July 21, 2026 – KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, AGHAM- Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, PROPEL – Pro-People Engineers and Leaders, JPIC-Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila, and PAMILALAMU-Church and Ayta Partnership in Central Luzon officially launched the findings of the Environmental Investigative Mission (EIM) conducted from May 29–31, 2026 in the Olongapo Solar Power Project area.

The mission covered the barangays affected by the Phase 1 of Aboitiz Renewable’s Solar Project, and those that will be impacted by the proposed Phase 2 of the said project. These barangays are Santa Rita, New Cabalan, Old Cabalan, and Gordon Heights.

Technical findings showed that the loss of tree cover from the proposed construction of the Phase 2 solar farm will affect the richness of local biodiversity, including avian populations that are important for bird conservation. “As the area sits within the Olongapo Watershed Forest Reserve, clearing of the trees for the solar farm may cause problems in water supply and soil stability which may potentially lead to flooding in the downstream barangays during severe rainfall events,” said Julius Roa of PROPEL.

These environmental findings were reinforced by the socio-economic investigation, which documented how the project has deepened existing vulnerabilities in affected communities. Interviews with residents revealed loss of agricultural lands and traditional livelihoods, resulting in worsening economic insecurity.

The investigation also found violations to the Aytas’ rights to the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) processes by Aboitiz Renewables and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Heightened exposure to disaster and health risks brought about by changes in land use were also reported. “This project by Aboitiz proves that renewable energy projects are not inherently beneficial for marginalized communities if such projects operate under the same violent frameworks seen in traditional extractives,” said Funa-ay Claver, Secretary-General of KATRIBU.

Community members directly affected by the Olongapo Solar Power Project shared testimonies on the project’s impacts on their lives, livelihoods, and ancestral lands. They were joined by residents from Nueva Ecija who are experiencing similar displacement and livelihood loss due to the MTerra Solar Project, underscoring that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of large-scale renewable energy projects being imposed on communities without genuine consultation and respect for people’s rights.

The program concluded with a symbolic “pagsisibat” of the logos of Aboitiz Renewables and MTerra Solar, representing the communities’ collective rejection of destructive renewable energy projects that violate Indigenous Peoples’ rights and undermine their livelihoods in the name of so-called development and the energy transition.

Reference:
Katribu Public Information Desk
+63 969 024 4465
information@katribu.net

Watch the livestream of the media forum here.