IPP blamed for tribe’s water lack

BAKUN, Benguet — Kankannaey and Ibaloi tribal communities are up in arms against the private Independent Power Producer (IPP) firm — The Luzon Hydro Corporation — claiming the company has dried up water resources in this town, especially barangay Kayapa and adjacent barangays.

Aside from the effect of the El Niño phenomenon, the highland residents blamed the operation of the IPP’s existing’ tunnel to feed the AC Bakun Hydro Plant for drying up water sources here, a comprehensive report obtained from the Philippine Information Agency — Cordillera region said.

In a dialogue held Thursday last week at Amilongan, Alilem, Ilocos Sur with some 15 residents of Barangay Kayapa and some officials, LHC Operations manager Rob Guest said the drought in the surrounding areas has nothing to do with the tunnel.

"While PAG-ASA says the country is experiencing a mild El Niño phenomenon, what we actually have is severe drought brought about by the shortfall of rains," Guest asserted. — Artemio Dumlao