Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has expressed support for the call of the Bishop of Laoag, Renato Mayugba, for careful discernment regarding the proposed offshore wind farm development, emphasizing the need for a balanced and evidence-based evaluation before the project moves forward.
The governor said renewable energy projects have the potential to contribute to economic growth, energy security, and climate action.
However, she stressed that these benefits should be carefully weighed against possible impacts on coastal communities, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
“To a certain extent, I agree with Bishop Mayugba. I also ask the offshore company to be a little bit discerning because all the studies presented were done abroad. Our wind is different from theirs,” she said in an interview, adding that the proposed site is also located just in front of the 4th Marine Brigade, which would infringe on national security should floating windmills be installed in the area.
The governor’s reaction came in the wake of Mayugba’s pastoral letter, which has been circulating across parishes in the province this week. A public forum about the project is set for July 17, but for some reason, it was announced as cancelled on Tuesday.
“Rest assured that we will inform the general public regarding the new schedule,” said the local government unit of Burgos in a statement.
In a separate interview, Burgos town mayor Crescente Garcia admitted that there are fishermen in his town opposing the project without comprehensive studies, technical assessments, and public consultations. He hopes that all these concerns will be given proper consideration during the public forum.
The Diocese also raised concerns that the proposed installation of offshore wind turbines could affect traditional fishing grounds, restrict access to coastal waters, and potentially impact marine biodiversity that sustains thousands of fishing families in the province.
BuhaWind Energy’s investment aims to develop and operate a 2,000-megawatt offshore wind farm in the waters of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud, with a commercial target operation by 2028 to 2030. (PNA)