(PHOTO: MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES)
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Located inside a protected watershed
TACLOBAN CITY — The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Calbayog City has taken a firm stand against the proposed construction of wind turbines inside the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), warning that the project threatens the city’s main watershed and could trigger long-term ecological damage.
In a resolution adopted on November 5, 2025 — but made public only on Wednesday, November 19 — the city council modified an earlier measure and vehemently opposed the plan of Gemini Wind Energy Corporation (GWEC) to install wind turbines within the protected area. The council urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to order GWEC and its affiliates to permanently stop all construction works inside the CPHPL.
The resolution also demanded the restoration of the original “strict protection zone” of the protected landscape before it was reclassified by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) into a “multiple-use zone,” which opened the door for renewable energy development.
The measure received a unanimous vote from Vice Mayor Rex Daguman and all attending councilors.
According to the city council, findings from public hearings held on October 2 and October 17 showed broad opposition from residents, civil society organizations, and people’s organizations, all expressing concern that the construction of wind turbines in the protected watershed could lead to biodiversity loss, increased greenhouse gases, soil erosion, agricultural disruption, and water scarcity.
During the October 17 hearing, Calbayog Mayor Raymund Uy reiterated his strong opposition to the project and denied supporting PAMB’s zoning reclassification that allegedly enabled GWEC’s entry.
The proposal has been a divisive issue in Calbayog since it was revealed that 37 wind turbines are planned within city territory, 13 of which fall inside the CPHPL. The P20-billion Gemini Wind Power Project, led by Singapore-based Vena Energy through its subsidiary GWEC, intends to install 38 turbines across 13 barangays in Calbayog and two barangays in San Isidro, Northern Samar to generate 304 megawatts.
Opposition groups — including Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation Inc. (SACRIFICE), Region 8 Media Citizen Council, religious organizations, heritage advocates, medical professionals, and civic groups — filed written objections warning of irreversible environmental and social consequences.
Vena Energy, in a press statement issued on October 15, asserted that the project “fully adheres to laws, policies, and scientific principles governing renewable energy and protected areas,” citing the E-NIPAS law that permits environmentally sound renewable energy projects within Multiple-Use Zones subject to evaluation and PAMB approval.
The CPHPL is considered an ecologically critical area with dense forests, abundant freshwater sources, and diverse wildlife. It includes the Pan-as Falls and Hayiban Watershed — the main source of potable water for Calbayog City and nearby towns — and serves as a key eco-tourism destination.
The city council ordered the immediate distribution of the resolution to DENR, ERC, GWEC, Malacañang, the House Speaker, and the Senate President. Copies will also be provided to groups that opposed the project for information and monitoring.
With the resolution now in effect, the Calbayog local government indicated that it will pursue “all lawful means available” to protect the watershed and ensure the long-term security of the city’s water supply.
JOEY A. GABIETA
