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

Speaking at 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, project developers, and the public to carefully consider the long-term impacts of the proposed offshore wind development.

The governor questioned the applicability of studies cited by project proponents, noting that most were 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 pointed out that the proposed wind turbines would be floating structures and said the province must determine whether they can withstand the stronger winds and typhoons common in the Philippines. She added that the provincial government also needs to assess the project’s potential environmental impacts before taking a final position.

Araneta-Marcos also raised national security concerns, noting that the proposed site is directly in front of the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade in Burgos.

According to the governor, offshore wind turbines could hinder 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.

The governor likewise 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 issued before local governments are sufficiently consulted.