Infanta bishop opposes Kaliwa dam

INFANTA Bishop Bernardito Cortez stood firm on his decision to oppose the building of Kaliwa Dam, which the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is pushing to help address the ongoing water shortage in some parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The dam is set to be constructed in Infanta, Quezon and will be funded by China.

Cortez said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas, however, that they will continue to oppose the dam's construction, as it will bring adverse effects to the affected communities and the environment.

“We have been told many times that it is a ‘done deal’already so that we will stop opposing it. But we never gave consent,” he said.

He said they are hopeful that authorities will consider doing the right thing.

“If they still have conscience, we hope that they will listen to their conscience,” said the prelate.

Cortez also said they will continuously seek the help of God to stop the project from being r eal i zed.

“We will continue to kneel before God because He listens to the prayers of the poor and oppressed,” said Cortez.

The MWSS earlier said that dam could provide another source of water amid the supply shortage being experienced in parts of Metro Manila.

But Cortez said that instead of pushing for the Kaliwa Dam, the government must have faith in what natural resources will provide.

“Do not remove the forests because that is a natural water source. Forests help store rain and turn them into water supply. If you remove them, the damage will be huge,” he said.

“Instead of removing them, let us enhance the natural water source available to us,” added Cortez. (HDT/ SunStar Philippines)