BINANGONAN, Rizal — Fisherfolk and coastal residents around Laguna de Bay staged a protest march on Saturday opposing the proposed windmill project on Talim Island, saying it threatens communities and the island’s biodiversity.
The activity, dubbed “Alay Lakad para sa Talim Island at Kalikasan,” was organized by Kapit sa Talim Environmental Advocates.
The group said more than 40,000 residents and fisherfolk from the towns of Binangonan and Cardona could be affected by the Talim Wind Power Project, which is being developed by Vena Energy and Aboitiz Renewables.
PAMALAKAYA Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo, a fisherfolk resident of Talim Island, said the project’s construction has already caused environmental impacts, including flooding in coastal communities and biodiversity loss on Mount Tagapo, a known mountain on the island.
“The construction of the windmill project on our island has already resulted in unprecedented flooding in coastal communities and biodiversity loss,” Arambulo said in a statement, alleging many trees were uprooted during site development.
The group also criticized the project, saying it mainly benefits foreign investors and local political clans that supported its approval.
Arambulo claimed there was no proper consultation with affected residents and warned of possible impacts on livelihood, environment, and community rights.
PAMALAKAYA said residents remain determined to oppose the project and push for its suspension.
The Talim Wind Power Project is part of broader renewable energy initiatives being rolled out in different parts of the country.
PAMALAKAYA, however, has been opposing what it describes as “corporate, profit-driven” renewable energy projects that they say could threaten the socio-economic rights of marginalized communities.
