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-agri-
tourism.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-tourism-
ventures/

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-the-
philippines/

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 Agri-
Tourism 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-propel-
province-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-agritourism-
strategy/

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-to-
power-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-coal-
fired-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. Coal-
fired 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-report-
estimates-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