Progressive national minority groups, environmental defenders, and scientists launched an environmental investigation mission (EIM) from May 28 to 30 into the impact of Aboitiz Renewable Inc.’s Olongapo Solar Power Project on communities in Zambales. Participants in the mission included Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines), Ayta Pamilalamu, Agham–Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Tunay na Alyansa ng Bayan Alay sa Katutubo, Kabataan Para sa Tribung Pilipino, and Siklab Philippine Indigenous Youth Network.

The initial assessment shows the company’s clear, blatant violations of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. Community members said no genuine consultations were held with affected Ayta communities. Only select leaders and officials were consulted, while the whole community was excluded from decision-making. Residents said the project and its impacts were not properly explained to them.

The project covers ancestral lands of Ayta Amianan and Ayta Ambala. Mount Balimpuyo which is a key part of Olongapo City’s lifeways, and the Sta. Rita River which is vital to the local ecosystem and the communities’ reliable water source are also affected.

Residents reported many problems even during Phase 1. They cited the project’s harmful environmental and economic effects, false promises, questionable permit acquisition, and violations of Indigenous rights. Reports also documented coercion and deceit to force Indigenous people to sell portions of their ancestral land for the project.

Once the project started, residents now walk more than three hours instead of one to deliver their sweet potatoes, bananas, and ginger to market. Residents noted intense warming that harmed their crops during droughts. They also reported shrinking rivers, drying springs, and parched farmland.

“Renewable energy is important for the transition from fossil fuels and for confronting the climate crisis…but it cannot be considered ‘development’ when it destroys the environment, evicts residents, and violates the rights of the indigenous peoples,” the groups explained.