Non-government organizations in Atimonan, Quezon, together with allied groups of Atimonanin workers and residents, recently gathered at the office of the Energy Regulatory Commission in Pasig to rally their support for the planned construction of the power plant of Atimonan One Energy Inc.
Among the groups who traveled for several hours from Quezon Province to show their support were Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisdang Balubad, Lubi, Talaba at Kilait (SMM BALTAK), Barangay Tanod Federation, OFW Federation, Carinay Homeowners Association, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), Livelihood Program of Atimonan Tricycle Association, Inc. at Farmers Federation.
According to Greg Garcia, chairman of SMM BALTAK and spokesperson of the allied groups of NGOs and Atimonanins, they hope the construction of the project starts soonest.
The project is the proposed 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant by Atimonan One Energy in Barangay Villa Ibaba in the Quezon town.
“We believe that this power plant will help progress the development of Atimonan, resulting to improved quality of life of us Atimonanins,” said Garcia.
“We hope it starts immediately. The residents strongly support this project,” he added.
Atimonanins recognize the benefits the project will bring to their town. They said Atimonan One Energy has been continuously aiding their community development projects since the early stages of the project.
The proposed power plant project will bring progress to Atimonan, similar to what has happened in Mauban and Pagbilao – other municipalities in Quezon where operating power plants are located.
“We hope they don’t hinder our town progress just for the interest of a few greedy persons,” said Garcia.
“We pray that those in position will listen to the voices of us Atimonanin and let the construction of the power plant push through, immediately,” he added.