Local government supports Kalinga project in the Philippines
Approaching Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines (source: Panoramio/ Valencerina clifton)
Alexander Richter
4 Apr 2011
The provincial government supports the planned Kalinga geothermal power project being developed by Chevron in joint venture with Aragorn Power and Energy Corp. (APEC) and Guidance Management Corp. (GMC) in the Philippines.
“In the name of progress and development, the provincial government throws its support to the planned Kalinga geothermal project being ventured by Chevron, Philippines.”, so local news from the Philippine Information Agency.
“Along with the economic benefits due the province, the provincial government also recognizes the legitimacy of the geothermal service contract issued by the Department of Energy to the three energy power conglomerates.
Aragorn Power and Energy Corporation (APEC) and Guidance Management Corporation (GMC) were the forerunners in this business venture and later joined by Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings Incorporated.
Both the local legislative and the executive branches of government welcome the public-private partnership initiative on power generation as the only way to open the exploitation and development of the province’s untapped resources.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) recently approved Resolution No. 040 after due consultation with the communities affected giving weight on the potential contribution the project will share to the province.
Similarly, Governor Jocel Baac approved the resolution seeing the tremendous benefits the people of Pasil, Tinglayan, and Lubuagan will get from the project, the province and the country as a whole.
Prior to coming in to pursue the development of geothermal energy sources in Kalinga, the First and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of the communities affected was obtained by investor.
Together with stakeholders, the province assured its cooperation to guarantee the safety and access of the project proponents to freely complete their exploration without undue disturbance.
Measures will also be instituted for Chevron to observe responsible mining alongside the respect on culture, preservation of heritage, sponsoring projects, and equitable opportunities for the locals say in employment.”
Source: Philippine Information Agency
