The Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) facilitated a forum dubbed as "Katilingbanong Paghisgut-hisgot" on the proposed six-megawatt co-generation power plant to be built by a food manufacturing company in Barangay Tablon, a densely populated area in the city.

The co-generation power plant being proposed by the Cagayan de Oro Corn Product Corporation (CCPC) will be using “biomass fuel and minimum amount of coal (when biomass materials are not available) to generate energy.”

However, Engr Greg Cubio, head of Xavier University’s Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC), said that because power plants need efficient power to produce adequate energy, there might not be enough biomass available.

“Problematic power supply and frequent power interruptions can jeopardize plant operations,” said Engr Cubio.

“It is possible that 100% coal will be used if [biomass] resources run out, and this is when it becomes dangerous,” he explained.

CCPC consultant Erlito H Soldivillo said that their proposal is already with the City Mayor’s Office awaiting his approval and endorsement from the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO). Once approved, construction of the power plant can begin.

Farina Roa, KKP social advocacy program officer, encouraged authorities to invite concerned citizens and environmental advocates for an ocular inspection of the said plant in Tablon. The inspection will be led by KKP student volunteers, Oro Youth Development Council (OYDC) and McKeough Marine Center (MMC).

The forum held on June 25 at the XU-AVR 8 served as an avenue for hearing various opinions on the proposed power plant.

KKP, together with other involved sectors, is pushing for more dialogues and discussions on the subject especially on the effects it will bring on the nearby communities and coastal areas.