Geologic tests, FPIC pushed for Sagada windfarm project

By Gina Dizon 

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Vice Mayor and  mayoral candidate  Richard Yodong  wants the proposed windfarm in this tourist town to undergo  geologic  tests to determine effects of  the wind turbines vis a vis water tables so local folks could be fully appraised of the matter before it is implemented.

Yodong bared this in a press conference hosted by the Montanosa Press Club in the capital town of Bontoc.

The Manila based- Philcarbon wants to construct the windfarm.  

Residents have been asking how the project would affect  springs and watersheds.

Hundreds of households  here in the  central and northern barangays of  Sagada and   eastern and  central Besao source their  domestic and  irrigation water from water springs  cradled by the Pilaw-Langsayan ridge where locates the proposed site to  build  the windfarm.

At least 10 wind turbines measuring 80 feet are projected to be installed along the ridge with an area of 20 meters by 20 meters and rotor blades measuring some 70 meters in length.  

No studies have been presented to the public by Philcarbon  even as  hydrology tests are  being asked by some  residents of whether this has been conducted or not.

During the  press conference, Gwen Longid, speaking for  Katribu nominee Beverly Longid said  free prior and informed consent(FPIC)  is an essential requirement  in the  proposed windfarm project. 

Longid noted that   FPIC process in its entirety should be fully facilitated  to let people be consulted and  informed on what the project is all about and thus have an informed decision on whether the project proceed or not.

Longid said  the conduct of FPIC process  is a major call of KATRIBU  in its platform and program to let indigenous peoples be consulted and informed  on projects being proposed and implemented in their own territories.          

Meantime,  mayoral candidate Geraldo Lamaton of Barlig said he wants the watersheds of  Barlig to stay protected  taking note of the fact that Barlig has  profuse supply of water due to its mossy  forests.

Lamaton  said Barlig also supplies  the capital town of  adjacent Bontoc with water and noted that pipes leading to Bontoc are leaking and need maintenance.