THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is undertaking a study on the potential of the Mati-Lupon-Tarragona geothermal field in Davao Oriental, officials announced on Sept. 25 during an information forum held in the provincial capital, Mati City. The Davao Oriental provincial government, in a statement, said the identified area covers the villages of Buso in Mati. Cabagayan in Tarragona town, and Don Mariano Marcos in Lupon. DoE Science Research Specialist II Joel Miguel said the study, which already started in other areas in 2017 and is targeted for completion by 2021, is intended not just to look into Mati-Lupon-Tarragona’s potential energy source, but also to update the national database and identify areas for geothermal development. Mr. Miguel sought the support of local government officials in getting community cooperation during the assessment and exploration activities. Atty. Marissa P. Cerezo, assistant director of the DoE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau, allayed fears that geothermal energy explorations trigger earthquakes. “There is no scientific basis for that,” she said, explaining that digging for the exploration is just like “a scratch under the earth.” “Epicenters of earthquakes are hundreds of kilometers below,” she added. Ms. Cerezo also explained that if the areas of study do not prove to be feasible for power generation, these sources can still be tapped for other uses such as for agriculture and tourism, among others. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang welcomed the exploration saying he hopes that the province would be able to contribute in power generation for economic growth.

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