DAVAO CITY — Presidential aspirants positioned their proposed solutions to the different problems that are beleaguering Mindanao during last Tuesday’s presidential forum held at the covered court of Ateneo De Davao University.
The forum dubbed as Panaghisgut-hisgut 2010 Mindanao Presidential Forum sponsored by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated, Southern Mindanao Tourism Council, Mindanao Business Council and ADDU was attended by the presidential candidates except Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Sen. Manny Villar.
The candidates discussed the peace problem, energy crisis, mining and other issues plaguing Mindanao.
The dry spell in the country has not only affected farmers’ crops but has also resulted in the reduction of power supply in the largely hydro-powered island. The candidates were asked what they would do to solve the current power shortage.
Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon and former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro both called for exploring the possibility of utilizing nuclear power to boost the power needs of Mindanao.
Gordon said nuclear power is already being used by the neighboring Asian countries so there is no reason why the Philippines should not also do the same.
He said the Mindanaoans should take the prerogative in bringing in nuclear power plants in the region and take affirmative action in fixing the power problem.
Gordon said the power shortage in Mindanao "could have been anticipated" and "should never have happened in the first place" especially since this already happened during President Cory Aquino and President Fidel Ramos' time.
An immediate short-term solution was also offered by Gordon, which was to bring in power barges to bridge the power gaps.
Teodoro, who also believes in the use of nuclear energy, said "we should discover and explore all options for safe nuclear energy."
He suggested that the country should follow the example of the United Arab Emirates which recently inked a contract with a Korean electric power company to set up nuclear power plants.
"I don't see the reason why we should not explore nuclear power when Filipinos used to run the plants in Korea and Japan," Teodoro said.
Teodoro, for his short term energy solution, said the government can initiate a multisectoral agreement on commissioning new or existing power barges and increase the power generating capacity of industrial users by allowing big companies to import self generators on a tax-free basis.
He said the government can also waive the tariffs on self generators as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Teodoro also suggested an increased investment in alternative and renewable energy, one of which is a water catchment system that would be used to generate hydroelectric power and would ease the flooding in flood-prone areas.
For their part, Sen. Maria Anna Consuelo “Jamby”' Madrigal, Jose “JC” Delos Reyes, Nicanor “Nick” Perlas and Eddie Villanueva called for exploring the use of other alternative and renewable energy sources.
Madrigal said the government should put more money in alternative energy sources.
She said the government's budget for debt servicing should instead be placed in Mindanao to ensure ample power supply.
Perlas suggested the use of smart grids that would help increase the use of hydro, solar and wind powered electric plants.
He also batted for more geothermal power use and reforestation to ensure the geothermal supply.
Villanueva said he would support scientific studies on alternative energy.
For the short term solution he also approves the use of power barges.
Most of the presidential candidates gave a failing mark to the peace processes initiated by the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Font (MILF).
Delos Reyes said it is evident that the peace process has failed because "it is evident and we continue to see Mindanao in deterioration."
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