Communities Rise Against Coal: ELAC's Groundwork in Narra Reveals Unity, Gaps, and Urgent Need for Environmental Justice
March 2025 – Narra, Palawan
In a span of just over a week, the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) team reached ten barangays in Narra, Palawan to launch a ground working mission for community organizing and coal awareness. This was in response to the proposed expansion of a coal-fired power plant in Barangay Bato-Bato, a project that threatens the health of communities and the integrity of Palawan’s natural ecosystems.
The initiative, part of ELAC’s broader campaign with the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW), aimed to identify key stakeholders, assess public awareness on coal impacts, and lay the groundwork for a stronger, community-led resistance.
“Palawan is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and our last ecological frontier. A coal plant has no place here,” said Sweet Phea Ponoy, ELAC community organizer.
What We Found: Awareness Gaps & Community Willingness
In several barangays—including Batang-Batang, Malinao, and Aramaywan—residents reported no prior public consultations regarding the coal project. In Sitio Mariwara, it was revealed that no Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) had been obtained from Indigenous communities, a violation of their legal and cultural rights.
The team also discovered the widespread use of coal ash-made hollow blocks, a concerning trend due to coal ash being a toxic byproduct of coal combustion. It can contain harmful substances such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, posing long-term health and environmental risks—especially when used in construction near households and water sources.
These troubling findings stirred awareness and urgency among community members and leaders. Rather than deterring them, it strengthened their resolve to seek better information and protect their communities. Barangay officials, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, and women’s groups expressed a strong interest in organizing IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) sessions, showing that people are ready to act when equipped with the right knowledge.
“We are ready to host IEC forums and want to know more about the alternatives to coal,” said a barangay captain from Batang-Batang.
Moving Forward: Education, Solidarity, and Action
Each barangay offered unique opportunities for engagement. Some suggested integrating IEC activities during monthly assemblies, flag ceremonies, and even door-to-door campaigns. This shows that the people of Narra are not just open to conversation—they are ready to stand up and take action.
Next steps include:
- Rolling out barangay-wide IEC sessions.
- Partnering with local organizations and sectors (youth, women, farmers, fisherfolk).
- Crafting accessible educational materials about coal’s impact on health, agriculture, fisheries, and climate.
- Strengthening grassroots organizing through follow-up meetings and planning.
A Call to Action
Coal is not just an energy issue—it’s a human rights and environmental justice issue. Palawan deserves clean, renewable energy sources that honor its ecological wealth and protect the well-being of its people.
ELAC, with its partners and the communities it serves, stands firm in saying: No to Coal in Palawan. Yes, to People-Powered Solutions.