure.”

In a press conference, the group said that the call has something to do with issues around the construction of coal-fired power plants not just in Cebu but in the entire country believed to give negative health impacts, irreparable damage to the fishing grounds and to the environment.

Last year, doctors and toxicologists conducted a Medical Health Evaluation among the people in Naga City wherein findings showed of high incidence of cardio and respiratory-related diseases and problems such as upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infection which can be attributed to the toxic emissions of a coal-fired power plant operating there.

Based on the test carried out by the Philippine Institute for Pure and Applied Chemistry of the Ateneo de Manila University, coal ashes found dumped around Naga City contain significant level of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, lead and mercury.

They also accuse coal-fired power plants of worsening weather conditions with prolonged dry spell and other extreme weather events.

Further, the group considers the 12-year Fisheries Code of 1998 as futile for its alleged failure to uphold policy of protecting marine resources and, instead, adding up to the worsening poverty situation among marginal fisherfolks.

Among the panelists in the conference are Fernando Hicap, national chairperson of Pamalakaya Pilipinas; Victor Lapaz, chairperson of Pamana sa Sugbo; and Paula Destor, chairperson of a Bohol-based fisherfolks organization. Together they signed the request letter addressed to political leaders for the latter to learn of their concerns. – Antoniette T. Parce/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)