Board Member Mae Javellana yesterday said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental is expected to make a stand within this month on the proposed entry of the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co.- Energy Development Corp. into the 169-hectare buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon National Park for geothermal development.

Javellana, chairperson of the SP committee on Environment and Natural Resources Committee, said they are scheduled to hold another committee hearing on Wednesday next week, to hear the sentiments of those opposing the entry of PNOC to the buffer zone.

After hearing the views of the parties concerned, the three SP committees – Environment, Laws and Energy – will hold a caucus, and forward their recommendation to the provincial council for appropriate action, she added.

Javellana maintained that the entry of PNOC to the buffer zone is legal and provided in RA 9154, or the MKNP Act.

She, however, said the state-owned firm sought an endorsement from the SP to enter the buffer zone because there are trees to be cut.

The plan of PNOC-EDC to enter the buffer zone got strong resistance, not only from environmentalist and militant group, but also from the Diocese of Bacolod.

The Save the Mt. Kanlaon Movement and Bayan- Negros have submitted to the SP their position papers that expressed their vehement opposition to the entry of PNOC to the buffer zone.

The PNOC said the project development will not have a considerable effect on the biodiversity of the area, as the activities will only be confined within 12.48 hectares for road and pad establishment, which is only 7.7 percent of the 169-hectare buffer zone.

Javellana said the plan of SP members to visit the PNOC geothermal power plant, will be scheduled only after making a decision on the request of the state-owned firm.*GPB

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