The Philippines is not as backwards as some might rather think in terms of harnessing its geothermal resources to provide energy to as many people as possible, Paul Aquino, president and CEO of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation, said.

Aquino arrived in Negros Oriental yesterday to attend the commencement exercises of the 5th PNOC-EDC Summer Energy Camp held at Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field in Valencia town.

With Aquino were Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Rubens Anna Fedele and his wife, Cosetta, Ambassador Antonio del Rosario Sr. of the Philippine Consulate of Iceland, Charge D'Affairs Luis Palma of Chile, his wife Pauline, Director Eric Tamayo of the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Francis Villamin, DFA Protocol Officer, and Angelita Sucgang of the DFA Office of Middle East and African Affairs.

Local officials led by Gov. Emilio Macias II and Valencia Mayor Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr. were present at the activity.

In an interview, Aquino said he had initially invited at least six countries with geothermal prospects to send their envoys on a familiarization tour of the Philippines' geothermal fields in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Four of them, whom he failed to name, backed out at the last minute, he said.

Aquino explained that Chile has very good geothermal prospects, considering that it sits on the famous Pacific Ring of Fire.

In fact the Michimahuida volcano erupted last Thursday, forcing hundreds to flee from the coastal towns of Blanco and Chana, some 1,200 kilometers south of Chile's capital city, Santiago.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is where most of the world's geothermal activity occurs.

As for Italy, it is the world's pioneer in geothermal energy and has for 103 years now operated the oldest geothermal field in the world, the Larderello Field in Tuscany.

Aquino said he wanted the foreign dignitaries and as many people as possible to know that the Philippines is way ahead in technology, at least where geothermal resources is concerned.

"Because when you talk of the Philippines, backward technology tayo, so we want to tell them that we are the only technology in the Philippines that is exportable." he added.

Aquino said there are currently no joint ventures between Chile and Italy on geothermal resources development

But he said that, two years ago, Italy awarded the highest international geothermal recognition to the PNOC.

Aquino said the foreign and local dignitaries were taken on a tour of the facilities and the geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental.*JG

back to top