Olongapo residents oppose tree-cutting for solar project

Residents of Barangay Sta. Rita in Olongapo City have expressed opposition to the cutting of trees for a solar power project in a mountainous area, citing risks of flooding and landslides.

According to Chino Gaston’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” the 100-hectare solar power project managed by Aboitiz Power Corp. is expected to generate 221 megawatts.

However, more than 900 residents signed a petition opposing the project’s phase 2, which is reportedly set to cover the peak of Mt. Balimpuyo, where many of their homes are located at the foot of the mountain.

“Pinaglalaban po namin yung kaligtasan naming mga mamamayan ng Olongapo. Ang phase one po pinutol ang mga puno kasi lalatagan ng solar panel. Pag pinutol po nila mga dekadang puno na siyang sumisipsip ng tubig at nagpaaptibay ng lupa, paano po kaming mamamayan ng Olongapo, baka lumubog po kami,” resident Marilou Dabon said.

(We’re fighting for the safety of Olongapo residents. They cut trees during phase 1 to lay out the solar panels. If they cut the decade-old trees that absorbed water and strengthened the soil, Olongapo could be submerged in floodwater.)

According to Project Noah’s flood hazard map, the surroundings of Mt. Balimpuyo are marked red, indicating a high risk of flooding.

Olongapo City has also experienced high-level floods, rockslides, and landslides in recent years.

“Kung yan ay bubuksan ng mga kapitalistang dayuhan na magtatayo ng solar dyan, kami pong nasa laylayan ang maaapektuhan. Pag di na kaya yun po ay maglalandslide. Meron nga dyan sa amin nagulungan ng bato kaya kung maari po sana ay mapigilan,” resident Mario Muega said.

(If a foreign capitalist builds solar panels there, we will be the ones affected. A landslide will occur if the soil cannot handle it. Someone was struck by rocks, so if possible, we hope it can be prevented.)

Another resident noted that many fruit-bearing trees have already been planted on the mountain, serving as a source of livelihood for the community.

Olongapo City Mayor Kaye Ann Legaspi said she is not opposed to renewable energy projects like solar farms, but not at the expense of residents’ safety and well-being.

She added that the local government approved phase 1 of the project in the belief that it would not harm the environment.

Legaspi also said that the municipal council has yet to receive any documents regarding phase 2, aside from advice to conduct a public scoping.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources declined to comment, noting that phase 2 is still at the scoping stage.

In a statement, Aboitiz said it acknowledges residents’ concerns about tree cutting and potential flooding, but since the project is still in its initial phase, no trees have been cut yet.

The company added that its studies indicate phase 2 will not contribute additional water to the Olongapo River and that it is taking various measures to ensure the safety of the site and nearby communities.

According to Aboitiz, no electricity generated from the solar farm will go directly to Olongapo City.

However, the local government will still earn revenue through real property and business taxes over the 25-year lifespan of the project, in addition to the national taxes paid on the electricity sold by the company.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News