Big dams opposed

The Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) is calling for a total log ban and a stop to the construction of large dams in the country.

The recent heavy flooding that destroyed the Quirino Bridge, isolating Ilocos Norte and Baguio City from the rest of Luzon was attributed to the unabated logging that continues to threaten whatever little is left of the country’s rainforests.

ESP president Antonio M. Claparols strongly recommends for a massive reforestation program. He suggested that Baguio take the first concrete steps and "be a beacon to conserve the Mountain City from ruin."

Claparols is also urging Congress to pass a law that will put a stop to the construction of large dams which destroy forests and even agricultural lands. Claparols is worried that the San Roque dam, billed as the largest in Southeast Asia, will give rise to more problems than it will solve.

Working together in the World Commission on Dams, the World Bank and the IUCN-The World conservations Union reported that large dams destroy the environment and biodiversity and have agreed not to finance their construction.

"Let us draw knowledge from this report and from or past experiences – Binga, Ambuklao, Pantabangan, so we can finally have environmental and food security. Let us act now, or we shall face an environmental crisis of gargantuan proportions," Claparols warned.