NO TO COAL-POWERED PLANTS IN QUEZON
To our Presiding Officer Vice Governor Third Alcala, MFL BM Rachel Ubana, esteemed members of this August Assembly, honored guests and visitors: on behalf of the people of the 4th district of Quezon, I respectfully convey my deep concern regarding our environment—particularly with regard to the existing coal-fired power plant in our province, Quezon.
Energy is more than just fuel for our homes and industries — it is the lifeblood of modern society. It powers our factories, lights our schools, keeps our hospitals running, and connects even the most remote corners of our archipelago to the rest of the world. It is no exaggeration to say that universal access to reliable and affordable energy is essential in breaking the chains of poverty and propelling our nation forward.
In the early 1970s, the Philippines embarked on its long and difficult journey toward energy security. At that time, our economy was heavily reliant on imported crude oil — a dependency that exposed us to volatile global prices and placed immense pressure on our limited international reserves. The oil crisis of the era served as a wake-up call, revealing the vulnerabilities of an energy system built on foreign dependence.
Faced with this reality, the Philippine government made a strategic shift. We turned to coal — a more accessible and lower-cost source of energy. Since then, the coal industry in the country has seen aggressive exploration, development, and production. as of 2023, coal accounts for 58% of the Philippines’ electricity generation — the highest share among all energy sources.
Today, however, we must confront a difficult truth: while coal may have brought short-term energy stability, it also brought with it long-term environmental degradation, public health burdens, and climate risk. Nowhere is this more evident than in our own backyard.
Quezon Province is among the most coal- intensive provinces in the country. We currently host four coal-fired power plants, located in the municipalities of Pagbilao and Mauban, with a combined installed capacity of more than 2,000 megawatts (mw) — making Quezon one of the largest contributors to Luzon’s grid.
Some of these plants have been in operation for over 20 years, both has expanded despite the growing call for decarbonization.
Opo, nakatulong sila sa pagpapataas ng supply ng kuryente para sa nasyonal, ngunit ano ang kapalit?
Studies show that coal combustion releases airborne toxins such as mercury, arsenic, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. the ash produced by power plants may often end up in nearby water bodies, contaminating rivers, fishponds, and irrigation sources—threatening both livelihoods and ecosystems.
It is not just the air we breathe. It is the water we drink. It is the land we live on. It is our children’s future.
Coal is also one of the largest contributors to climate change. When burned, it releases massive amounts of carbon dioxide, accelerating global warming and disrupting weather systems.
As we all know, the Philippines is one of the most climate- vulnerable countries in the world. Every year, we experience stronger typhoons, longer droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. these changes are no longer distant threats— they are happening here and now, in our own province.
we cannot ignore this reality. Habang lumalala ang epekto ng climate change, tumataas din ang gastos ng ating pamahalaan sa rehabilitasyon at disaster response. The longer we wait to act, the more we will pay— not just in pesos, but in lives lost.
Hence, as a member state to the Paris agreement, the Philippines has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by
75% by the year 2030, conditional on support from the international community. This commitment is anchored on three pillars: mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance. mitigation means cutting emissions at the source. adaptation means building resilience in our communities. finance means ensuring that developing countries like ours are not left behind. If we are to honor our obligations to the global community—and to future generations— we must act now at the local level.
And so today, I humbly and urgently call upon this honorable body to take a definitive stand. May we pass a strong and decisive measure to mitigate environmental and health risks due to emissions of particulate matter and waste byproducts from existing coal power plants and ban any future plans of expansion or creation of new coal power plants in the province.
Ang panahong ito nawa ang magdikta sa kasaysayan na tayo ay nanindigan para sa pagpapaunlad na makatarungan at sustenable at hindi nakasalalay sa pagkasira ng kalikasan at kapalit na buhay at kinabukasan ng mga Quezonians.
Privilege Speech
4th District of Quezon Board Member Angelo P. Eduarte
Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Quezon
Regular Session
July 15, 2025
