Businessmen suggest nuclear power for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – While small and medium industries suffer every time there is power interruption, Cebu businessmen suggested the use of nuclear power to solve the power shortage, especially in the province.

Robert Go, former president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that there is really a need to put more power plants and invite foreign investors to invest.

During the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Hotel yesterday, Go expressed his support for nuclear power plant saying that it is "worthwhile" and at this new age, the people must open their mind while a lot of experts can manage the nuclear power plant.

There is already a study conducted by the Department of Energy as to the feasibility, safety, economically and practicality of the use nuclear power plant.

However, DOE-7 regional director Antonio Labios said that result of the study has yet to be released.

"We are open to that option and we are not closing our door," Labios said in the said new forum wherein the power crisis was the topic of discussion.

But Labios said, they are still waiting for the result of the study as well as the study of a third party in order to find out what would be the next move.

A Cebuano chemist earlier proposed the establishment of a nuclear power plant in the province as a long-term solution to the island's power supply problems.

Dr. Ramon del Fiero, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of San Carlos, said nuclear power is the most efficient way of fueling Cebu's growth and development.

Gov. Gwen Garcia said she wanted to encourage businesses to invest in the development of power plants in Cebu even if these include nuclear technology.

Del Fiero proposed to the governor that local scientists should be consulted by government in planning measures that would address the power shortage.

The nuclear plant in Bataan is already outmoded compared with recently established nuclear plants and remains unusable. (FREEMAN)