EDC hails capitol for ‘right and legal’ stand

By RANIE S. AZUE

BACOLOD City – The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) hailed the provincial government of Negros Occidental “for standing up for what is right and legal.”

“We thank Gov. Isidro Zayco and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” said EDC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Aquino.

EDC and the provincial government had finally signed the Memorandum of Agreement on the state-owned firm’s energy exploration at the buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
Zayco also issued an Executive Order which allows the company to expand its operation at the zone.

Aquino also lauded the Negros business community for support EDC’s geothermal exploration to look for more energy sources for Negros Island.

“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), the SP and Gov. Zayco all agreed that our entry to the buffer zone is legal as stated in Section 5 of Republic Act 9154, which defines the buffer zone as an area for the exploration, development and utilization of geothermal resources as well as other exploration activities,” said Aquino.

“The law clearly allows our geothermal development in the buffer zone, which is different from the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park itself, “Aquino emphasized. “There should be no more doubt regarding this.”

Aquino also expressed confidence that the class suit which the Save the Mt. Kanlaon Coalition filed against EDC and DENR will reach its logical conclusion.

“This is not only a case against us. This is a case against the welfare of their fellow Negrenses,” he stressed./PN