THE Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) has called on the Philippine government to hasten the country’s transition away from fossil fuels and to strengthen measures to protect marine and coastal environments from pollution.
The call was made after the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine triggered two coal spills in Sorsogon and Zambales.
“After hundreds of thousands of liters of oil spilled in the Verde Island Passage last year and in Manila Bay earlier this year, we’re now seeing these disastrous coal barge accidents. All of them came about from severe weather events. They are a terrible yet stark reminder that fossil fuel projects are dirty, deadly, and costly in more ways than one – triggering worse climate disasters and directly polluting the environments and communities that host them,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.
Arances said the coal barge that overturned in Sorsogon during the onslaught of STS Kristine has reportedly resulted in significant environmental damage, including fish kills and the destruction of marine ecosystems and livelihoods. A coastal community in Brgy. Bucalbucalan in Sorsogon City raised alarm over the darkening of the coast due to the alleged soaking of the barge’s coal.
Meanwhile, the local fisherfolk of Zambales expressed fears that marine life and their livelihoods were endangered because of the grounded barge case also by STS Kristine. Carrying 11,000 metric tons of coal, the barge poses serious threats to the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape, Central Luzon’s first marine-protected area and regarded as one of the country’s most important locations for marine biodiversity.
“Coal and other fossil fuels are not only a major contributor to climate change, they also pose significant threats to our communities and environment,” said Arances.
The energy advocate further challenged Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who previously demanded the lifting of the coal moratorium in the country and claimed that coal is cheaper than renewable energy, adding that the government should put the welfare of Filipinos and focus on long-term sustainability goals first.
“Renewable energy is not only more economical and reliable than coal, but it also represents a necessary step toward a sustainable future. Misleading claims supporting coal distract us from the urgent need for cleaner, more responsible energy solutions.”
“At the same time, the government must prioritize the implementation of more stringent protection for the ecosystems that sustain many Filipinos, yet continue to be threatened by fossil fuels and other risks. Increasing restrictions against toxic pollution and ensuring that fisherfolk and coastal communities are empowered to be at the forefront of managing and protecting their marine and coastal environments should be the way forward,” he added.
