The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday referred the planned entry of the Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. into the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park buffer zone, to its three committees to hear the sides of the proponent and oppositors.

PNOC-EDC is seeking the conformity of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for its entry into 29 hectares of the 169-hectare buffer zone to tap more geothermal power for its Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant in Barangay Mailum, Bago City , which is being opposed by Bishop Vicente Navarra and environmentalist groups.

Board Member Mae Javellana, chairperson of the SP committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said there will be a joint hearing of the Committees on Energy as well as Laws and Ordinances Wednesday next week, to discuss the proposal of PNOC and also hear the sentiments of the Church and environmentalist groups.

The NNGP plant is currently producing 20 megawatts from outside the park and is seeking entry into the buffer zone to produce 20 megawatts more to meet an expected power shortage in Negros Occidental in 2010, a PNOC-EDC statement said.

PNOC's entry into the buffer zone is allowed under Republic Act RA 9154 known as the Mt. Kanlaon Park Act of 2001.

Acting Vice Governor Dino Yulo who presided over the SP regular session, yesterday said the PNOC-EDC already submitted to them the necessary documents for the request, together with its management plans.

PNOC-EDC reiterated its assurance that it is taking measures to mitigate the environmental impact of its entry to the park buffer zone. It added that it will only enter 29 hectares of the 169-hectare buffer zone.*GPB

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