CLEAN AND SUSTAINABLE | The wind farms in Burgos town, llocos Norte province, are among the country’s sources of clean energy, which the Marcos administration has committed to support and develop. Communities near the wind turbines, or “windmills,” have seen tourism activities blossom as people start visiting these coastal areas. (Photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon)
TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to push for renewable energy projects to fill the gap in the country’s energy demand should not be at the peril of the environment and indigenous peoples (IPs), according to an Apayao province-based organization, Kabugao Youth.
In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, the president said the government would increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, geothermal, and solar and wind, to cushion the impact of climate change.
“For the welfare of our people, it is incumbent upon us to lessen our vulnerability. Studies show that many areas in the Philippines are already at high risk from the rise in sea levels brought about by the increase in global temperature. We must adapt to this phenomenon with disaster-proof urban planning,” Marcos said in his speech.
But Kabugao Youth said energy projects, such as hydropower, have been proven “more destructive” to IPs and their resources.
“Previous and current renewable energy projects in the country also created a cycle of abuse against IP rights,” it said in a statement on Monday.
Community clearance
Kabugao Youth, composed of students and young professionals in Kabugao town, has been opposing the ongoing plan to build two large hydropower plants in Apayao, the 150-megawatt Gened 1 and the 335-MW Gened 2.
The P19.8-billion dam projects involved the construction of hydropower plants along the 175-kilometer Apayao-Abulog River.
A certification precondition has already been issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for the project.
But Kabugao Youth and other groups opposing the hydropower plants alleged that there were “anomalies and flaws” in securing clearance from IPs living in affected areas. A certification precondition states that “free, prior and informed consent,” or FPIC, has been obtained from the concerned IPs.
“We reiterate our stand against large renewable energy projects, such as the Gened dams in Apayao,” Kabugao Youth said.
Instead, the group said the government should focus on alternative solutions, such as mini hydro power plants and solar and wind power options.
Noting that Marcos won in Apayao in the May polls, Kabugao Youth is hoping that the president would help them, fearing the dam project would displace IP communities and cause irreversible damage to the environment in the area.
Bataan nuke plant
In Bataan province, the group that opposed the construction and operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant during the term of Mr. Marcos’ father and namesake said the incumbent President was “inconsistent” in his administration’s energy program.
David Honra, secretary general of the Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement, said Marcos was “not being consistent when he said he would be prioritizing renewable [sources of energy] while at the same time urging the use of nuclear energy.”
“If we really want a sustainable source, it’s best to concentrate on renewable energy sources instead of other dirty and dangerous sources like [nuclear power plants],” Honra told the Inquirer in a chat message.
—REPORTS FROM KARLSTON LAPNITEN AND TONETTE OREJAS
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