Dumaguete City (15 February) -- In this age of global warming, renewable energy sources are gaining popularity. One such source is the geothermal power plant.

In Negros Oriental, a geothermal plant being managed by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) provides energy by harnessing power from the steam of Mt. Talinis, an active volcano. Although this has helped improve the country's self-sufficiency in energy, environmentalists express concerns that geothermal plants may have a negative impact on the environment. They say that the release of steam causes drastic changes in temperature, air content and water levels.

PNOC maintains that they continuously monitor air, water and earth conditions. They also carry out programs such as medical outreach, livelihood programs and scholarship incentives for the residents of the areas surrounding the plant.