Renewed Tension in Calbayog: The Wind Farm Debate in Protected Landscape

Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation (SACRIFICE) President Eleen Lim has consistently maintained the organization’s opposition to the construction of wind turbines within the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), covering both the strict protection and multiple-use zones.

Following the replacement of Gemini Wind Energy Corporation (GWEC) personnel, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan introduced Vena Corporation—Asia’s largest independent renewable energy power producer—to SACRIFICE and the people of Calbayog. During this engagement, the proposal to construct five wind turbine generators within the Pan-as multiple-use zone was once again presented.

At the public hearing, Governor Tan appeared visibly irritated when asked why the CPHPL could not be granted the same level of protection afforded to the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP).

“Waray man problema ha akon kun nadiri kita. Kay kun diri ini madadayon okay manla talaga, pero an akon la point is dapat nabatian naton an ungod nga situation para we can decide objectively,” Tan said.

She emphasized that no money had been received from the ₱20-billion wind power project and clarified that she had not instructed barangay officials to endorse the proposal.

However, these statements were contradicted by officials from the host barangays, who admitted that as early as 2023 they had been directed by “higher authorities” to support the wind power project.

“If it is for the welfare of the community, why wouldn’t we support it? We have been waiting for this project,” said Punong Barangay Nestor Malwinda of Cag-anibong.

Malwinda further disclosed that he had previously spoken with a lawyer who is a member of the Samar Provincial Board, who told him that GWEC already had an agreement with the governor.

Similarly, Rebecca Hatakenaka of Barangay Manuel Barral Sr. revealed that their endorsement of the project was based on instructions from higher authorities.

“Our endorsement and support for the project came from those above us,” she said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Pilar representative Orcisino Anquilan stated that the majority of residents in their community oppose the project.

“On my part, many in Pilar are against it. Personally, I do not agree with installing the turbines. But what can we do when there are authorities higher than us? Here in Barangay Pilar, we really do not want it,” Anquilan said.

The exploratory work conducted by GWEC personnel last May within the Pan-as protected areas remains unclear to the public. This raises the question of whether these activities are the reason behind their continued push to construct wind turbines within the multiple-use zones of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL)—the very area that hosts the Calbayog watershed and serves as the city’s primary source of water.

Should the DENR grant a Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) to Vena Corporation for the installation of 5 wind turbines within CPHPL, a user fee will be collected by the agency through the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and deposited into the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF).

In relation to this, the governor stated that Calbayognons will be informed regarding the collection and implementation of the user fee.

“If any user fee is to be remitted to the national government, it should be negotiated for devolution to the PAMB, with clear guidance on how the funds will be used specifically for environmental protection and conservation—particularly in the areas where the wind turbines are installed,” she said.

With 37 wind turbine generators to be erected in Calbayog, the local government demands for the transfer of the main office to the host city, providing more employment to local residents.

SACRIFICE and other stakeholders emphasized that they are not anti-development and support wind energy projects—except when these involve the invasion and exploitation of Calbayog’s forest reserve.