Tayabas City clarifies no permit issued for wind turbine near Mt. Banahaw

By Nimfa L. Estrellado A mountain wind installation, comparable to ACEN Corp.’s wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, reflects the growing in...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

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 formal statement posted on Facebook, the Local Government Unit (LGU) led by Mayor Anthony “Piwa” Lim said it received only an application for locational clearance to install a meteorological mast, a temporary structure used to measure wind speed and direction for study. The Zoning Administrator denied the request due to zoning restrictions, prompting the proponent to elevate the matter to the Local Zoning Board of Appeals (LZBA).



It stated 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. It added 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 people 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 full environmental study and clear coordination between national agencies and local authorities. They also emphasize shared accountability in protecting sensitive landscapes like Mt. Banahaw.

Growing conversations among residents tied the issue to ongoing national efforts to 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.

Lim 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.

Lim added that these lessons should guide future decisions involving large-scale energy proposals and push communities to be more cautious about promises of economic gains.

The LGU led by Mayor Lim earlier explained that Tayabas supports the country’s transition to cleaner energy, but every project must comply with environmental laws and undergo meaningful public consultation. They reiterated that the meteorological mast is not an Environmentally Critical Project and that its approval would not automatically authorize wind turbine construction.

Mayor Lim assured residents that all discussions and actions related to the proposal will be guided by public interest and strong environmental protections. He said decisions will prioritize residents’ welfare, the city’s land-use policies, and the protection of Mt. Banahaw.

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 careful, long-term development planning.