On June , the Sorsogon City Council nullified and voided the Barangay Abuyog certification of no objection to the construction of a National Grid Power Corporation (NGCP) substation in their community.

Barangay Abuyog Residents have been opposed to the planned 320KV substation’s construction in their area for the last several years because of its potential effects on their water source and livelihood. Despite this, the barangay chief issued a certification claiming that no one had objected to the plan.

The council hearing revealed that the consultation process with residents regarding the plan bypassed proper procedure. Barangay captain Reynaldo Palabay said NGCP representatives told him to invite residents for the consultation only verbally. Only ten residents attended the actual gathering aside from barangay officials and NGCP personnel. The resolution favoring the project was based on this small meeting.

NGCP began constructing towers and clearing the planned substation site in the barangay in April.

Residents protested by gathering 700 signatures opposing the project.

A resident and leader of the Abuyog residents’ struggle Atty. Ferdinant Laguna appealed for NGCP to relocate the project to one suitable for their needs. He asserted that building the substation on agricultural land violates the zoning ordinance.

“We will not surrender our fight because this is for the next generation. The issue here is people’s livelihood, water, so our struggle continues,” Atty. Laguna said.