Coal plant bad fit for Subic tourism

This refers to the story titled “Suspicions raised on motives for push for Subic coal plant” (Inquirer, 6/24/12). Let me clarify that I am not—and do not have any intention of—questioning the integrity of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras. In fact, I do not personally know that the secretary was a former treasurer of Aboitiz Ventures Inc. until I learned about it from that same story. I know that currently the proponent of the coal plant project in Subic Bay is RP Energy.

As vice governor and being part of the current administration, I can assure Secretary Almendras and President Aquino that I am one with them in their common desire to avoid power shortage in the coming years. I have high respect for—and I strongly support—the energy generation program of Secretary Almendras, which I know is very important for our sustained economic development.

But my position is that the proposed power plant must not be put up in Subic Bay because the place is designed for eco-tourism purposes, and this is the reason there are so many tourism-related establishments in Subic Bay.

It will be most unfair for the original investors now in Subic Bay that after investing in hotels, restaurants, ocean parks, beach resorts, hospitals (for medical tourism) and such projects, they will now be adversely affected by the establishment of a coal plant inside Subic Bay.

In fact these tourist establishments have already been adversely affected by the presence of Hanjin Shipyard, Keppel Subic Shipyard, Subic Seaport and the many cargo ships that park in Subic Bay.  And now a coal plant which will surely draw more ships to Subic Bay for the transport of coal from other countries.

Besides, our province of Zambales will also be affected because tourists in Subic Bay also go to our beaches and resorts in Zambales. We do not want to have a shortage of tourists in the coming years because tourism means jobs, and when jobs are lost that will be a great catastrophe for us in Subic Bay who rely primarily on tourism.

Actually the fisherfolks will also be greatly affected because every company that is allowed to operate within the shorelines of Subic Bay prevents them from catching fish within so many meters from its shoreline. So our fisherfolks are forced to go out of Subic Bay when they are suppose to be the first to benefit from the bounty of the bay.

I humbly appeal to Secretary Almendras and President Aquino to heed the call of the people of Subic Bay, Olongapo City and Zambales (as borne out by documents, resolutions and minutes of consultation meetings conducted on this project) not to allow the construction of the proposed coal plant inside Subic Bay and instead ask the proponent, RP Energy, to find another site outside Subic. I am very sure there are other areas within the country where the project will be accepted but not affect the existing tourism industry.

—RAMON G. LACBAIN II

vice governor, Zambales,

Provl. Peso manager,

chair, People’s Task Force on

Hanjin & Subic Bay Inc.