Vol. XXI, No. 180 [ Business World Online ]
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
THE DEPARTMENT of Energy is conducting exploration and geoscientific tests in two hot spring sites in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, in order to see if they can be used for geothermal energy and spa tourism.
An official press statement quoted Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes as saying that the activities are based on a memorandum of agreement signed among representatives of the department, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) of the Philippine National Oil Company, and the city government of Puerto Princesa headed by Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn.
Mr. Reyes said that the Energy department and EDC had earlier conducted exploration works in the province of Palawan in search of geothermal energy source, ranging from reconnaissance to semi-detailed geological, geochemical and geophysical activities.
In cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), the Energy department had also studied thermal areas for possible development as spa resorts under the health tourism Project of Thermal Areas in the Philippines.
The three agencies selected the hot spring areas in Santa Lucia-Iwahig and Santa Lourdes-Tagburos in Puerto Princesa City as promising sites for health tourism.
Under the agreement, the Energy department will gather and review all available technical data on both sites. It will then conduct additional geoscientific activities, provide available technical manpower and equipment, interpret a data and information, coordinate results with EDC, and provide the city with the final report on the department’s geo-scientific findings and recommendations.
EDC will provide technical data and information to the department on energy utilization and make recommendations on additional activities that have to be undertaken following a review of all the available technical data and information.
Mr. Reyes said that geothermal resources can be harnessed as a form of energy whose applications range from power to non-power.
Geothermal energy has been widely used for power generation in the Philippines which has a total installed capacity of 1,931 megawatts, but scarcely for non-power generation.
Thermal springs can also be used as health spas that could be developed for both local and foreign tourism, the Tourism department has said.
The City of Palawan has expressed its interest in the project, saying it would secure the permits, licenses and certificates necessary for the exploration activities. Mr. Hagedorn said he recognizes the possibility of generating more revenues for the city from the exploration and utilization of the hot springs either as tourism attractions or geothermal energy sources.
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