Around 7,000 members of the religious sector and the youth formed a “human chain” to protest the installation of a 300 MW coal-fired power plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The “human chain” stretched for 229 kilometers and lasted for 30 minutes.
San Carlos Diocese pastoral director Fr. Edwin Laude said most of the participants were young because they are all affected by the cause.
He added that they were hoping that local leaders would be encouraged not to continue the construction of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.’s coal-fired power plant.
Local officials were supportive of the building and operation of the power plant as they were pushing for its completion, Laude said.
“We understand it’s about politics…politics is used in chaining our people,” he was quoted in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.
Laude also said they are leaning on provincial government officials to continuously implement the executive order of making the province coal free, which was spearheaded by outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.
Top candidate for the gubernatorial race Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has vowed to support him, but has yet to prove his stand on the matter.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said they are encouraging residents not to vote for the candidates supporting the building of coal-fired power plant in the city.
“We’re hoping it can be translated into votes,” he added.