In Calbayog City

TACLOBAN CITY – The five wind turbines originally planned within the protected watershed of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) have been cancelled, a move hailed by city officials and environmental advocates as a major step in safeguarding the city’s primary water source and biodiversity.

In a post on his official social media account, City Mayor Raymund Uy confirmed that Vena Corporation decided to scrap the installation of five turbines inside the CPHPL following months of dialogue and advocacy from the Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation (SACRIFICE) and other civil society groups.

The wind energy project—spearheaded by Singapore-based Vena Energy through its local subsidiary, Gemini Wind Energy Corp.—involves the construction of 37 wind turbines across parts of Calbayog City in Samar and the neighboring town of San Isidro in Northern Samar.
Of the 37 turbines, 13 were initially proposed to be located within the CPHPL, a declared protected area since 1988 and currently covered under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018. The law enforces strict zoning regulations to preserve ecologically critical areas, including watersheds.

Mayor Uy emphasized that while the project has national significance and could transform the region into a renewable energy hub, environmental protection remains non-negotiable.
“Renewable energy must be pursued responsibly, with ecological stability and scientific rigor,” Uy said, stressing that development should not compromise the city’s watershed and long-term environmental security.

During the Sangguniang Panlungsod session on Feb. 24, Nichael Joseph Muncal, senior manager for project development of Vena Corporation, presented an updated technical layout as part of the company’s request for a Resolution of No Objection (RONO). The revised plan relocates certain turbines outside the strict protection zone.
However, experts urged caution.

University professor Phil Harold Mercurio called for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), detailed hydrological mapping, and a biodiversity audit to ensure that the project will not pose risks to communities and ecosystems.

Eleen Lim, president of SACRIFICE, stressed that climate mitigation efforts must not come at the expense of local environmental stability and insisted that the company must strictly avoid CPHPL boundaries.

The P20-billion project is expected to generate 304 megawatts of renewable power—far exceeding Calbayog’s current estimated energy demand of around 20 megawatts—positioning the city as a potential renewable energy hub in Eastern Visayas.

Despite its scale and economic promise, local officials maintained that environmental safeguards will remain paramount as discussions on the project move forward.

(JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T. AMAZONA )

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents and farmers in Burauen, Leyte are now benefiting from safer and smoother travel following the completion of the rehabilitation of the Burauen–Mahagnao Road.

The project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, involved the reblocking of 8,696.01 square meters of road pavement with the installation of new markings. The improvement covers portions of the road in Barangays Bolao and Cansiboy in Burauen and was carried out under the Asset Preservation Maintenance Program for Tertiary Roads.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the upgraded road enhances public safety, facilitates easier transport for residents and farmers, minimizes vehicle damage, and improves access for visitors, ultimately supporting local businesses and economic activity.
Barangay Councilor Adelina Portillo Morbos recalled the difficulties they faced before the road improvement and expressed gratitude to the DPWH for the project.

“Before our road was improved, it was very difficult for us to pass because it was rough, full of potholes, and rocky. Our students struggled to travel to the town proper, and transporting our products such as coconut, abaca, and vegetables was also a challenge. Now, our road is in good condition. We are very thankful to the DPWH for giving us such a well-improved road. Thank you very much,” Morbos said.

The DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office said it remains committed to implementing infrastructure projects that enhance road safety, strengthen local livelihoods, and improve access to essential services for communities.

The road project was funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act with a total allocation of P19,599,377.56 and was undertaken by Just In Enterprises.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)