Led by representatives of communities hosting coal-fired power plants, groups under the Power for People Coalition (P4P) on Thursday filed a letter-complaint before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seeking the department’s action on air quality readings beyond those allowed by its standards in accordance with Republic Act No. 8749 or the Clean Air Act.

An air quality study conducted by think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) showed that PM2.5 and PM10 particulates in areas host to coal power plants in Quezon and Sarangani are above levels allowed under the DENR’s National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values. The situation in these areas fare even worse when set against more stringent international standards.

“The standards set by the DENR on air pollution are very low compared to those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States. Yet air quality in these areas still fails to meet these already lower standards,” said Gerry Arances, Convenor of P4P.

The groups urged the DENR to also take action in ensuring that no other additional sources of pollution will be introduced in these areas.

“We are calling on DENR to comply with the Clean Air Act and declare these municipalities as ‘non-attainment areas‘. Allowing the air breathed by communities in Quezon, Sarangani, and other affected areas to deteriorate even further is unacceptable,” he added.

PM, or particulate matter, refers to by-products of fuel emissions that can harm human health by causing respiratory problems, heart disease, and low birth weight in pregnant women.

“Pope Francis has called on us to protect our Common Home because in addition to our duty as the stewards of God’s creation, it is in our interests to protect our health and those of our family members. Pollution in the towns of Quezon which host coal-fired power plants are at a level which endangers our personal well-being. We are calling on the DENR to act as it is mandated by the law to put a stop to further pollution that will bring greater harm,” said Fr. Warren of Quezon for Environment (QUEEN).

In Maasim, Sarangani, where the 210 MW Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) coal plant operates, indigenous peoples spoke out against the increased pollution in addition to the plant’s encroachment on their ancestral domains.

“Ipinagkait na nga sa amin ang karapatan sa aming lupang ninuno para pagtayuan ng maruming coal plant, pineperwisyo pa nito ang kalusugan naming lahat, lalo na ng aming mga anak,” said Datu Alan Kimnon, a representative of the Sandag Clan from the B’laan tribe.

“Nananawagan kami sa pamahalaan na gawin nila ang kanilang tungkulin – sumunod sa sarili nilang batas at ipagtanggol ang aming karapatan at kalusugan. Ipatigil na ang polusyon na nakakapinsala sa mga komunidad na dapat nilang pinoprotektahan,” he added.

Press Release – September 5, 2024