Negros Occidental now coal-free province

In an Executive Order (EO) signed by Governor Alfredo Maranon, Jr., the province committed itself to the fight against global warming by pursuing clean and renewable energy projects and “opposing the entry or establishment of any coal-fired power plant”.

The EO also creates the Provincial Renewable Energy Council, which will formulate measures encouraging RE programs “for a greener and energy-sufficient province”.

Negros Island has been a center of renewable energy in the Philippines, hosting solar, hydro, biomass and geothermal. With this decision, the two provinces on the island join Ilocos Norte, Guimaras, Sorsogon as the only provinces in the country banning coal, which are also joined by the cities of Sorsogon, Masbate and Ozamiz.

The Climate Reality Project Philippines commends Negros Occidental for taking a bold step towards a greener, sustainable future. It is our hope that the province serves as a model for others to break free from coal and commit to the fight to solve the climate crisis. That said, we expect all sectors of the province to work together to turn this vision of a coal-free Negros Occidental into a reality.

We also commend the Negrosanon youth, led by Youth for Climate Hope, who stepped up to the challenge and influenced their leaders to fully embrace renewable energy. This is a strong example of how the youth can be a driving force towards developing a climate of change. The youth is no longer just the future; the youth is now and forever.

We also recognize the sustained advocacy of the Negrosanon faith communities led by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, the religious, women, civil society organizations and the academe who supported and inspired the young people to stand up and secure a clean and sustainable future.

Source: The Climate Reality Project-Philippines