Alminaza acknowledged the developer’s community outreach, including a donation of 1,000 school chairs, but said such programs do not resolve compliance questions.
“They cannot substitute for environmental compliance, disclosure and meaningful participation,” he said.
The statement situates Talim within a wider debate: the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development has mapped 257 proposed wind projects nationwide, with combined potential capacity of 90,311 megawatts.
Caritas Philippines warned that concentrating renewable development in large corporate projects risks sidelining host communities.
“Communities risk becoming project sites rather than partners, owners and decision-makers,” Alminaza said.
The national Caritas is calling for suspension of all Talim-related activity until independent assessments are completed and residents can participate without pressure or intimidation.
“Should an independent investigation establish that the project has caused, or is likely to cause, serious and irreversible harm, the government must withdraw its approvals,” Alminaza said.
As alternatives, Caritas pointed to community-owned models including parish solar programs, the 10 million Solar Rooftops Challenge, and micro-hydro systems already operating in Northern Luzon.
