Quezon Province is poised for a significant shift, with the Department of Energy (DOE) announcing more than twenty proposed wind turbine projects within its borders.
The Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) is propelling Quezon toward becoming a center for renewable energy.
However, this change is sparking both enthusiastic backing and pointed criticism from local leaders and the community.
Pagbilao: Welcoming Investment, but with Reservations
Pagbilao's local officials are navigating a delicate balance: encouraging investment while remaining vigilant.
During a recent Sangguniang Bayan meeting, Alternergy Holdings Corporation unveiled its Tayabas and Pagbilao South Wind Energy Project.
The project entails the construction of a wind farm with a capacity of 184 megawatts. This will be achieved using 23 turbines, strategically placed across designated barangays in both Pagbilao and Tayabas.
Those behind the project detailed how wind resource mapping guided the site's selection, and they're currently evaluating the area to confirm it's a safe distance from populated areas and environmentally delicate zones.
The proposed location is more than ten kilometers from Mount Banahaw, safely outside the protected zone. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, following rigorous technical and environmental studies.
Vice Mayor Walter Dapla voiced his support for the project.
"Malinaw po ang aking paninindigan na bagama’t kinikilala ko ang halaga ng development at ang positibong dulot ng mga pamumuhunan sa ekonomiya ng Pagbilao, mas mahalaga pa ring unahin ang kalusugan, maging ang Inang kalikasan, at timbangin din ang kapakanan ng buong Pagbilaowin," Dapla said.
He did, however, recognize the considerable trade-offs these initiatives could demand, particularly concerning land and natural resources. Moreover, he stressed the importance of comprehensive public consultation.
He added that consultations must be conducted as often as necessary to fully hear and address the concerns of the community before moving forward.
Mayor Piwa's Firm Stance for the Environment
In contrast, Tayabas City under Mayor Anthony “Kuya Piwa” Lim has adopted a firm stance against the wind projects.
Through Resolution No. 25-485, the city government has blocked similar initiatives over concerns about their potential to harm critical watersheds and Mt. Banahaw.
The Tayabas community opposed the wind turbines, expressing their approval of the mayor's pledge to safeguard the "mountain foothills."
Quezonin appeals
Public worries center on the potential for lasting harm to underground water sources, a consequence of turbine construction.
They're also concerned about the possibility of extensive deforestation to accommodate machinery and roadways, along with the impact on the biodiversity and delicate ecosystem of Mt. Banahaw.
The discussion has ignited a flurry of responses online, showcasing a broad range of perspectives.
Some people have expressed skepticism about the expected benefits.
"Pass, haha. Iilang tao lang ang makikinabang nyan. Ang perwisyo ay pangkalahatan. Di namura ang koryente sa sobrang patong-patong na tax na napupunta lamang sa bulsa ng matatakaw na buwaya," JunJun Rosales said.
JunJun Rosales remarked.
Jhun Merluza Orinday, however, saw things differently.
"Mas ok yan kaysa solar. Daming nawalang sakahang lupa sa Pagbilao," Orinday remarked.
These statements underscore a mix of skepticism and frustration, revealing the intricate nature of evaluating various renewable energy projects and their effects on local farming and land utilization.
Advocates for Tayabas City's environmental policies have also made their voices heard.
Many residents have voiced strong support for Tayabas City's stance against wind projects.
Lora Abordo expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much, Mayor Piwa Lim.”
Sharing a similar view with emphasis on environmental protection, another resident, Bng AL, remarked, "Salute to our mayor."
“Salamat sa matalinong desisyon mula sa aming Mayor ng Lungsod kaugnay ng pagtatayo ng wind turbine sa laylayan ng bundok na nasasakupan ng Tayabas. Sumaiyo ang pag-iingat ng Makapangyarihang Diyos," Proceso Rama added.
Alabat Island: The Initial Move in 2025
As discussions persist on the mainland, work has already begun on Alabat Island.
The Alabat Wind Power Project, a 64-megawatt venture with a ₱5.3 billion investment, is currently under construction and will start generating power by the end of 2025.
This initial project represents a key advancement in Quezon's goal of becoming a frontrunner in clean energy.
Wind power projects are popping up all over the province, each one at a different point in its evolution.
Central Quezon is home to several initiatives, including Tayabas North and South, Banahaw Wind in Sariaya and Tayabas, and the Pagbilao and Lucena onshore and offshore projects, along with Tayabas Bay.
Further north, in Northern Quezon, you'll find Real and Mauban’s onshore and offshore sites, Viento Power, Lamon Bay, and the Panukulan Turbine.
Southern Quezon is where the Ilosong Wind project runs from Atimonan to Lopez, along with the Tagkawayan Wind and the Mulanay Wind Farm.
Quezon Province now faces a pivotal moment, weighing the pressing demand for affordable power against the obligation to safeguard its natural assets.
Pagbilao and Tayabas agree: progress is good, but not if it harms the environment and future generations.
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