Fisherfolk in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, launched a fluvial parade on April 20 as part of their opposition to the planned construction of the BuhaWind Offshore Windfarm along the coast of Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) expressed support for the fisherfolk and residents’ resistance.

According to data from registered fisherfolk of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, this project will adversely affect up to 6,339 fisherfolk from four municipalities in Ilocos Norte. This does not include the unregistered fisherfolk.

The project is a 2,000-MW floating windmill costing ₱360 billion. It is a project of Danish energy company Copenhagen Energy and PetroGreen Energy Corporation, owned by PetroEnergy Resources Corporation of the Yuchengcos. The windfarm will be built 1-18 kilometers from the shoreline at a depth of 80-800 meters.

Under the company’s plan, fisherfolk will be prohibited to fish in the area during the three-year construction of the windfarm. Even after construction, fisherfolk may still be prohibited from approaching within a 50-meter radius around the wind turbines, which will restrict their fishing grounds.

“This means the loss of traditional fishing grounds for fisherfolk. We recognize the importance of alternative energy sources to replace commonly polluting and unsustainable fossil fuels, but this should not violate the rights of fisherfolk and the environment,” Pamalakaya vice chairperson and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Ronnel Arambulo said.

Ilocos Norte environmental group Saluadan added that aside from massive livelihood loss, the project also threatens environmental destruction. A study indicates the project will cause underwater noise pollution, damage to natural fish habitats, and potential impacts on fish populations and other marine resources.

The group stated, “Ilocos Norte has long been a hub for renewable energy, but its residents have not benefited.” Based on the province’s experience, electricity generated by wind and solar farms goes directly to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and is sold at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), where large corporations benefit more than the public.

In a dialogue with the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC), the Samahan Para sa Reporma ng Kooperatiba (SPARK) stated that the province’s electricity demand is only 60 MW, far below the thousands of MW produced by windmills. “If they truly want to fulfill their promise of lowering electricity rates, they can do so,” Saluadan said.

The group demand that the government prioritize public welfare over projects focused on big businesses’ profits. “Instead of displacing fisherfolk and destroying marine resources, the government should focus on providing meaningful support to fisherfolk–including modern fishing equipment and programs that genuinely strengthen their livelihoods,” it declared.

Saluadan added that genuine development should not require sacrificing people’s livelihoods and the environment. “We will not allow our province to be sacrificed for the profit of foreign entities and big businesses,” the group asserted.