Relocate wind turbines, Antipolo mayor urges DENR, energy firm

2026-01-26 - 23:34

MANILA, Philippines – Antipolo Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III urged renewable energy developer Vena Energy and Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla to review the location of Vena’s wind turbine installation in Rizal, following concerns that the project will harm the karst formations in the area. He sent them letters pertaining to the reported 603-megawatt wind farm proposed by Rizal Wind Energy Corporation (RWEC). RWEC is a subsidiary of Singapore-based Vena Energy. The firm obtained a wind energy service contract with the Department of Energy in 2018 for the project, covering more than 500 hectares in Antipolo and Tanay, Rizal. “[I]t has come to our attention that some of the proposed turbine locations may be situated in areas identified as having karst characteristics,” Ynares said in two separate letters sent to Lotilla and Vena Group Philippines, both dated January 13. The mayor’s letter further read: “Construction activities in such locations may present challenges that merit further review to ensure long-term environmental stability and project safety.” Environmental groups have warned that the proposed 603-megawatt (MW) wind farm project may harm portions of the Upper Marikina Watershed, Sierra Madre, and the karst area in Rizal – part of which are under the conservation of private organization Masungi Georeserve Foundation. In November 2025, environmental groups sent a petition to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources asking to revoke Vena’s endorsements and application for a special permit (for projects in protected areas) “until critical environmental and governance requirements are fulfilled.” “No industrial project – however branded as “green” – should compromise life-support systems such as the Sierra Madre and Upper Marikina Watershed,” read part of the petition. In its asset portfolio, the Vena Energy discloses six fully operational projects in the Philippines, namely: 54MW wind farm in Pililia, Rizal 133MW solar farm in Pollo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental 31MW Ironman solar farm in Ormoc, Leyte 11MW Zorro solar farm in Bukidnon 83MW solar farm in Currimao, Ilocos Norte 20MW solar farm in Currimao, Ilocos Norte Must Watch Rappler Talk: Masungi’s Ann Dumaliang on watershed protection and flood control – Rappler.com