CAGAYAN DE ORO — The 600-megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant project by an energy company in Barangay Tacub, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, won’t push through following the opposition from several groups fearful of its negative environmental effects to nearby communities.

This was confirmed by GNPower Limited Company, as stated in a memorandum issued by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Northern Mindanao, noting the actions it took in response to the complaint letter submitted by concerned organizations in February this year.

Petitioners against the plant’s construction included the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Tacub Homeless Initiative in Keeping its Rights (THINK), Barangay Napo Linamon Fisherfolk Association, Mindanao Power Consumer Federation, Iligan-Lanao Movement for Climate Justice, Manggagawang Media sa Mindanao, and Sanlakas of Lanao del Norte.

Read: Groups oppose liquefied natural gas plant project in Lanao del Norte town

The concerned groups stressed that the plant’s operations would pose serious health concerns from pollution. They pointed out that a coal-fired plant—developed by the same company—is already located in nearby barangays Libertad and Tacub. 

PMCJ cited that the proposed project site is within the Bacolod-Kauswagan Protected Landscape and Seascapes, which sought to be declared as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.

PMCJ called on the government to prioritize public health and environmental protection over dirty industries. It also expressed concern that the project might affect local livelihood, recounting that the coal-fired plant’s port had already substantially reduced fish catch in the area.

PMCJ Mindanao coordinator Rara Ada said the LNG plant’s stoppage is a “huge win for the environment.”

“The people of Kauswagan are already suffering from the existing GNPower Kauswagan coal-fired power plant, which affects their livelihood from fishing, their health, and causes pollution in the area,” Rara told Gold Star Daily News in an interview.

Bulatlat found Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates online of the location of the proposed LNG plant project site. It is located beside the 4 x 138-megawatt coal-fired plant of the GNPower Kauswagan Limited Company. PMCJ confirmed that this was the location.

DENR inspection showed no construction activities started at the proposed site for the project. In 2021, the Department of Energy approved the project’s grid impact study, an assessment that would determine if a power grid is feasible enough for new connections.

The memorandum has also stated that the private firm will take necessary steps in order to remove the plant from the list of indicative power projects in Mindanao. (RTS, RBV)