Ilocos Norte governor backs Bishop Mayugba’s call for scrutiny of Burgos offshore wind project

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has echoed the concerns raised by Bishop Renato Mayugba over the proposed offshore wind farm in Burgos, saying the project should undergo thorough evaluation due to its potential environmental and national security implications.

Speaking during a press conference, Araneta-Marcos said she agrees “to a certain extent” with Bishop Mayugba’s pastoral letter, Call for Discernment, which urged government agencies, developers, and the public to carefully weigh the long-term impacts of the proposed offshore wind development.

The governor questioned the relevance of studies cited by project proponents, noting that these were largely conducted in European countries.

“All of the studies being presented are from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. The wind conditions there are different from ours,” Araneta-Marcos said.

She noted that the proposed wind turbines would be floating structures and stressed that the province must determine whether they can withstand the stronger winds and typhoons experienced in the Philippines. She also said the provincial government still needs to examine the project’s possible environmental impacts before reaching a final position.

Beyond environmental concerns, Araneta-Marcos said the proposed site also raises national security issues because it is located directly in front of the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade in Burgos.

According to the governor, the presence of offshore wind turbines could impede the rapid deployment of military personnel and equipment during emergencies or security operations.

“The area they are requesting is right in front of the 4th Marine Brigade. For me, it infringes on national security because our personnel should be able to move quickly without obstructions,” she said.

Araneta-Marcos also called for stronger consultation with local government units before permits for offshore wind projects are issued.

She said developers are still in the feasibility study stage, including the installation of LiDAR equipment to measure wind resources. However, she noted that permits from the Department of Energy are often granted before local governments are adequately consulted.

“Sana may konting consultation din with the local government,” she said, adding that she believes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is working to ensure local governments are included in the decision-making process.

Bishop Mayugba earlier appealed for discernment in evaluating the proposed offshore wind project, urging authorities to balance the country’s renewable energy goals with environmental protection, community welfare, and other long-term public interests.