NEWSFLASH

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MT. KANLAON GEOTHERMAL PLANT APPROVED

Mambukal, Negros Occidental, Nov. 5, 1997 - President Ramos has approved the construction of a geothermal plant in Mambukal, Negros Occidental. The plant, the president said, will be clean and safe, and will generate an initial 40 megawatts.

The Negros Occidental provincial board had earlier approved the entry of the project into the Mt. Kanlaon national park, classified as a protected area. The national government had a difficult time convincing the provincial board and other oppositors, and approval came only after a detailed demonstration and plant inspections.

He noted that a similar project in Palikpinon, Valencia, Negros Oriental, is a model in that "the forest trees are not being cut down, the environment is protected and there is enhancement of nature" in those areas.

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