CEBU, Philippines - Local environmental advocates marched the city's streets yesterday - from Fuente Osmeña to Plaza Independencia - to call on government to stop the operation of coal-fired power plants across the country.
"Coal-fired power plants are not an answer for progress. There are now 36 coal fired power plants with 63 boilers projects in the pipeline and many people will die due to pollution emitted by this type of power plant," said Aaron Pedrosa, head of the Energy Working Committee of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice.
The protest rally yesterday was conducted simultaneously with rallies in 30 sites in the country and 600 sites in the world.
Teody Navea, convenor of the Cebu Anti-Coal Network, said it is high time for the community to be aware of the dangers posed by coal-fired power plants to the people's health and to the environment at large.
"This kind of development is unsustainable and runs against the welfare of the people. In fact, it will eventually kill many Filipinos. Let us be reminded that the country's right to develop stipulates the responsibility that this development must be also sustainable, equitable, and ensures the common good of its people," PMCJ said in a statement.
Various international financial institutions led by the World Bank, local banks, and export credit agencies still invest in coal.
World Bank has funded 20 coal plants in the Philippines.
"The Duterte government no longer has any profound bases of continuing coal power plants. What it has is a deep moral obligation to its people not to continue those in the pipeline and lead the country to shift to renewable energy," PMCJ said further.
Yesterday's rally was participated by various groups, sectors, and individuals, including members of Sanlakas and its allied organizations, and Sugbuanong Nagpakabana sa Kalikupan, Pagtambayayong Foundation, Cebu City. (FREEMAN)