Aklan goes the way of Ilocos Norte on sustainable and renewable energy
NABAS, Aklan – TAKING inspiration from the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte, this once idyllic 4th class municipality is now reaping the fruits of its labor as its own wind farm has not only boost its tourism but has also pumped up its economic benefits, thanks to the efforts of the locals and the private sector who came together to make it happen.
Located in Barangay Pawa, about 25 kilometers from world-renowned Boracay Island, the P4-billion Nabas Wind Farm, the biggest single venture of the province, has benefitted the 35,000 population of the town’s 20 barangays.
The project has 18 giant wind turbines responsible for supplying clean and renewable power to the Western Visayas (WV), especially Boracay, the country’s most preferred tourist destination.
Former Kalibo, Aklan mayor and now gubernatorial candidate William Lachica said the wind farm concept was initially hatched because of the success of the Bangui wind farm.
“We wanted to emulate the success of the Bangui Wind Farm. Nabas has become a tourist attraction and has brought millions in terms of taxes. The potential is endless, and it is environment-friendly,” Lachica said.
He said the plan of presidential candidate Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to help the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), which would generate more jobs, coupled with an aggressive thrust to boost tourism will surely be beneficial not only to Aklan but the whole Panay Island.
“We need to prepare to take off after the pandemic, and we welcome resources coming from outside, but we always understand that we already have a lot of potential here,” he said.
“The Nabas Wind Farm has not only become a source of energy and income but also a symbol of hope and inspiration to the people of Aklan,” Lachica added.
“With Bongbong Marcos at the helm of the government, we can tap into our limitless potentials and move on from destructive effects of the pandemic,” he added.
Residents of Barangay Pawa had long suffered in terms of accessibility to government projects and medical services. With a scarce water supply and without electricity, the construction of the Nabas Wind Farm paved the way for the development of the area and has become a rallying symbol by the local government and its constituents.
“The wind farm opened our eyes to the idea that everything is possible. If it can happen in Bangui, then it can happen in Nabas, sky is the limit,” Lachica said.
