RESIDENTS of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, along with various environmental and advocacy groups, will file a formal opposition to the proposed 600-megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by GNPower Ltd. Co. tomorrow, February 21, at 10 am at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB-10) office in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Iligan Lanao Movement for Climate Justice, Tacub Homeless Initiative in Keeping its Rights (Think), Barangay Napo Linamon Fisher Folk Association, Mangagawang Media sa Mindanao, Sanlakas-Lanao del Norte, and other organizations are supporting the opposition.

"Restore our fishing grounds, restore our lives!" Members of BARUG Villanueva for Climate Justice and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice held a fluvial procession near the Steag Power Inc. and FDC Misamis coal-fired power plants on November 20 to mark World Fisheries Day 2024. Joined by the Old Balacanas Fisherfolk Organization, the group highlighted the plight of displaced fishers whose livelihoods were disrupted by the construction of the two power plants in their community. File photo courtesy of PMCJ

Residents argue that the LNG plant, planned for Barangay Tacub, Kauswagan, poses risks to the environment, public health, and local livelihoods.

Kauswagan already hosts a coal-fired power plant operated by GNPower, which has raised concerns about pollution and sustainability.

The groups are urging DENR-EMB-10 and other relevant agencies to reject the fossil fuel project and instead explore sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to meet the country’s energy demands. (PR)