THE environment watchdog Sulog would exhaust all diplomatic means to block the construction and operation of a six-megawatt power plant in Barangay Tablon here even as it called on the city council to take back its vote that gave the project “social acceptability.” Sulog chairman Orlando Ravanera, chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), said he appeased angry farmers, fisherfolk and environmentalists during a meeting last week, and urged them to calm down. He said some 1,000 residents were eager to launch protest actions against the project proponent, Cagayan de Oro Corn Products Inc., and the city council that voted in favor of the planned power plant. Councilor Zaldy Ocon said he endorsed the project following an assurance it would be fired up by biomass, and not coal. City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) chief Edwin Dael however said it was unlikely the firm would not use coal because it would face problems with the supply of wood and other agricultural wastes. Dael has also question the city council’s approval, saying it was done despite the firm’s failure to secure a Clenro clearance which is required by law. Ravanera said Sulog would launch mass demonstrations against the project but at the same time, use diplomatic channels to convince local officials into withdrawing support from the Cagayan de Oro Corn Products project. Sulog, he said, would also seek a dialogue with local officials and other stakeholders. “The city council should revoke the social acceptability certificate which it gave the company,” said Ravanera. He said Sulog has mobilized its members and groups with a similar cause in preparation for mass actions in the event the city council rejects its plea.-nitz arancon