Editorial

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Harnessing Aklan River For Prosperity

It has been well said that if the industrial revolution was started in mid 19th century the fruit of success plus its unwanted side effect should have overwhelmed its population in the 21st century. Fossil fuels like coal, crude oil and natural gas all contribute to long term carbon footprints. According to the UN’s Energy Agency, there is a 1.6 gigatone rise in carbon dioxide emissions in 2011 stoking fears of global temperature rise of 2.0 degrees Celsius.

Toxic wastes in the form of methane, carbon dioxide and others form a dense cover of the earth’s stratosphere causing heat to be trapped leading to a phenomenon called greenhouse effect or global warming. The main culprits are motor vehicles where the Philippines has six (6) million and growing at 10 percent per year. Newsweek (February 4, 2011) said that insatiable demand for oil is 90 million barrels per day.

The thinning of polar ice caps, subsequent rise of sea water and increased ocean temperature that cause the El Niño are some of dramatic events that hamper country productivity and survival. This is true in small archipelagic islands of the Pacific and Oceania. Because of phenomenal natural disasters, the Philippines was listed by the UN in 2011 at No. 1 said Margareta Whalstrom, Sec. General for Disaster Risk Reduction.

While disaster risk reduction and management was created by the government to cope with climate change, it can mitigate only a portion of the losses in human lives and property. Resources poured into this Agency by LGU’s are scanty and inappropriate to the magnitude and scale of the problem. Well, consider Typhoon Sendong and Pablo which hit Mindanao in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The recorded human deaths alone are more than 1000 each while several hundreds more are missing. Repercussion on economic and public infra losses are immediate running to billions of pesos. Hardest hit are agriculture (plantation crops like bananas, $720 million industry, coconut,  pineapple, mango and sugar cane) and aquaculture. Bridges, school buildings and dams were busted because of flash floods and landslides.

What can be done in order to mitigate natural disasters?

It is conceded that we can’t avoid typhoons, flood, earthquake and tsunamis. The basic idea is that we must be prepared at all times in order to avert the worse that may happen to us. Others call it survival strategy or doomsday peppers.     

Here in Aklan, we failed to tame river system that straddles the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Banga, Lezo, Numancia and Kalibo. Aklan river since time immemorial is primary source of food and livelihood but also death and destruction. 

To tame Aklan river, basically consider structural engineering plan and strict implementation of rules and regulation. Evidently damming the tributary at Libacao and Madalag for hydropower offers the best and practical solution. Potable water could be pumped and diverted to water deficient cities of Iloilo and Roxas. Discharged water from underground turbines could be used for irrigating crops like rice, corn and vegetables. Ultimately, this massive diversion and or volume reduction of surface water could dramatically reduce destructive impact of Aklan river on population centers especially Kalibo and Numancia.

Obviously, the big draw break is where to get the funding. Considering that there are other provinces involved, it is best to resolve the issue with the Regional Development Council and NEDA. The whole Panay Island is presently deficient of power requirements and the balance is sourced from Leyte through the submarine cable. Furthermore, there is increase of five (5) percent annual power demand not to mention the 2-3 percent increase in power cost. The proposed project is environment-friendly, renewable and cheap compared to conventional power sources. 

Aklan may not be rich compared to developing economies like India, China and Brazil where their river ecosystems are tapped for various uses. However, Aklan through coordination with other provinces in Region 6 could achieve its dream of prosperity and well being. Practically, the initiative lies with our elected leaders who must exert all resources to realize it. After Frank and Quinta, Aklanons could no longer afford to lose their lives and property to recurring disasters of typhoons and floods.

Perhaps, it is apt to consider the principle behind Sen. Franklin Drilon’s filing of Senate Bill No. 2857 “People’ Participation in the National Budget Process Act of 2011” that humility is the knowledge that the government does not know everything hence the cogent need for people participation.   /MP