Calbayog: The city government of Calbayog in Samar has expressed its opposition to the installation of wind turbines within the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), citing concerns regarding the potential impact on the city's water supply.

According to Philippines News Agency, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy clarified that while the city is not entirely against the PHP20-billion project proposed by Gemini Wind Energy Corporation (GWEC), in partnership with Singapore-based Vena Energy, they strongly object to the plan of setting up 13 of the 37 turbines within the primary watershed area.

The city council has already communicated its stance to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through a resolution highlighting their opposition to portions of the wind farm project within the 5,067.93-hectare CPHPL. This resolution calls for the restoration of the area's classification as a 'strict protection zone' after the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) reclassified it to a 'multiple-use zone,' thereby permitting renewable energy development.

The council's decision was influenced by findings from public hearings held on October 2 and 17, which revealed widespread opposition from residents, civil society groups, and various organizations. Concerns were raised about potential biodiversity loss, soil erosion, agricultural disruption, water scarcity, and even increased greenhouse gas emissions that could result from the installation of wind turbines in the watershed.

The wind farm project is part of a larger investment by the company to expand a 304-megawatt (MW) wind farm located on the border of Northern Samar and Samar provinces. This initiative is an extension of the ongoing PHP19 billion, 206MW San Isidro Wind Project, a collaborative effort among Vena Energy, Vivant Energy, and Aboitiz Renewables.

The CPHPL, known as the Calbayog Watershed, serves a critical role as a watershed and protected area near the boundary of Calbayog City in Samar and San Isidro in Northern Samar.