Wind Farm on a Sacred Philippine Mountain Sparks Controversy - CleanTechnica

The proposed Banahaw Wind Power Project in Quezon Province, Philippines, spearheaded by GIGAWIND4, Inc. (a subsidiary of ACEN Corp. under the Ayala Group), aims to build a 247-megawatt wind farm costing approximately P34.5 billion ($59.3 million). This initiative is part of the Philippines’ broader strategy to increase renewable energy to 35% by 2030, promising grid stability and economic benefits to local communities. However, the project has sparked significant controversy due to its location near Mount Banahaw, a sacred mountain and protected landscape under the Mounts Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape Act (Republic Act No. 9847). The mountain holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous and religious groups and serves as a vital watershed for the region. Opposition, led by groups like the Save Bundok Banahaw Network (SBBN) and environmental organizations such as Tanggol Kalikasan,