Eco groups oppose project

Various individuals and organizations have gathered together under the STOP Kaliwa Dam (Sectors Opposed to the Kaliwa Dam).

The group represents indigenous peoples, local communities, church leaders, academics, environmentalists, and social movements, who declared collective opposition to the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project.

“We have watched with alarm in recent months as the current administration sought to fast-track the Kaliwa Dam Project despite resistance from indigenous peoples and residents of surrounding communities, adjacent municipalities and concern from a broad array of supporters,” said Fr. Pete Montallana, head of the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance.

“We believe the public deserves to know the truth about the proposed Kaliwa Dam. It is time to adopt a more democratic approach to decision making.”

According to the unified statement, the Kaliwa Dam will require several years to construct. By the government’s own proposed timeline, the dam will not be completed until 2023.

Viable alternatives exist which can address the problem of current and future water supply deficits. Strong watershed management and biodiversity protection of all watersheds around Metro Manila, including the La Mesa watershed, good water governance and strong government regulation of the two water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, will go a long way towards providing Metro Manila with sustainable water sources.