Farmers in Sitio Sangilo, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija are raising concerns over the MTerra Solar project, saying their livelihood has been affected by road blocks restricting access to their farms.
In a report on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," farmers expressed suspicion that soil has been deliberately dumped along a road to prevent them from reaching their farm land and pressure them into selling it.
However, MTerra Solar Philippines Inc. said the affected area is outside its project site and that it was not responsible for the soil piles.
Blocked road affects livelihood
According to the farmers, the soil dumping began on September 29, with more soil and tree trunks added in the following days.
The road had long served as their route to their farms and as a way to transport their harvest to markets.
One farmer, Marvin, said he could no longer transport his eggplants and chili peppers due to the road block. He estimated that he had spent P60,000 on his crops, some of which were at risk of rotting.
Marvin said the situation had also affected his ability to return to his home, which stands on the land he cultivates. He was temporarily staying with his sibling.
"Malaki pong epekto sa kabuhayanan namin lahat," Marvin said. "Hindi makatao."
["It has a huge impact on all of our livelihoods, it's inhumane."]
The farmers alleged that the soil dumping was meant to force them to sell their land for the solar project. They also questioned why local officials had not acted on their complaints.
Land disputes
Some residents said they had inherited their land from their ancestors and had been cultivating it for years.
The farmers presented approved survey plans and other documents that they said supported their claims to the land.
However, City Assessor Allen Tan said an approved survey plan only shows the shape and boundaries of a property and does not establish ownership.
"Yung titulo po kasi, 'yun lang po ang puwede magpatunay na kayo po ang may-ari ng lupa," Tan said.
["Because the title, that's the only thing that can prove that you are the owner of the land."]
A representative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said approved plans may be checked against agency records to determine whether titles had already been issued.
The official also explained that people who have possessed public land for at least 20 years may be eligible to apply for a patent title, subject to the applicable requirements.
The land disputes have also led to legal cases.
Lucila said Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Emerson "Emeng" David Pascual filed three counts of cyber libel against her over videos she posted online.
In a September 2024 Facebook Live statement, Pascual denied taking land from the farmers and said he had checked Gapan'srecords regarding Lucila's claimed property.
"Unang-una, magpapamigay pa ako ng lupa. Pero, hindi ako mang-aagaw ng lupa. Hindi ko po gagawin 'yan kahit kailan," Pascual said.
["First of all, I will even distribute land. But, I am not going to grab land. I will never do that, ever."]
Pascual declined to be interviewed for the KMJS report.
Another farmer, Lito, said he and other residents had faced legal complaints following a confrontation over land surveying and fencing activities. He also expressed concerns for their safety.
Landowner, mayor give their side
Gapan City Mayor Joy Pascual has claimed that the city was not allowing the conversion of land known to still be used for farming.
She also said the disputed area was private property, not a public road, and that the landowner had the documents establishing ownership.
"Ang totoo po niyan, hindi po 'yun sakahan po 'yung lugar po na 'yun, 'yun po ay tinaniman po nila nang wala pong paalam sa may-ari," Pascual said.
["The truth is, that place isn't a farm, they just planted on it without permission from the owner."]
The mayor said residents who could establish that they had permission to cultivate the land could approach City Hall so their claims could be checked.
Businessman and landowner Engineer Renato Tan also denied that the disputed property belonged to the farmers.
"Meron po talaga 'yan. Kaya binili po namin 'yan na puro may titulo. Hindi po sa kanila. Sila po mga sumasakay lang po sa mga lupa roon. Wala po silang mga pag-aari," he said.
["They really have (titles). That's why we bought that [land] where everything has a title. It doesn't belong to them. They are just squatting on the lands there. They don't own anything.]
Tan said he had the right to manage his property and that the residents could use another route.
Barangay Captain Benigno said he had issued summons to the parties involved to discuss the dispute but that they had not appeared as expected. He urged the residents to meet with barangay officials so they could present their claims and discuss a possible resolution.
MTerra Solar says disputed area is outside project
MTerra Solar is being developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., which is backed by Meralco PowerGen Corp. and US-based investment firm Actis.
The project covers about 4,500 hectares across four towns in Nueva Ecija and one town in Bulacan. Its developers aim to make it the world's largest solar and battery energy storage facility when completed.
Construction began in November 2024, while Phase 1 was inaugurated in July 2026. The project is expected to be completed next year.
Company representatives said the facility is intended to help supply electricity to about 2.5 million households. Its battery storage system will also allow excess solar power to be used at night.
When asked about the farmers' complaints, Atty. Christer A. Gaudiano, MGEN Sustainability, Communications and External Affairs Head said the affected area was not part of the project.
"Unfortunately 'yung area na 'yun ay outside the project scope ng Terra Solar. 'Yung access nila, hindi po sa amin 'yun, hindi rin po kami 'yung naglagay po ng mga tambak na 'yun at medyo malayo rin po 'yun dito sa project site," he said.
["Unfortunately, that area is outside the project scope of Terra Solar. Their access is not ours, we also didn't place those piles of land and it's also quite far from the project site here."]
The company also said most of the land within its project site had previously been idle or used for poultry and livestock raising. It is working with Central Luzon State University on an agrivoltaic study to explore growing crops and vegetables beneath solar panels.
Company representatives said they hold monthly consultations with communities in affected areas and have provided at least P100 million worth of community projects over the past two years, including solar streetlights, water systems, a fire truck, and training for potential workers.
Experts, groups discuss agriculture and renewable energy
The Department of Agriculture acknowledged the importance of farming to Nueva Ecija, one of the country's major crop-producing provinces. It said renewable energy projects should take agricultural land and farmers' livelihoods into account.
"Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na ang paggamit natin ng solar energy ay makakaapekto sa ating agrikultura. 'Yun nga lang po, sana sa paglalagay po natin o sa pag-set up ng mga solar farms ay kino-consider din po natin 'yung ating mga agricultural land para hindi maapektuhan ang ating production at hindi maapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka," Department of Agriculture Region 3 Field Operations Division Acting Chief Lowell Rebillaco said.
["It doesn't mean that our use of solar energy will negatively affect our agriculture. It's just that, hopefully, in placing or setting up these solar farms, we also consider our agricultural lands so that our production and the livelihood of our farmers won't be affected."]
The Energy Regulatory Commission, meanwhile, said solar power is a clean and sustainable energy source that can help provide a stable electricity supply and lower power costs.
Farmers' groups and advocates also raised concerns about the effects of large solar projects on agricultural land and rural communities.
A representative of MADSOLAR said the group does not oppose renewable energy but is concerned about projects that could damage farmland and affect farmers' livelihoods.
The Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) also called for stronger government support for farmers, including subsidies and assistance for agricultural production.
Meanwhile, Makabayan bloc Representative Renee Co raised concerns about possible soil degradation, erosion, and other environmental effects of large solar farms, saying these concerns should be supported by sufficient data. —JCB, GMA News