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A 70-megawatt (MW) solar power facility is planned for the coastal village of Paguludan-Salindeg in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, aiming to support the country’s shift away from fossil fuels.
The Ilocos Norte provincial board unanimously approved a resolution on March 10, backing Astra Solar Energy Corporation’s application for a solar energy operating contract from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) also approved a resolution allowing Governor Matthew Manotoc to formalize an agreement with Astra Solar for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. These initiatives include donating 2,770 monobloc chairs and providing medicines for senior citizens.
For over a decade, the SP has been mandating that investors present their CSR initiatives before receiving official endorsement.
Provincial Board Member Franklin Dante Respicio stated that the solar project will boost local energy production while diversifying energy sources. He added that it will generate “not only power, but also jobs, revenue, livelihood, and attraction to thousands of curious tourists.”
(Also read: Tera7 Commits P17.62B to Build Solar Power Facility in Pangasinan)
Balancing growth with environmental responsibility
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has received an application from Astra Solar for a 50-hectare Forest Land Use Agreement.
But after assessing the site, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) recommended using only 20 hectares for the project, as the remaining 30 hectares contain windbreak trees that should be preserved to protect the community from climate change impacts.
Roger Ruadap, officer-in-charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, explained, “There are numerous trees, about 30,000 in estimate will be cut if the FLAG area will be approved.”
He further explained that the 30-hectare forest area is home to trees like coconut, mahogany, and agoho, which were planted by the Batac Farmers Association under a lease agreement in 2015. He emphasized the need for a balance between development and environmental preservation.
Locals worry about losing important woodlands that help sustain the ecosystem, purify the air, and benefit the community. Many fear deforestation could increase the town’s risk of natural disasters like tropical storms and rising sea levels.
However, Astra’s General Manager, Mia Jarumayan, assured during the SP session deliberation that the company would comply with all regulations outlined in the FLAG once approved.
(Also read: IPPs Commit to Rapid Outage Resolution)
Previous solar project in Currimao
This isn’t Currimao’s first solar project; in 2023, it welcomed a multi-million-dollar solar plant that began commercial operations.
Nuevo Solar Energy Corp. (NSEC) developed an 83.3-MW solar project in Currimao. In 2022, MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen) and Vena Energy, a major independent power producer in the Asia-Pacific, formed NSEC to oversee the development, construction, and operation of a larger solar facility. This project, spanning approximately 24 hectares of forestland, was built next to Vena’s existing 20-MW solar farm in the town.
Local communities also benefited from NSEC’s CSR initiatives. These include job creation, reforestation efforts, rural electrification, scholarship programs, and disaster relief assistance.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1245751
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1066330338843045&id=100063982662182&_rdr