Fisherfolk, Residents Protest Talim Island Wind Project Over Environmental Concerns
- May 15, 2026
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Fisherfolk and coastal residents surrounding Laguna de Bay staged a protest march against the proposed Talim Wind Power Project, raising concerns over alleged environmental damage, flooding, and the possible displacement of communities on Talim Island in Rizal province.
The protest activity, dubbed “Alay Lakad para sa Talim Island at Kalikasan,” was organized by Kapit sa Talim Environmental Advocates and drew residents and fisherfolk from the towns of Binangonan and Cardona. Protesters said the renewable energy project threatens the island’s biodiversity and the livelihood of thousands of people dependent on Laguna de Bay.
The 218.75 megawatt (MW) Talim Wind Power Project is being developed by Vena Energy and Aboitiz Renewables as part of the country’s broader push toward renewable energy development.
Concerns Over Flooding And Biodiversity Loss
According to the protest organizers, more than 40,000 residents and fisherfolk could be affected by the wind energy project once construction activities intensify.
PAMALAKAYA Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo, who also resides on Talim Island, claimed that initial construction and site development activities have already resulted in environmental impacts in nearby communities.
“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.
He alleged that several trees were uprooted during the site preparation phase, contributing to environmental degradation on Mount Tagapo, one of the island’s known natural landmarks and hiking destinations.
Arambulo said residents have observed changes in the island’s terrain and drainage systems following ongoing development activities tied to the project. He warned that continued construction could further affect coastal villages vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains and rising lake levels.
Consultation Process
The protesters also questioned the consultation process conducted for the project, claiming that affected communities were not properly informed or consulted before the development moved forward.
According to PAMALAKAYA and local advocates, many residents remain uncertain about the long-term effects of the wind project on fishing grounds, livelihoods, and access to natural resources around the island.
The group also criticized what it described as the growing involvement of foreign investors and political interests in large-scale renewable energy projects. Protesters alleged that economic gains from the project would primarily benefit investors and local political clans rather than communities directly affected by the development.
Arambulo said residents are continuing to call for the suspension of the project while environmental and social concerns are being raised by stakeholders on the island.
Local Resistance
The Talim Wind Power Project forms part of the government’s broader renewable energy agenda aimed at increasing the share of cleaner energy sources in the country’s power mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
However, resistance from some local communities has emerged in several areas hosting large renewable energy projects, particularly where concerns over land use, environmental impact, and community participation have been raised.
PAMALAKAYA has repeatedly opposed what it described as “corporate, profit-driven” renewable energy developments that, according to the group, could undermine the socio-economic rights of marginalized sectors such as fisherfolk and rural residents.
Despite the opposition, the project remains among the renewable energy developments being pursued in Luzon as investors continue expanding wind and solar capacity in line with the country’s clean energy transition goals.
Source:
https://www.unitednews.net.ph/en/article.php?post=121548
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/01/12/646127/doe-forecasts-2025-new-capacity-at-6841-mw/
