Aeta leaders, local farmers, and advocates symbolically shoot arrows at the logos of Aboitiz Renewables and MTerra Solar during a forum in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to protest renewable energy projects they say threaten their ancestral lands, livelihoods, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights (courtesy of Katribu)
OLONGAPO CITY—An environmental investigative mission conducted by scientists, engineers, church groups, and indigenous Filipino advocates has raised concerns over the proposed expansion of the Olongapo Solar Power Project, warning of possible impacts on biodiversity, water resources, livelihoods, and the rights of Aeta communities.
The findings, released on Tuesday, came from a three-day Environmental Investigative Mission (EIM) held from May 29 to 31 in four barangays affected by the existing and proposed phases of the solar project—Santa Rita, New Cabalan, Old Cabalan, and Gordon Heights.
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The mission was led by KATRIBU or Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People), PROPEL (Pro-People Engineers and Leaders), the Catholic Church’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila, and PAMILALAMU, which is a church and Ayta partnership serving Central Luzon
Reduction of tree cover within the reserve
According to the groups, technical assessments found that the proposed Phase 2 expansion could reduce tree cover within the Olongapo Watershed Forest Reserve, potentially affecting biodiversity, including bird species considered important for 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, an engineer of PROPEL.
The groups said interviews with residents also documented the loss of agricultural lands and traditional livelihoods, which they claimed had worsened the economic situation of affected communities.
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They alleged that the project violated the Aeta communities’ right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), claiming that both Aboitiz Renewables and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) failed to comply with required consultation processes.
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“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 KATRIBU Secretary General Funa-ay Claver.
During the forum, Aeta residents and other community members shared accounts of how the project had affected their ancestral lands and livelihoods.
They were joined by residents from Nueva Ecija who raised similar concerns over Meralco Power Gen Corp’s MTerra Solar Project, saying the experiences reflected a broader pattern of large-scale renewable energy developments proceeding without meaningful consultation with host communities.
The event concluded with a symbolic removal of the logos of Aboitiz Renewables and MTerra Solar, which organizers said represented communities’ rejection of renewable energy projects they believe violate indigenous peoples’ rights and threaten local livelihoods.
The findings appear to reinforce apprehensions raised earlier by Aeta communities and farmers over the project’s proposed expansion into the Olongapo uplands.
No consultation
In earlier interviews, Aeta chieftain Trollie Romualdo said residents were surprised to learn of a 2022 resolution supporting the project’s expansion, claiming they were not consulted despite the area forming part of their 6,300-hectare Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).
He said community members began noticing survey activities in 2025 and feared losing lands that have sustained them since their displacement by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.
READ: Communities protest second phase of solar farm in Olongapo City
Farmers on Mt. Balimpuyo also warned that the expansion could displace agricultural livelihoods and worsen flooding.
Last year, at least 919 residents signed a petition urging the city government to stop the project, saying they supported renewable energy but opposed developments that they believed failed to adequately protect the environment, livelihoods and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Village officials later passed a resolution rejecting the proposed expansion.
Compliance with regulatory needs
In previous statements to the Inquirer, Aboitiz Power Corp., through its subsidiary AP Renewable Energy Corp. (APREC), said its renewable energy projects comply with all regulatory requirements.
The company said an independent flood study found the project would not worsen flooding, while tree-cutting during Phase 1 was limited and compensated through reforestation efforts.
It also said Phase 2 remains in the preliminary stage, with environmental studies still underway and no tree-cutting activities yet conducted.
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APREC also said it has invested in community development programs and maintained that it continues to engage residents while complying with environmental and social safeguards./coa