Malapascua power plant ordered shut down

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered to cease the operations of the power plant of the Power Source Philippines Inc., (PSPI) in the island of Malapascua, Daanbantayan, Cebu, for reported violations on environmental regulations and issuances.

In an executive order issued by Garcia yesterday, the governor cited at least four violations committed by PSPI, the power provider in Malapascua.

These are violations of Section 4 of the Presidential Decree no. 1568 for operating a two-megawatt power plant without an Environmental Compliance Certificate, violation of Section 6 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-22 for improper hazardous waste storage and labeling, and violations of Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9275 in relation to Section 11 (3) of DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08 for exceeding effluent standards for oil and grease and for improper wastewater discharge.

These breaches were found after the Environmental Management Bureau inspected PSPI’s facilities last July 26 and 27 due to a reported oil spill.

“These violations pose a significant threat to the island’s ecology, environment, and aquifer, potentially harming the health of residents and tourists,” Garcia said.

Some of the residents and business owners on the island have also complained about the power provider’s services.

According to the order, PSPI required businesses on the island to use their own generators during peak times. Some were issued disconnection notices despite paying on time and power disruptions would last up to eight hours, affecting the business and daily activities of the residents.

These concerns raised by residents have persisted since 2019 and allegedly no significant improvements were made by the company.

Last June, the Capitol intervened in the power supply problem on the island due to PSPI’s failure to supply enough power to the island.

“PSPI’s substandard services have led to health problems, business losses, and the closure of tourism-related establishments which are vital to the island’s economy,” Garcia further said in her order.

Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO II) recently terminated its contract with PSPI due to the latter’s inadequate power service on the island.

The order is effective today and the local government unit of Daanbantayan and the Philippine National Police were directed to enforce the order.

Yesterday, Garcia went to Malapascua together with Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura after she issued her order. Recently, the Capitol inked an agreement with CEBECO II to have a stable power supply in Malapascua Island, which is known as a tourism destination, particularly for diving.

"Mission accomplished! From hereon, Malapascua Island will have a steady, sufficient and efficient 24/7 power supply,” Garcia said in a late post yesterday. — (FREEMAN)