Acting Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan should come up with a decision before the end of the month on whether to approve the entry of the Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. into the Mt Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone or not.

PNOC-EDC is asking for the concurrence of the Sanggunian on its entry into the buffer zone to tap more geothermal power for its North Negros Geothermal Power Plant in Mailum, Bago City .

The SP has conducted several hearings to hear the pros and cons on the matter already, I advised them not to take too long in coming up with a decision, Zayco said.

I will respect whatever the decision they come up with, Zayco said.

Acting Vice Gov. Emilio Yulo III said the moment that all the parties are given sufficient opportunity to air their respective sides, we hope the SP committees will submit their findings to the SP as a whole, so appropriate action can be taken.

“By Wednesday we hope to thresh out everything,” he said.

“During our informal discussions one the problems that cropped up is that the use of the buffer zone involves highly technical matters that the SP does not have the expertise to address,” Yulo said.

So one of the alternatives being eyed is to refer concerns on the technical aspect to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, he said.

“Hopefully we can come up with a decision before the month is over,” Yulo said.*CPG

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