Naujan, Oriental Mindoro – Locals from this municipality are showing their opposition to the two ongoing energy projects in the province by kicking off an environmental awareness campaign starting with a Peace Concert and a Prayer Rally.

The event, dubbed “Environmental Peace Concert and Ecumenical Prayer Rally” and is set on Saturday March 26, 2016 at this municipality’s Town Plaza, is expected to draw hundreds of supporters.

The onslaught and the aftermath of Typhoon Nona December 13 last year had the people of Oriental Mindoro and Naujan in particular guessing if the two Energy Projects are to blame.

The provincial government had already conducted investigations on what caused the massive flood that devastated several towns in Oriental Mindoro including Naujan.

While official reports point to record massive amount of rainfall, locals in this municipality do not buy it. They blame the lack of forest cover brought about by the two energy projects that are underway, the Montelago Geothermal Project by Emerging Power, Inc. and the Lower Catuiran Hydrodam Project by Sta. Clara Power Corporation.

“We wanted to make sure that these two projects are not just mere fronts for mining interests,” said Jovilyn Cabading, one if the event organizers.

“Our people needs to know the truth. And the truth is much deeper than we initially thought. Kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan,” added Buraot Delgado of the Batang Naujan group.

The group Batang Naujan and the Youth for Peace Advocacy Movment, Inc. (YPAM) have already launched online petitions to re-open public discussions on the issues. The Prayer Rally and Concert is one of a string of events for their campaign to raise awareness for the environment.

The event features performances from famous artists Joey Ayala, Cookie Chua, Lolita Carbon and Bayang Barrios.

Representatives from different religious denominations are also set to speak at the event.

Other artists included Miss International 2013 Aly Forbes, Carlos Aggasi, Luke Jickain, Pastillas Girl, Marlan Flores, Manny Paksiw and the Mistress of the Asia’s Got Talent fame. (30)