Local officials in Biliran have warned locals and businessmen against alleged "fake news" spreading in social media surrounding the Biliran II Geothermal Project.
In separate statements, Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina and Caibiran Mayor Rhodessa Delante-Revita said that no permits have been issued and no new activities are being allowed.
Espina also stressed that no application for permits related to the geothermal project has been filed at the provincial capitol.
He further clarified that the provincial government has neither granted nor intends to approve additional drilling or any activity linked to the expansion of geothermal power development on the island.
"We have not given any permit, and we will not allow any additional drilling or any activity for their expansion," Espina said, emphasizing that environmental protection takes precedence over increased power supply.
He urged the public not to believe what he described as misleading online information.
Meanwhile, Caibiran Mayor Rhodessa Delante-Revita clarified that Biliran Geothermal, Inc. is not a new project and remains non-operational, with no drilling conducted under the current administration since 2019.
“The local government has not issued any permit for drilling and will not allow any activity that may endanger the municipality’s forests, watersheds, natural resources, or communities,” Revita said.
The Biliran II Geothermal Project covers the towns of Almeria, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, and the capital town of Naval.
While efforts to develop geothermal energy in Biliran have been raised since the 1980's, local officials have expressed their opposition to such moves due to possible environmental risks.
(With report from PNA)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews