Cumpio-references.docx

Jasper Noel D. Cumpio BSEE-5C References: 1 La Union set on Becoming the Agri-Tourism Center in Northern Luzon by 2025 At present, La Union capitalizes on the great potential of both its agriculture and tourism. At present, the province confidently occupies its place as the “Surfing Capital of the North” as it draws an increasing number of tourists every year. In 2015, tourist arrival posted 392, 477 persons who stayed for an average of 1.3 days and an occupancy rate of 31.46 percent. In the agriculture sector, on the other hand, there is a stable and secure supply of food specifically meeting self-sufficiency levels on rice, corn, fish, livestock, fruits and fruit vegetables, root crops, and legumes. Other municipalities also have their unique agricultural products like sugar cane wine and vinegar, rice wine, native rice cakes, dried fish, honey and mushroom to tobacco, soft brooms, baskets, and wood crafts. During the first 100 Days Report of Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III, he recognized the potential of agriculture and tourism “to bring about sustained economic growth in the province which will contribute largely in the development of rural areas.” La Union set on Becoming the Agri-Tourism Center in Northern Luzon by 2025 http://www.cebu-philippines.net/la-union-agritourism.html?fbclid=IwAR1ky6sggwD81QogliDI8GgkHLYtGyzpxlF05z2kAIc09dIhlIjim2m PU6s 2 La Union La Union, with its fine coastline that faces the South China Sea and its beautiful gardens, fell way behind in tourism after more popular tourist destinations like the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Palawan, Batangas, and Boracay gained more prominence in the past 10 years. Long before that, local tourists and American military servicemen from the nearby Wallace Air Station (which has now been converted into a

business and industrial area to facilitate the economic activity in the region – with service, manufacturing, shipping, and agricultural areas spread all over La Union) trooped to the seedy beaches of Bauang for some good old rest and recreation (which is of course a euphemism for the prostitution boom) until 1991. And like the surrounding areas of the former US military bases in the Philippines like Subic and Clark – an unmistakable awkward vibe is felt in the air when discussions turn to anything that remotely mention the former American military presence in the area. La Union http://tourism-philippines.com/la-union/ 3 Coal fired powerplant The conversion of this coal to the end goal of electricity is a multi-faceted process:[6] The coal must be unloaded from the train. Traditional ways of doing this require the use of cranes picking up the coal from the cars, however newer plants have the floor underneath the train tracks drop away, allowing the coal to be dropped into underground containment. Doing so doesn't even require the train to stop moving![7] For a video of this please see here. Many coal plants are mine mouth which means the plant was put where the coal mine is, so the coal doesn't need to be transported by train. Once unloaded, the coal is then pulverized into a fine powder by a large grinder. This ensures nearly complete burning of the coal in order to maximize the heat given off and to minimize pollutants. The pulverized coal is then input to a boiler, where combustion occurs and the coal provides heat to the power plant. This heat is transferred to pipes containing high pressured water, which boils to steam. The steam then travels through a turbine, causing it to rotate extremely fast which in turn spins a generator, producing electricity. The electricity can then be input to the electrical grid for use by society. Coal fired power plants follow the Rankine cycle in order to complete this process. Since they require plenty of water to be circulated in this cycle, coal power plants need to be located near a body of water. Coal fired power plant https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Coal_fired_power_plant 4 How a Coal Plant Works

Coal-fired plants produce electricity by burning coal in a boiler to produce steam. The steam produced, under tremendous pressure, flows into a turbine, which spins a generator to create electricity. The steam is then cooled, condensed back into water and returned to the boiler to start the process over. Here’s a real-life example: The Kingston Fossil Plant near Knoxville, Tenn., burns coal to heat its boilers to about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to create high-pressure steam. The steam is piped to the turbines at pressures of more than 1,800 pounds per square inch. The turbines are connected to the generators and spin them at 3,600 revolutions per minute to make alternating current (AC) electricity at 20,000 volts. River water is pumped through tubes in a condenser to cool and condense the steam coming out of the turbines. The Kingston plant generates about 10 billion kilowatt-hours a year, or enough electricity to supply 700,000 homes. To meet this demand, Kingston burns about 14,000 tons of coal a day, an amount that would fill 140 railroad cars.

How a Coal Plant Works https://www.tva.com/Energy/Our-Power-System/Coal/How-a-Coal-Plant-Works 5 What is Agritourism Have you ever heard of agritourism? What exactly does it mean? Agritourism is where agriculture and tourism meet to provide you with an amazing educational experience, whether it be a tour of a farm or ranch, a festival or cheese-making class. Farmers, ranchers and wineries turn their land into a destination and open their doors to the public in order to teach more about what they do. Agritourism is becoming an increasingly popular industry, in almost every state. Agritourism offers a unique experience from picking your own fresh fruit at an orchard, to trying your hand at calf roping, to a hay ride at a pumpkin farm. There are tons of unique activities waiting to be explored. Some farmers turn their working farms into agritourism destinations to help educate and introduce the public into farming, while others do it as a way to supplement income in the off-season. So if you’re heading out on a vacation or long weekend soon, be sure to scope out agritourism destinations in the area. What is Agritourism? https://www.farmflavor.com/at-home/agritourism/

6 La Union Powerstation La Union power station is a proposed 2 x 335-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Luzon, Philippines. Background on plant It was reported in May 2016 that GT Capital Holdings Inc. owner George Ty would build a 2 x 335 MW plant in La Union. According to the report, the sponsor, Global Luzon Energy Development Corp., has signed an agreement with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the output of the plant. Construction would begin in the third quarter of 2018 and operation would be in the first quarter of 2022. No environmental compliance certificate had been received. Approval for further study of the project was issued in July 2016. Local elected officials have generally supported the project. Luna Municipality mayor Victor Marvin Marron has stated that the project was "introduced properly by highly recognized engineers and scientists." In November 2016, GT stated that it hoped to complete environmental permitting in early 2017, to begin construction in Q3 2018, and to bring the plant online in Q1 2022.As of May 2017, GT was still waiting for approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission. In June 2017, GT awarded a contract for engineering services to Finnish firm Pöyry. In December 2017 GLDEC said construction of the project will start in the third quarter of 2018 after the Environmental Compliance Certificate will be issued. The company plans for the plant to be completed in the first quarter of 2021 and fully operational in the first quarter of 2022. The estimated cost of the project is P80 billion. In October 2018 the project was given an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) by the DENR. Opponents of the plant protested that this permit had been issued without the required environmental impact statement (EIS). Opposition In December 2016, the Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union (Coalition to Save the Beauty of La Union) was formed to oppose the project. Project supporters have accused opponents of being "misinformed," given that "all concerns on health and environment issues will be addressed properly." The Coalition raised concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the project at a December 2017 hearing and reiterated these concerns at a protest and prayer walk in March 2018. The Coalition also object to the fact that, while the project received a majority of support of the residents in five

villages around the proposed 41-hectare site, the views of residents of other nearby villages that would be affected by nitrous dioxide from the plant were "excluded or ignored." In July 2018 residents and environmental groups Save Luna and Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union (Save the Beauty of La Union Coalition) staged a protest of the plant in San Fernando, La Union. Protestors claimed that local residents and a member of the technical review committee that reviewed proposals for the plant had been harassed and pressured to support the plants. Protestors also said that the plant's massive intake of seawater for its operations would deplete the local seabed of nutrients, and that the impact on global warming should have been considered as part of its environmental impact statement. Project Details Sponsor: Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. Parent company: Global Business Power Corp., owned by GT Capital Holdings Location: Barangay Carisquis, Luna Municipality, La Union Province, Luzon, Philippines Coordinates: 16.836, 120.336 (approximate) Status: Permitted Gross Capacity: 670 MW (2 x 335 MW) Type: Supercritical[3] Projected in service: 2022 Coal Type: Coal Source: Source of financing: La Union Powerstation https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/La_Union_power_station#Project_Details 7 Coal plant project in La Union sparks protests Residents are urging the La Union provincial government to pass an anti-coal ordinance to stop the construction of a 670-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Luna town If you’ve been to La Union for surfing, chances are you’ve been coming back since then. It’s accessible from Manila, perfect for quick, invigorating weekend getaways. What if one day you could no longer do this because of fossil fuel pollution? For a province with agri-tourism as part of its development goals, that can’t happen right? This is why residents – represented by local environmental groups Save Luna and

Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union (Save the Beauty of La Union Coalition) – are opposed to Global Luzon Energy Development Corporation's (GLEDC) plan to build and operate a 670-megawatt coal-fired power plant (CFPP) in Luna, a town rich in natural resources and cultural assets. Based on GLEDC's timeline, the construction of the power plant on a 41-hectare land of rolling thick vegetation, beside a coral area, is set to begin in August. The DENR has not yet issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to GLEDC. On July 13, the Save the Beauty of La Union Coalition held another "Break Free from Fossil Fuel" rally and chose San Fernando City to call on Governor Emmanuel Ortega III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to immediately pass an anti-coal ordinance just like what was done in Ilocos Norte, Bohol, and other provinces. The group’s legal counsel attorney Romeo Camacho said this was their way of presenting their opposition to the governor and the provincial council. He added that provincial officials have been reluctant to meet with them for a dialogue on the power plant. Effects Camacho said that if the project is implemented, the verdant forest in Luna would be replaced by two buildings spewing ash into the atmosphere. The power plant is projected to suck about 111 million liters of sea water – roughly the equivalent of 44 Olympic sized swimming pool – per hour. With this, coastal water nutrients will be lost instantaneously, affecting the coral reefs and marine resources dependent on the nutrients. Those opposed to the power plant said the facility will then discharge roughly the same amount of “processed” polluted, hot marine waste water to the coastal shore. The waste water is expected to go beyond Luna waters, and into neighboring towns' coral reefs, fishery resources, and ecotourism sites like San Juan, the surfing capital of the North. The water heated by the plant’s cooling system will also blanch and damage hypersensitive corals. Coal plant project in La Union sparks protests https://www.rappler.com/nation/208328-protests-coal-power-plant-la-union-july-2018

8 Tourism dep’t looking to accredit more agri-tourism ventures THE Department of Tourism (DOT) hopes to develop more agri-tourism sites nationwide amid slowing growth in the farming sector. The department has accredited about 100 such sites, some of which were promoted at the second Philippine Harvest event which sought to highlight organic produce and sustainable tourism. Tourism spokesperson Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. said the department is currently finalizing a five-year farm tourism strategic plan, which calls for more such sites to be developed and promoted. The plan hopes to raise farm revenue and “strategically also make people appreciate farm tourism in the Philippines,” Mr. Bengzon added. Details of the program are set to be finalized by September, by which time the department hopes to release the target for farms it hopes to convert to agri-tourism ventures. “Another thing we have to work on is to look at the existing potential farm tourism sites across the country. We have to do this with the Department of Agriculture (DA),” he added. The DA will be responsible for identifying the farm sites. “We have to talk to farmers and tour operators because they play the crucial role in whatever packages are commercially viable.” One of the accredited sites, Amancio Farm Hotel in Isabela province, is considered a model that the department hopes to reproduce. Starting as a 45-hectare multi-purpose organic farm in 2012, Amancio’s farm head Arnold F. Reyes told BusinessWorld that a hotel was built two years later when the farm started attracting visitors. The hotel kitchen uses organic produce from the farm, human resources and marketing head Claire O. Pinera said. “Even in the vicinity of the hotel, all we plant are vegetables,” Ms. Pinera said. “We are promoting organic foods especially to our guests. Most of the time, they are

unaccustomed to the taste. We are explaining the benefits that organic food gives them,” Ms. Pinera said. The farm’s five-hectare pond supplies fish for direct consumption or for processing as buro, a fermented preparation of fish, rice and shrimp. The site also includes livestock, with carabaos supplying fresh milk to the hotel. Coffee and black, brown and red rice are is also sourced from the farm. Despite the small share of black, brown and red rice bring planted in the province, Ms. Pinera noted that growing health consciousness could point to a potential market for these varieties. “We want to bring back the lifestyle from before when it comes to eating so that visitors can see what good organic food is doing in their bodies. Now, we are getting so many kinds of illnesses because of what we are eating.” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato Tourism dep’t looking to accredit more agri-tourism ventures https://www.bworldonline.com/tourism-dept-looking-to-accredit-more-agri-tourismventures/

9 The rise of agri-tourism in the Philippines What is agri-tourism? The word “agri-tourism” is a mash-up of both “agriculture” and “tourism”. Fundamentally, agri-tourism involves an agriculturally-based operation or activity that draws visitors to a farm, ranch or any natural site like pineapple plantations, orchid farms and bee farms for outdoor recreational activities, education, shopping or even lodging. Many people are now looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to get back to nature; resulting in agri-destinations gaining popularity among tourists. Besides, amidst various food scandals, many people have a growing interest in tasting naturally cultivated foodstuffs and finding out more about food production from farmers and processors. The rise of agri-tourism in the Philippines Agri-tourism has been present in the Philippines since the 1990s, but was not institutionally defined then. In those early days, most agri-tourism farms were either

privately owned or managed. In 1991, the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) came together and formulated the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP); aimed at developing tourism on an environmentally sustainable basis. In 2002, the Department of Agriculture (DAR) and DOT issued a joint circular that identified 10 agri-tourism sites in the country. With this accreditation, all sites would have to adhere to the minimum standards prescribed by the Department for all operations and maintenance activities; guaranteeing a satisfactory visit for the tourists. As a tropical country with an abundance of natural resources, biological diversity and a strong cultural heritage, the Philippines is well-positioned for agri-tourism. At present, the Philippines has a total of 32 agri-tourism sites, including 27 protected areas consisting of strawberry and organic vegetable farms in Benguet, as well as pineapple and coffee plantations in Bukidnon. The Philippines also hosts various events, including farmers’ field days and agricultural fairs, which are estimated to be attended by 64,000 tourists each year. The rise of agri-tourism in the Philippines https://www.spireresearch.com/spire-journal/yr2013/q3/the-rise-of-agri-tourism-in-thephilippines/

10 The Philippine National Tourism Plan (NTDP) - Dr. Andrew L. Tan Purpose: The Philippine National Tourism Plan (NTDP) is intended to provide a strategic framework and outline action plan to guide the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other stakeholders in the development of the tourism sector between 2011 and 2016. Method of Preparation: The plan has been prepared using a process involving:  Preparation of a tourism sector situation analysis involving desktop review, consultations with industry stakeholders in the public and private sector, and site observations in the field.  Identification of the main challenge facing the evolution of Philippine tourism, and its causes and effects; and competitive analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats.  Presentation of the results of the situation analysis at four clustered regional tourism planning workshops with industry stakeholders held in Davao, Cebu, Manila, and Clark to identify and agree an overall destination development framework, the broad goal and vision for tourism development by 2016, and the strategic directions and actions that should be taken to achieve these.

 Specification of the tasks or outputs that needed to be delivered in order to achieve the strategic outcomes and overall goal and vision.  Initial evaluation of the economic, environmental, and social and impact of implementing the NTDP. This plan is inclusive in orientation, i.e. it includes women, youth, and indigenous peoples as well as local host communities. The plan is also pro-poor in approach, i.e. it addresses poverty reduction by including poor provinces in the tourism value chain. Situation Analysis: The Philippines has a rich and diverse set of tourism resources as represented by its extensive natural and cultural heritage sites and landscapes that are globally unique, of which the Historic Town of Vigan, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River national Park, and the Tubbatha Reefs National Park have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. The Philippines has 10 designated International airports, as well as 34 principal airports used for domestic scheduled flights. The international airports are served by 36 international airlines including five (5) of Philippine origin (also domestic carriers) operating an average of 806 scheduled flights per week with 197,000 seats per week from 42 foreign ports, and 3,000 flights with 348,000 seats per week on domestic routes in 2010. In addition, there are 25 sea ports operated by the Philippine Ports Authority providing passenger and RORO facilities served by 45 RO-RO and inter-island shipping companies servicing a total of 184 routes; and 31,242.38 km of mainly asphalt and concrete paved national highway system served with 6,000 inter-island buses. The country has an estimated 96,052 hotel and resort rooms with another 16,654 rooms either in the final planning stage or already under construction that is likely to bring total rooms capacity to 112,706 by 2014 sufficient to handle an extra 4 million domestic and international guests. While 314 inbound, domestic and outbound travel operators and 1,474 tourist transportation operators are accredited with the DOT, many more are not accredited. Philippine tourism is regulated at the national level by the DOT under RA9593. It is responsible for tourism policy and planning, international and domestic marketing, facilitating investment, the accreditation of tourism enterprises, maintaining data on tourism and its economic impacts, and supporting through capacity building the tourism activities of the LGUs. Its activities are financed through annual appropriations, contributions from the Philippine Travel Tax, and profits from the operations of Duty Free Outlets. At the local level, the LGUs under the Local Government Code of 1991 are responsible for licensing the operation of tourist enterprises on payment of a business tax, inclusion of tourism in their CLUPs and zoning ordinances, regulating health, fire, and other safety Philippine National Tourism Development Plan 2011-2016 2 hazards, providing security in partnership with the PNP, and undertaking promotions activities designed to attract tourists to their area. In 2010, the Philippines attracted 3.52 million international tourists staying an average of 8.21 nights and spending an average of US$ 83.59 per day; and estimated 27.91million domestic travellers in 2010 staying an average of 4 nights and spending an average of PhP 553.09 per day. The main source of international tourists is South Korea, the USA, and Japan followed by China and other countries with leisure-based and visiting friends and relatives being the main reasons

for visiting. In the domestic market, the main sources are urban centres such as Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and the secondary cities with visiting friend and relatives and leisure travel as the main reasons for travelling. DOT surveys indicate that in 2010, the top tourist destinations were Metro Manila, CebuMactan, Boracay Island, Camarines Sur, Baguio City, Davao City, Zambales (including Subic), Bohol, Camiguin Island, Negros Occidental, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, and Puerto Princesa. Overall, it is estimated by DOT/NSCB that in 2010 domestic and international tourism contributed 5.76% to GDP and directly employed 3.69 million persons or 10.25 % of total employment in the country. Between 1995 and 2010, the annual average growth of international arrivals was 4.7% notwithstanding good recovery in arrivals between 2009 and 2010 while between 2005 and 2010 the average annual rate of growth in the domestic market was 3.3%. These growth rates are quite low relative to the competing countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Viet Nam where long-term international arrivals have grown at +8% per annum and domestic tourism at +5% per annum. In terms of its position in ASEAN, the Philippines’ tourism performance by volume is ranked below all ASEAN countries except for Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia. The main causes and effects of the historic poor international and domestic tourism growth performance are summarized in Figure 1. Notwithstanding the challenges facing the industry, SWOT analysis indicates that there are significant opportunities for large and sustained market growth given that the key constraints and weaknesses are effectively addressed. If so, then market research indicates that between 2010 and 2016, the Philippines could increase its current number of international arrivals from 3.52 million to around 6.7 million, and domestic tourism from 28.9 million travelers to around 35million. I achieved, these levels of international and domestic tourism could sustain direct gross value added of PhP 890,000 million or around 6.8% of GDP, and direct employment of around 6.5 million persons by 2016. Moreover, with careful targeting, a significant number of the additional 2.8 million Philippine National Tourism Development Plan 2011-2016 3 directly employed in the industry by 2016 would come from the poorer sectors of the population as well as provide new employment opportunities for returning overseas workers. Goal and Vision and Strategic Directions for Tourism to 2016: Figure 2 gives a snapshot of the stakeholder-based goal and targets, overall vision, and based on addressing The Philippine National Tourism Plan (NTDP) - Dr. Andrew L. Tan http://alt-tourism.aim.edu/files/download/179 11 La Union Agri-tourism programs to propel province and improve quality of life Agri-tourism development programs are expected to propel La Union and improve the quality of life of the people in this province.

This was one of the gists and highlights of the State of the Province Address delivered by Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III Thursday, at the St. William the Hermit Cathedral here. The province’s new Performance Governance System (PGS), its passing of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia’s initiation and compliance stage in just eight months paved the way to deliver basic services centered on its vision to become the ‘Heart of AgriTourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.’ According to Ortega, La Union is the 10th most competitive province in the country, ranking first in the Ilocos region, based on assessed performance on good governance, infrastructure, and economic development. To enhance food security, the province continues to implement programs and supports rural livelihood through the distribution of hybrid seeds, farm machineries, fishing equipment and post-harvest facilities benefiting over 10,000 farmers and more than 80 farmers’ and fisherfolks’ association. It recently re-opened the Honeybee Center and reviving the honey industry to intensify local enterprise development. For tourism, three farm tourism sites which are accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Tourism (DOT) were established. The rehabilitated Mabanag Hall, which was turned into to a multi-purpose building, started operating and is now the home of the new La Union Agri-Tourism Center. The province was also recognized for being a sport, adventure, and wellness advocate as well as the best promoter in tourism activities owing it to the surfing area in San Juan. Due to its drive to attract investors and tourists, the overall tourist arrivals in 2016 reached 468,000 and for 2017, a total of 330,000 tourist arrivals as of June, have already been recorded. “We have identified our contribution to nation-building according to our strategic position that is consistent with our vision,” said the governor in his opening speech. He added, “We have embraced and championed good governance and had already fostered strong partnerships with our stakeholders.” For the coming years, the provincial government shall invest on minimizing traffic issues and to deliver ease in business and bigger economic expansion through the construction of Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road, the revival of railway lines, and full utilization of the airport and seaport in the lone city of the province. It will also further explore on agriculture innovation and technology to help local farmers and agri-preneurs that might open doors for the establishment of a world-class agricultural complex in partnership with the State of Israel.

At present, comprehensive land use plans are being reviewed and aligned to the development plans and strategy of the province. To further implement various programs, the Provincial Development Investment Program 2017-2022, with a total financial requirement of P25.2- billion, was already approved. More than P2- billion worth of infrastructure projects is said to be downloaded to all the 20 component local government units for 2017-2018. The province is also International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2015:9001 certified which instilled work process discipline among the employees and resulted in the streamlining of business processes, improved client appreciation and business friendliness which is aligned to one of the directives of the President Duterte. La Union Agri-tourism programs to propel province and improve quality of life http://northboundasia.com/2017/08/14/la-union-agri-tourism-programs-propelprovince-improve-quality-life/ 12 La Union Province commits to real change through agritourism strategy The Provincial Government of La Union’s commitment towards transformative governance is to bring real change through good governance and revolutionizing public service delivery. Their promise is manifested in their strategy to be The Heart of Agritourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. The main thrust of the province’s strategy is to focus on destination development through tourism circuits centered on community-based agritourism sites – in contrast to the conventional site development approach. The principle behind tourism circuits is to systematically connect all the different tourism and tourism-related attractions and services in a particular area with a major tourist site acting as a centerpiece for the circuit. The Province’s strategy is based on the advantages and opportunities present in their agriculture and tourism sectors. Accordingly in the next nine years, from 2017 to 2025, the Province is committed to developing five tourism circuits showcasing the different products, culture, and natural beauty of La Union. “The provincial government is committed to grow the agri-tourism economy, to enhance visitor experiences, and to strive for sustainability and good governance,” Provincial Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III shared during their second public revalida for ISA’s Performance Governance System (PGS) last June 21. Ultimately, the Province of La Union aims to realize its vision by positioning itself as the preferred agritourism destination in Northern Luzon. Through their strategy and

commitment towards transformative governance, the Province hopes to improve their competitiveness to uplift the people of La Union’s quality of life. La Union Province commits to real change through agritourism strategy http://isacenter.org/la-union-province-commits-to-real-change-through-agritourismstrategy/ 13 Environmental impacts of coal There are numerous damaging environmental impacts of coal that occur through its mining, preparation, combustion, waste storage, and transport. This article provides an overview. Each topic is explored in greater depth in separate articles, as are several related topics: Acid mine drainage (AMD) refers to the outflow of acidic water from coal mines or metal mines, often abandoned mines where ore- or coal mining activities have exposed rocks containing the sulphur-bearing mineral pyrite. Pyrite reacts with air and water to form sulphuric acid and dissolved iron, and as water washes through mines, this compound forms a dilute acid, which can wash into nearby rivers and streams.[1] Air pollution from coal-fired power plants includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM), and heavy metals, leading to smog, acid rain, toxins in the environment, and numerous respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular effects.[2] Air pollution from coal mines is mainly due to emissions of particulate matter and gases including methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), as well as carbon monoxide (CO).[3] Climate impacts of coal plants - Coal-fired power plants are responsible for one-third of America’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, making coal a huge contributor to global warming.[4] Black carbon resulting from incomplete combustion is an additional contributor to climate change.[5] Coal dust stirred up during the mining process, as well as released during coal transport, which can cause severe and potentially deadly respiratory problems.[6] Coal fires occur in both abandoned coal mines and coal waste piles. Internationally, thousands of underground coal fires are burning now. Global coal fire emissions are estimated to include 40 tons of mercury going into the atmosphere annually, and three percent of the world's annual carbon dioxide emissions.[7][8] Coal combustion waste is the nation's second largest waste stream after municipal solid waste.[9] It is disposed of in landfills or "surface impoundments," which are lined with compacted clay soil, a plastic sheet, or both. As rain filters through the toxic ash pits year after year, the toxic metals are leached out into the local environment.[10][11] Coal sludge, also known as slurry, is the liquid coal waste generated by washing coal. It is typically disposed of at impoundments located near coal mines, but in some cases it is directly injected into abandoned underground mines. Since coal sludge contains toxins, leaks or spills can endanger underground and surface waters.[2]

Floods such as the Buffalo Creek Flood caused by mountaintop removal mining and failures of coal mine impoundments. Forest destruction caused by mountaintop removal mining - According to a 2010 study, mountaintop removal mining has destroyed 6.8% of Appalachia's forests.[12][13] Greenhouse gas emissions caused by surface mining - According to a 2010 study, mountaintop removal mining releases large amounts of carbon through clearcutting and burning of trees and through releases of carbon in soil brought to the surface by mining operations. These greenhouse gas emissions amount to at least 7% of conventional power plant emissions.[14][15] Loss or degradation of groundwater - Since coal seams are often serve as underground aquifers, removal of coal beds may result in drastic changes in hydrology after mining has been completed. Radical disturbance of 8.4 million acres of farmland, rangeland, and forests, most of which has not been reclaimed -- See The footprint of coal Heavy metals and coal - Coal contains many heavy metals, as it is created through compressed organic matter containing virtually every element in the periodic table mainly carbon, but also heavy metals. The heavy metal content of coal varies by coal seam and geographic region. Small amounts of heavy metals can be necessary for health, but too much may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). Many of the heavy metals released in the mining and burning of coal are environmentally and biologically toxic elements, such as lead, mercury, nickel, tin, cadmium, antimony, and arsenic, as well as radio isotopes of thorium and strontium.[16][17][18] Mercury and coal - Emissions from coal-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury in the United States, accounting for about 41 percent (48 tons in 1999) of industrial releases.[19] Methane released by coal mining accounts for about 10 percent of US releases of methane (CH4), a potent global warming gas.[20] Mountaintop removal mining and other forms of surface mining can lead to the drastic alteration of landscapes, destruction of habitat, damages to water supplies, and air pollution. Not all of these effects can be adequately addressed through coal mine reclamation. Particulates and coal - Particulate matter (PM) includes the tiny particles of fly ash and dust that are expelled from coal-burning power plants.[21] Studies have shown that exposure to particulate matter is related to an increase of respiratory and cardiac mortality.[22] [23] Radioactivity and coal - Coal contains minor amounts of the radioactive elements, uranium and thorium. When coal is burned, the fly ash contains uranium and thorium "at up to 10 times their original levels."[24] Subsidence - Land subsidence may occur after any type of underground mining, but it is particularly common in the case of longwall mining.[25] Sulfur dioxide and coal - Coal-fired power plants are the largest human-caused source of sulfur dioxide, a pollutant gas that contributes to the production of acid rain and causes significant health problems. Coal naturally contains sulfur, and when coal is burned, the sulfur combines with oxygen to form sulfur oxides.[26]

Thermal pollution from coal plants is the degradation of water quality by power plants and industrial manufacturers - when water used as a coolant is returned to the natural environment at a higher temperature, the change in temperature impacts organisms by decreasing oxygen supply, and affecting ecosystem composition.[27] Toxins - According to a July 2011 NRDC report, "How Power Plants Contaminate Our Air and States" electricity generation in the U.S. releases 381,740,601 lbs. of toxic air pollution annually, or 49% of total national emissions, based on data from the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (2009 data, accessed June 2011). Power plants are the leading sources of toxic air pollution in all but four of the top 20 states by electric sector emissions. Transportation - Coal is often transported via trucks, railroads, and large cargo ships, which release air pollution such as soot and can lead to disasters that ruin the environment, such as the Shen Neng 1 coal carrier collision with the Great Barrier Reef, Australia that occurred in April 2010. Waste coal, also known as "culm," "gob," or "boney," is made up of unused coal mixed with soil and rock from previous mining operations. Runoff from waste coal sites can pollute local water supplies.[28] Water consumption from coal plants - Power generation has been estimated to be second only to agriculture in being the largest domestic user of water.[29] Water pollution from coal includes the negative health and environmental effects from the mining, processing, burning, and waste storage of coal. Environmental impacts of coal https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Environmental_impacts_of_coal

14 Coal-reliant Philippines struggles to power up clean energy For Nestor Castro and the other residents of Lamao village, which sits near two coal-fired power plants and an oil refinery, the country’s shift to renewable energy cannot come soon enough. Not only would it lessen the pollution in their village in the northern Philippines, it could also mean cheaper electricity, Castro said. “Coal just adds to the pollution and we ... have expensive electricity,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. But the country’s first tax hike on coal in 30 years, introduced in March, may signal a shift in the government’s attitude towards the fossil fuel, environmentalists say. Today, the Philippines has some of the highest power generation charges in Southeast Asia according to the country’s energy agency. Renewable energy costs are falling around the globe, but the Philippines, up to now, has shown few signs of moving away from coal, despite ratifying the Paris Agreement to curb climate change and passing laws pushing for a shift to renewable energy.

The 400 percent tax hike on imported coal - part of a wider package of tax reforms passed last year to help fund a major infrastructure project - could change that, environmental experts say. Coal-reliant Philippines struggles to power up clean energy https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/18/18/coal-reliant-philippines-struggles-topower-up-clean-energy 15 Environment advocate highlights health hazards of coal According to Greenpeace, more than a third of the energy used to generate electricity in the Philippines comes from burning coal. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Deaths caused by diseases from coal-related pollution in the country could rise by more than 50 percent in the next 15 years, a new report says. The study, conducted by Greenpeace Philippines with research from the Harvard Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group said illnesses from coal emissions may result in over 2,400 premature deaths from stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. According to Greenpeace Southeast Asia official Reuben Muni, more than a third of the energy used to generate electricity in the country comes from burning coal.The country has 26 operational coal-fired power plants, according to Greenpeace. The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved 29 more, which will begin commercial operations by 2020. Studies show an upward trend in coal emissions among Asian countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. In contrast, Shannon Koplitz from the Harvard group pointed out a significant decline in coal emissions in the U.S. and Europe as countries shift to renewable energy sources. Koplitz added Southeast Asia's coal emissions are likely to surpass that of the U.S. Environment advocate highlights health hazards of coal http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/02/03/Coal-pollution-Greenpeace.html 16 70,000 deaths per year feared with more coal-fired power plants Environment advocates said continued construction of coal-fired projects may result in some 70,000 deaths per year by 2030, prompting residents of this city to form a human

chain to protest the impending construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant here. The residents, who claimed the coal-fired power plant will also deprive the people of Mindanao from enjoying clean and cheap energy from renewable energy sources, held their protest action at the Naomis Botanical Compound here last Friday. It is part of a global campaign against the continued operations of coal-fired power plants in the various parts of the country. “Back then when more than 50 percent of electricity generated in Mindanao was from Agus Pulangi hydropower plant, Mindanaoans enjoyed the cheapest electricity rate. However, electricity costs started to get higher as the share of coal increased to 40.2 percent against the 22.2 percent of hydro in the Mindanao mix in 2015,” said Lourdes M. Anabieza, point person of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)Western Mindanao Region. “This is a clear indication that coal is not cheap, and we are being deceived by the government’s continued support for coal companies,” Anabieza added. Lawyer Aaron Pedrosa, Energy Working Group head of PMCJ, citing a Harvard University-led research study, said air pollution from coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia were estimated to cause 20,000 deaths per year. “This number could rise to 70,000 deaths per year by 2030 if coal-fired power plants that are in the pipeline will be constructed,” Pedrosa added. Individuals from various organizations and sectors in Misamis Occidental participated in the Global Divestment Mobilization here. It aims to project our calls and demands to our government and private investors for the divestment of funds from fossil fuel and coal to renewable energy, Abienza explained. “We would also like to register our sentiments and question to the Commission on Appointment (CA) for rejecting the appointment of DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, and emphasize our opposition and rejection of the appointment of Roy Cimatu as DENR secretary, she said. The nationwide activity hopes to highlight the role of profit in the continued pursuit of dirty, deadly, and costly energy from fossil fuels, especially from coal. “It is unthinkable that the Philippines, which is among the most threatened by the disastrous effects of climate change, is considered a safe haven for coal, one of the leading causes of global warming,” said Pedrosa.

“As of March, 2017, the Philippines has a total of 7,504 MW installed power generation capacity from its 26 existing coal-fired power plants, with 35 more plants in the pipeline. Pedrosa said that the government failed to notice that some 250,000-MW could be produced in the country by tapping clean and renewable energy. 70,000 deaths per year feared with more coal-fired power plants https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/14/70000-deaths-per-year-feared-with-more-coalfired-power-plants/ 17 Hermeneutic Research Hermeneutic research enables you to make interpretations and gain an in-depth understanding of the researched phenomenon. Hermeneutic research emphasizes subjective interpretations in the research of meanings of texts, art, culture, social phenomena and thinking. Thus, the strategy forms an opposite to those research strategies which stress objectivity and independence from interpretations in the formation of knowledge. You can use a variety of approaches and methods of analysis, as well as discipline-specific methods, to interpret phenomena but you need to bear in mind that hermeneutic research is a qualitative research strategy.

Hermeneutic Research https://koppa.jyu.fi/avoimet/hum/menetelmapolkuja/en/methodmap/strategies/hermen eutic-research 18 Coal: A Public Health Crisis More than one-third of the energy used to generate electricity in the Philippines comes from burning coal. Coal-fired power plants continue to be the country’s top producer of electricity since 2012, accounting for approximately 39% of the country’s power generation mix.xx As of May 2015, the Philippines has 17 operating coal plants (30 boiler units), with 29 more (59 boiler units) approved by the Department of Energy (DOE) to begin commercial operations by 2020. Coal Operating Contracts (COC) for exploration have likewise been awarded to at least 39 companies in 2015.xxi It should be noted that this number does not state which among them are already in operation, with some of them having been awarded with contracts as early as 2005. In official statements released by a high-ranking DOE official, the Philippines is looking at a dramatically increased 70% dependence on coal for electricity from 2030 to 2050.xxii

Coal: A Public Health Crisis https://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/PageFiles/718084/Coal_A_Public_Health_Crisis. pdf 19 New Greenpeace report estimates coal plant emissions could kill 2,400 Filipinos per year While coal is king in the Philippines, a new Greenpeace Southeast Asia report has revealed for the first time the current health impacts of existing coal-fired power plants, as well as projected health impacts of operating and planned power plants in the Philippines. The report, Coal: A Public Health Crisis. Diseases and deaths attributed to coal use in the Philippines showed an estimated 960 premature deaths each year due to stroke, ischemic heart disease, other cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases. If the new power plants are to be developed, premature deaths may rise up to 2,410— more than double the current number of people dying from coal-related pollution in the Philippines. “Results of the research show that coal-fired power plants expose everyone in the Philippines to toxic pollution, resulting in hundreds of premature deaths every year,” said Lauri Myllyvirta, Senior Global Coal Campaigner at Greenpeace International and also one of the authors of the research. “Leading economies from the United States to China and Europe are already relaying on modern, renewable energy sources for their additional power needs, showing that this is a real option for Philippines as well.” More than one-third of the energy used to generate electricity in the Philippines comes from burning coal. Currently, the country has 17 operational coal plants, with 29 more approved by the Department of Energy (DOE), set to begin commercial operations by 2020. The report is based on research carried out at Harvard University on the impacts of emissions coming from coal-fired power plants on the air quality of selected countries in Asia. For the Philippine version, Greenpeace collaborated with HealthJustice to write the report, with support from Health Care Without Harm – Asia and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. Coal use harms the environment and public health at every stage of its life cycle. Coalfired power plants emit sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2) and other gaseous pollutants in the air that can react chemically to form particulate matter that is 2.5 µm in diameter. Aside from generating particulate matter, coal combustion also affects health indirectly by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change can bring extreme heat, lead to natural disasters, and eventually increase diseases transmitted through insects

such as malaria and dengue. The study evaluated 13 operational coal-fired power plants in the Philippines with a combined installed capacity of 3,799.10 megawatts (MW), as well as the potential impacts of plans to build 29 new coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 11700MW, which could dramatically increase levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and PM2.5 emissions. “This pioneering study is an important addition to the growing body of health and scientific research on the adverse impacts of coal-fired power plants, not only to the environment, but to human health as well,” said Reuben Andrew Muni, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines. “We strongly recommend for the DOE, the DOH and other policy-makers to read it and take heed as it presents a strong case on why the Philippines should end its dependence on coal-generated electricity now, not only for economic, environmental and climate change reasons, but on public health grounds as well.” “This new study just confirms what we already know about the health effects of coal based on international evidence. For the longest time, we have been ignoring the environmental case for the phase out of coal. I hope that this time, the public health argument will convince us that coal is not the way to go towards a clean, sustainable and healthy energy future,” said Dr. Renzo Guinto, Campaigner for the Healthy Energy Initiative, Health Care Without Harm-Asia. “New coal plants are a lose-lose proposition for the public. Increasing dependence on coal will consign us to dirty air for 30 or more years, as coal gets more expensive and other countries abandon it as an energy source. There is a way out of this vicious cycle. We must embrace renewables through a strong, health-driven energy policy," said Atty. Ipat Luna, a Trustee of HealthJustice-Philippines. “Coal burning is a proven nuisance to health and the climate. The more coal plants and mines are commissioned by the government, the more people and communities are placed in the direct path of perdition. Undoubtedly, it is a kiss of death to host communities and vulnerable nations like the Philippines. We thus demand for a moratorium on new coal plants, phase out of existing ones, and for a just transition to renewable energy options” said Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, SANLAKAS Secretary General and PMCJ Energy Working Group Head. Considering the Philippines’ rising population, poor health outcomes, and the scarcity of resources needed to adapt to the worst effects of climate change, Greenpeace recommends that the country should end its heavy dependence on coal as an energy source and accelerate initiatives involving renewable energy (RE) resources to meet its energy demands. RE is emerging as the energy of choice for an increasing number of communities and local government units (LGU). The report recommends that the

government phases out of coal and fully embrace RE sources in the Philippines based on public health considerations. New Greenpeace report estimates coal plant emissions could kill 2,400 Filipinos per year http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/press/releases/New-Greenpeace-reportestimates-coal-plant-emissions-could-kill-2400-Filipinos-per-year/ 20 Coal powerplant rising in La Union Global Business Power Corp., a unit of GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty, on Tuesday confirmed its first power project in Luzon—a 670-megawatt new station being built by a subsidiary in La Union Global Business Power president Rolando Bacani said unit Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. would construct a two 335-MW coal-fired power generationg facility in Barangay Luna, La Union. Global Luzon has already signed a power sales agreement with Manila Electric Co. for the 600-MW output of the plant. Meralco through subsidiary Meralco PowerGen Corp. owns a 22-percent stake in Global Business Power. “Yes, [it’s our first power project in Luzon]. Construction is third quarter 2018 and operation first quarter 2022. No ECC [environmental compliance certificate] yet,” Bacani said. “We need to build higher-capacity units so that we can offer lower prices and bring down the cost of electricity. The largest unit that the Visayas Grid can accept now is only 150 MW,” he said. Global Business Power, controlled by the Metrobank Group, last year disclosed plans of expanding power generation from coal-fired plants in Luzon. Global Business power executive vice presidentJaime Azurin earlier said the company might put up a power plant in Luzon, outside of its existing projects in Visayas. “Yes, we’re looking at Luzon. Yes [coal], but it has to be bigger in size to be able to lower the cost,” Azurin said. Global Business Power is one of the leading independent power producers in Visayas. Its power plants are strategically located where high growth is expected, with generatiing stations in Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan and Mindoro Coal powerplant rising in La Union http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/206424