By Nimfa L. Estrellado A mountain wind installation, comparable to ACEN Corp.’s wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, reflects the growing in...
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| A mountain wind installation, comparable to ACEN Corp.’s wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, reflects the growing interest in renewable energy projects nationwide. (ACEN) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon — Calls for clarity were issued on Monday, November 18 as local officials assured residents that no permit or clearance has been granted for wind turbine construction within forestlands or near the sacred Mt. Banahaw. Intensifying public debate over the proposed wind energy project—driven by community concerns and rising questions—prompted the city to outline its actions and the limits of its authority.
In its Facebook statement, the Local Government Unit (LGU) clarified it had received only an application for locational clearance to install a meteorological mast, a temporary structure used to measure wind conditions. The Zoning Administrator denied the request due to zoning restrictions, leading the proponent to elevate the issue to the Local Zoning Board of Appeals (LZBA).
Officials stressed that even if the appeal is approved, the clearance would apply only to the temporary mast and would not allow the construction of wind turbines. They emphasized that no application or approval exists for an actual wind farm in Tayabas.
Community discussions quickly placed the issue within the country’s broader shift toward renewable energy amid growing climate pressures. Public debate soon connected the proposal to national goals encouraging cleaner and more reliable power sources.
This shift in conversation prompted questions about how the project aligns with national environmental frameworks. Residents said clearer guidance from national agencies would help the public understand the project’s long-term implications.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has repeatedly encouraged LGUs to host renewable energy projects, saying these developments can support energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuel. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), however, requires strict environmental safeguards before any Environmentally Critical Project—such as wind turbines—can move forward.
These national policies underscore the need for comprehensive assessments, legal compliance, and transparent coordination between government agencies and local communities. They also highlight the shared responsibility of both national and local leaders in protecting sensitive areas.
Growing conversations among residents tied the debate to ongoing national efforts that promote renewable energy through updated policies. The evolving narrative in Tayabas connected the concern to the Philippines’ long-term plan to expand sustainable power sources.
Environmental advocate Jay Lim, project officer of the public interest law firm and environmental group Tanggol Kalikasan, said in a November 18 interview that the meteorological mast must be viewed as part of a larger wind energy proposal. He said the project should undergo formal scoping before any preparatory activities or structures are allowed.
"Ang Met Mast po ay bahagi na ng proyekto ng pagtatayo ng Wind Turbines na Environmentally Critical Project o ECP na dapat bago itayo ay dumaan muna sa scoping. Hindi po tamang “met mast laang yan o pang testing” scoping po muna bago kayo pumayag ng magsagawa ng mga preparatory activities and structures." he said.
Lim also warned the public against repeating past mistakes tied to energy projects in Quezon amid growing regional concerns. He pointed to persistent water shortages in Pagbilao and long-standing poverty and flooding in Mauban, despite decades of hosting facilities that reportedly pay significant taxes.
“Noon ang narrative nila ay Coal Fired Power Plant ang tugon para sa kaunlaran at kahirapan. Ngayon naman ay windmills—same pa rin at may bonus pa raw na kita sa turismo, sa dami sa Quezon ng coal-fired power plants, nakinabang ba tayo kahit mura man lang na singil ng kuryente? Maniniwala pa ba tayo sa narrative nila ng kaunlaran?” he added.
Lim noted that such long-standing community experiences should guide future decisions involving large-scale energy proposals. He said these lessons remain important as communities evaluate the promises attached to emerging energy developments.
The LGU previously placed the issue within the broader context of the national shift toward renewable energy. As the country faces rising carbon emissions and heavy oil dependence, the government has expanded incentives for renewable energy while requiring stronger environmental protections.
DOE’s renewable energy roadmap and DENR’s impact assessment rules both stress that community welfare and ecological integrity must guide all project approvals. Both agencies maintain that environmental protection should outweigh short-term gains.
Tayabas officials said they support the country’s shift to renewable energy but noted that every project must undergo strict review and public consultation. They reiterated that the meteorological mast is not an Environmentally Critical Project and that its approval would not permit wind turbine construction.
It emphasized that decisions regarding the project will prioritize the welfare of Tayabas residents, the city’s land-use rules, and the protection of Mt. Banahaw. It added that safeguarding these areas preserves the city’s cultural and environmental identity.
The local government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, environmental protection, and responsible governance. It said this commitment reflects its duty to uphold public trust and protect future generations with clear long-term planning.
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