FACT SHEET: Nueva Ecija solar farm

Groups of farmers from Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija reported about the minimal harvests in 2018. The
trend continued, and so the farmers sought help from authorities like the Philippine Rice Research
Institute (PRRI).

In 2019, Diana Despabiladeras, along with other representatives from AboitizPower, held a forum
with a group of farmers from Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. Researchers from PRRI were also in attendance.
Karen Sagala of the institute discussed in length the findings on the viability of the plots of land in
Zaragoza. After weeks of deliberation, it was decided that other lands in the province are more
suitable for farming due to higher stability, better irrigation, and nutrient cycling.

Recently, AboitizPower announced that they are building a new solar farm in Nueva Ecija. Another
set of conferences was held with the farmers. Armando Ribay from the Nueva Ecija Farmers
Coalition expressed his concern about losing his livelihood. Despabiladeras, head of the project,
assured him that they will be given new jobs and more at the power plants that will be constructed
for the solar farm.

AboitizPower proposed to convert 327 ha of farmlands in Zaragosa town.

It has also been negotiating the Zaragosa LGU for the acquisition of the plot of land. Military
presence has since intensified since early 2019.