Opinion Polls
By Marichel Teves-Magalona

Do you agree with the forecast of DoE that Panay Island will have a power crisis by 2007? Why?

RONALD VICTORIANO
Yes. Presently, we are experiencing frequent brownouts, how much more in 2007 when our power requirement will be much higher.

PEPE ISADA
Even if there is no imminent shortage, sufficient power supply is always a top criteria in future investments in the development of country side cities like ours.

ERIC SORIANO
Yes, election time again. Power play. Whats new!

JED MABILOG
Yes, I believe that DoE has a study on the power availability in Panay , this is supported by the fact that power rates are more expensive than most places in the Philippines even higher than Metro Manila.

AURELIO RAMOS
Yes!

DR. LOUIE TIRADOR
No. DoE data itself showed energy crisis will happen on 2010. Renewable energy is the answer. No to dirty.

MIKE HECHANOVA
No because I know that investors like Mirant Phil. and other power plants have invested in Panay .

DR. ED DIAZ
Well, it is a wait and see situation. But the provincial government I believe is doing something now to prevent this to happen.

OSCAR NAVA
Blah… Blah… Blah… Every year demand for power increases and our power generating capacity is becoming inadequate. The end point is we will wind up with a coal-fired plant cuz that's what the capitalists keep throwing down our throats. When we will having daily brownouts, nobody will be listening to the environmentalists anymore. That's the stark reality. AMEN.

DENNIS LOCSIN
If you base it on the NAPOCOR expanded plant being installed in Dingle, the plans to have coal-fired plants in Barotac Viejo and Concepcion, I don't think we will have a power crisis in Panay . Unless, those plants will be supplying other areas.

DEO LLAMAS
I believe so. With development and industry coming in, we will be needing the surplus by then. Build it and they will come. Better prepared.

BOY MUNDO
Yes. Today we have frequent brownouts already in Iloilo. If more additional power is forthcoming despite additional load or requirement, then for sure whole Panay, not only Iloilo would be in crisis.

DR. NOEL BINAYAS
That will depend on the level of sustainable economic activity and industrial growth our planners and “we” ourselves allow and work for the near term. IF we are content with the present levels of industrial productivity and wealth(?) generation for the vast majority of our poor people, there may or may not be an energy crisis to be faced.. The unfortunate poor workers just remain as they are – poor and unfortunate! IF NOT, then WORK harder but be ready for trade offs!

RONEL BERNABE
I haven't read the details of the DoE forecast but I think we need to be proactive rather than reactive since these things are basic needs.

HERSON CASIDSID
That would be possible. What it is important right now is CONSERVATION. What we plan, what we do or what we act for today is for our tomorrow, our future.

DR. CESAR UY
One thing is sure, we will need more power as the population grows. The role of the government is not to scare people by making barbershop forecast but to prevent avoidable events from happening. They are paid to make sure we don't have a power glut tomorrow.

VON FERNANDEZ
If there will be, it's a sign of progress on the part of Panay Island. And 2 years, skyscrapers and huge buildings will rise and we should prepare for it now or never at all.

CLEMENTE TAN
Yes because of business expansion.

DENNIS GARGANERA
Yes, if the government or DoE will not move and do something about it. Since they know that its inevitable they have to intervene and cushion the impact.