16/10/2025
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STOP THE DESTRUCTION OF PAN-AS HAYIBAN!🚨
Pan-as Hayiban is more than just a beautiful landscape, it is a Protected watershed, formally designated under Proclamation No. 1158, s. 1998 which is now repealed by (R.A 11038). The CPHPL, officially declared a Protected Landscape under this Act, is primarily and critically important as the main watershed that supplies clean water to the entire Calbayog City Water District.
The E-NIPAS Act's purpose is to grant these areas the highest legal protection to ensure the perpetual existence of essential ecological services, like providing water, and safeguarding unique biodiversity. The construction of the wind farm, which involves clearing old-growth forest, drilling for massive turbines, and building new access roads on steep terrain, directly threatens to violate this legal mandate. Such large-scale industrial activity risks causing severe erosion, landslides, and contamination of the city's water supply, undermining the very life-support function that R.A. 11038 was designed to secure for present and future generations of Filipinos.
Therefore, local advocates argue that allowing the project sets a dangerous precedent that nullifies the legal protections afforded to all legislated protected areas in the country. This legal declaration was made precisely to safeguard its unique biodiversity, rich ecosystems, and crucial environmental services for future generations.
Imagine our shock and disbelief to learn that Vena Energy is reportedly seeking permits, or may have already been granted one, to operate a wind power project within this very protected area! This raises serious questions and alarms:
🚨 How could a permit be issued for a designated Protected Natural Area
This directly contradicts the very purpose of Proclamation No. 1158
🚨Is "development" now more important than "environmental preservation"?
We are facing a critical crossroads where the long-term health of our environment is being sacrificed for short-term industrial gain.
🚨What about the irreversible damage?
Construction of wind turbines, access roads, and supporting infrastructure will inevitably lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, disruption of ecological balance, and potential harm to migratory birds and other wildlife that call Pan-as Hayiban home.
While we support the move towards renewable energy, it must not come at the cost of our most sacred natural sanctuaries.Green energy should not destroy green spaces. There are countless other locations where wind power can be developed without encroaching on legally protected and ecologically sensitive areas.
We are calling on all concerned citizens, environmental advocates, and government agencies to:
1. Investigate immediately the alleged permits issued to Vena Energy.
2. Revoke any existing permits that allow operations within Pan-as Hayiban Protected Area.
3. Uphold and strictly enforce Proclamation No. 1158 to ensure the integrity of our protected areas.
Juskoo! The future of Pan-as Hayiban hangs in the balance. We cannot allow "development" to become a euphemism for environmental destruction.
Join us in saying a resounding "NO!" to the wind power project in Pan-as Hayiban!
Sign up for signature campaign thru this link: https://tinyurl.com/2aezasw9
(PS: Edited- Added important infos)
