Mayor Vows Stoppage of Calbayog Wind Project if a Single Life is Lost

Posted on June 25, 2026 at 8:41 am

CALBAYOG CITY — Raising urgent safety and equity concerns, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy issued a stern warning to developers of a proposed 37-turbine wind energy project, vowing to immediately halt operations if a single local life is compromised during construction.

Speaking before a packed crowd at a public hearing conducted on April 22 at the Calbayog Convention Center, Mayor Uy recalled the severe vulnerabilities of Calbayog City, which is battered by an average of 19 typhoons annually. He highlighted chronic flooding flashpoints along major waterways, including the Bugtong, Caglanipao, Peña, and Malaga rivers.

“Even without disturbing our forest areas, we are already suffering from heavy flooding,” Mayor Uy pointed out, stressing that the scope of current environmental studies remains dangerously narrow. “This discussion shouldn’t just revolve around forests and endangered species. The people in the community must be central to the study.”

Human Lives Over CSR Promises

The local chief executive expressed grave concern for vulnerable coastal and riverside communities situated directly along the project’s path. He questioned whether comprehensive infrastructure mitigation measures are actually in place to protect these households from catastrophic flooding during severe weather events.

While project proponents have highlighted community benefits under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agreement, Mayor Uy questioned the utility of financial incentives in the face of life-threatening risks.

“When a severe typhoon hits and causes massive flooding, we cannot guarantee that the people will even be around to receive those benefits,” the Mayor argued.

“Is it right to prioritize what they will gain over their actual safety?”

Zero-Casualty Ultimatum

Taking a hardline stance on local protection, Mayor Uy declared a zero-casualty policy for the duration of the energy project.

“Even if you possess complete documentation and permits, if a single resident of Calbayog becomes a victim due to the direct impact of your operations, I will order a total stoppage of your construction,” Uy stated firmly.

The Mayor also vented frustrations over the lack of direct benefits for the host city. He revealed that despite hosting 37 wind turbines, Calbayog will not retain any of the power generated, as the energy is slated to be transmitted elsewhere.

“We won’t even benefit from the electricity because it will be passed on to other regions. We only asked for two turbines to sustain Calbayog’s needs, and yet they couldn’t even give us that,” Uy said.

Closing the public hearing with a heavy challenge to his fellow local officials, the Mayor warned that rushing approvals without meticulous scrutiny would be a grave mistake: “This will weigh heavily on the conscience of Calbayog’s leaders if we do not deliberate on this carefully and study it thoroughly.”

Photo courtesy: Calbayog City Information