Mayoral bets bat implementation of solar energy to solve power crisis

By: Lito Rulona
Correspondent

INCUMBENT Mayor and re-electionist Oscar Moreno and 2nd District Representative and mayoral aspirant Rufus Rodriguez pushed for the possible implementation of solar powered energy as the solution of power crisis in Mindanao during a forum last Monday, April 11.

Given with 15-minutes speech to deliver their own platform of government especially with regards to climate change issue, both Moreno and Rodriguez discuss on the possibilities that each administration would adopt on solar power as a renewable and alternative power for the city’s operation.

However, former-Mayor Vicente Emano was not around when called but was represented by former-city councilor and seeking for another term of office Ian Mark Nacaya. He speaks for the creation of the Climate Change Commission if the former-mayor would be back in office.

The forum was sponsored by Xavier University Social Sciences and Cluster, German Watch and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable City forum held yesterday at XU main campus covered court and dubbed as “Kalambuan sa Kalambaguhan”.

Rodriguez is pushing for the possible law objecting the entry of Coal-Fired Power Plant in the city as the dirtiest kind of power supply that endangers the health of the Kagayanons and nearby residents in the locality.

“Dili na kita anang coal-fired kay hugaw kaayo og makadaut sa environment. I am pushing now for the implementation of solar power plant to help us augment in the power crisis in Mindanao,” he said.

Previously, he claimed that he already passed a bill declaring Cagayan de Oro as mining ang logging free to protect the remaining watershed in the city and nearby municipalities.

For himself, Moreno focuses on the implementation of the disaster preparedness of the city by installing more equip and fully-trained members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) in the city.

“We are adjudged is one of the best CDRRMC response team. Maayo na lang ka yang budget para ani nga opisina dili na mo-agi sa city council. They can operate on each own like the budget from Local School Board,” he said.

The incumbent mayor also assured the listening public that his administration would be pushing for the rehabilitation of the Agus-Hydro Power Plant in Lanao provinces and Pulangi Hydro Power Plant in Bukidnon.

“Aside from installing Solar Power Plant, we will still favor for cheaper and renewable energy for the city government. We will be asking for the national government to help Mindanao in having a permanent and sustainable power supply to invite more investors to come,” he pointed out.

Nacaya’s proposed creation of effective Climate Change Commission includes policy organization and financial capabilities for massive education campaign on the impact of any disaster.

The proposed commission will also took charge for the technical adaptation, livelihood implementation, protection of water source, construction of more flood control projects, agriculture help by introducing crop varieties. (lito rulona)