Anti-corruption watchdog opposes construction of Kalinga hydropower plant

TABUK CITY, Philippines — An anti-corruption and civic watchdog is urging the government to stop the construction of a hydropower plant in Kalinga.

The SAVE Kalinga Inc. submitted a petition to the Department of Energy, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, opposing the construction of the 52-megawatt Chico River or Karayan Hydropower Project in Barangay Bagumbayan.

The group called for the revocation, recall or nullification of certifications, permits and clearances that allowed the project to proceed.

Members of the SAVE Kalinga cited procedural defects and the lack of genuine consensus among indigenous peoples’ groups affected by the project.

The group sought the suspension or denial of all pending and future approvals including the environmental compliance certificate, water rights, building permits and preliminary site works until all legal and community concerns are resolved.

Citing the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, the watchdog, along with residents of Barangay Bagumbayan, said the ancestral domain, cultural heritage and livelihood of the Dallac, Minanga and Naneng sub-tribes dwelling along the Chico River basin must be protected.

They said that energy projects affecting ancestral lands must secure a genuine community consent and respect the rights of indigenous peoples.