Olongapo council urges community approval for solar farm expansion

January 17, 2026 | 6:08pm

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — The Olongapo City council has called on developers to secure the acceptance of residents before moving forward with the second phase of a P15-billion solar power project planned in Barangay Sta. Rita.

The project proponent, Aboitiz Renewables Inc., is seeking to expand its existing 221-megawatt solar farm built at Barangay New Cabalan last year through its subsidiary AP Renewable Energy Corp. (APREC). The Phase 2 expansion aims to add a 179-megawatt facility at Mount Balimpuyo, Barangay Sta. Rita, with an estimated cost of P7.6 billion.

In a session of the Sangguninang Panlungsod on January 12, Vice Mayor Kaye Ann Legaspi pointed out that the council cannot conduct an official public hearing on the project because of a resolution of objection passed by Barangay Sta. Rita, where the Phase 2 project is planned to be located.

“We recommend to Aboitiz that you go back to Step 1,” Legaspi said during the council session. 

“Go to those you have to consult with, do public scoping, and go back to the barangay. Because at the end of the day, if you won’t convince the barangay, you can’t elevate the matter to the level of the Sanggunian,” she further advised.

However, the host barangay passed a resolution on Dec. 1, 2025, which rejected APREC’s bid to build a solar facility on Mount Balimpuyo. It also urged the city government and regulatory agencies “to reconsider, review and deny any application or permit” for the solar power project. 

In rejecting the project, the barangay pointed out possible negative impacts, including environmental degradation and destruction of natural resources; flooding, soil erosion, and alteration of natural drainage systems; negative impact on agricultural lands and food security; health and safety hazards to nearby residents; and disruption of community livelihood and residential areas.

In the January 12 session of the Sanggunian, Councilor Vic-Vic Magsaysay pointed out that public apprehension on the project largely came about because of lack of information from the proponent. He also said the company must first resolve issues on the Phase 1 project before it may proceed with the proposed expansion.

ARI Vice President for Engineering and Execution Cris Alidon clarified that the Phase 2 project is still in its initial stage, with the public scoping conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Sta. Rita last November 21 as the first step in the process.

“Categorically, there has not been any development for Phase 2 as yet. There has not been any tree-cutting, and we have not even applied for a permit,” Alidon said.

Alidon made a similar presentation before the media last Friday, January 9, at the Subic Bay Freeport, saying the way Aboitiz implemented the Phase 1 project would give the public an idea of how Phase 2 would come about.

According to Alidon, Aboitiz set a non-invasive development approach for Phase 1, with the natural contour of the slope left as it was to allow grass to grow under the panels to help retain moisture and prevent erosion.

He said that while a total of 1,781 trees were cut for the project to allow access and establish boundary to prevent grass fires, only 6.3% of these were considered large (from 65 to 135 centimeters in diameter). He added that they planted tree saplings in locations approved by the DENR at a ratio of 100 for each tree cut, which is double the required 50 saplings for replacement.

The Aboitiz official also emphasized that their company conducts monitoring of ambient air and noise level, as well as surface water sampling at the project site twice a year in compliance with DENR requirements.

Alidon said that Mt. Balimpuyo is the ideal site for Phase 2, as it would allow efficient connectivity with Phase 1 and other renewable energy sites in Zambales through the NGCP substation in Castillejos town. “This will also optimize land area and minimize impact,” he said. 

In the same forum, ARI Solar Power Development Manager Mikaela Buendia said they will take every opportunity to convince the host barangay to reconsider its position on the project.