Gwen wants PB to look into use of nuclear power

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday asked the Provincial Board to conduct further study on the possibility that Cebu may host a nuclear power plant.

Garcia made the request after a briefing conducted by Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Mark Cojuangco yesterday afternoon at the Capitol Social Hall.

Cojuangco, who is the author of the controversial House Bill 04631 that mandates the immediate re-commissioning and commercial operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, was in Cebu and briefed Governor Garcia, members of the provincial board and the business groups.

According to Cojuangco, with the shortage of power in the country, there is a need to put up other sources and he believes that nuclear power plants are the answer.

Cojuangco cited the success of the operation of nuclear power plants especially in Korea and its benefits.

For her part, Garcia clarified that she is open to the idea of putting up a nuclear power plant in Cebu.

But Garcia said there is a need for further study.

Provincial board member Victor Maambong, chairman of the committee on environment said there is need for them to look further of issue.

The governor said that this is the reason why they are very supportive of companies that have shown interest in helping solve the lack of energy supply.

The governor also emphasized that while they want the progress and growth of Cebu to continue, which can not happen with the energy problem, they also want to make sure that the power plants being set up are safe both to the people and the environment.

“It is the policy of the provincial government to push for sustainable development,” said Garcia.

Garcia said that when her party flew to Korea to personally see how the Korean Electric Power Company (Kepco) operates, they were shown that there were not toxic fumes or wastes being produced and that it would be safe to the environment.

But, Garcia said, aside from this, they are not closing doors for other sources of energy such as renewable energy and would be very supportive as long as it can be sustained and be made possible.

She said that the inputs they heard from Congressman Cojuangco will be the basis of the next action of her office on the issue of putting up a nuclear plant.

 Some businessmen who attended the briefing admitted that they welcome the move, but admitted the need for the further study of the issue.

Filomeno Lim, president of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businessmen want an assurance of good power supply.

But maintained that they also for the safety of the Cebuanos.

Dr. Ramon del Fiero, a scientist and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of San Carlos was the one who recommend nuclear energy in Cebu as it is very safe and could give enough to the whole region unlike other renewable energy like wind and solar. — Jose P. Sollano/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)