Kaliwa Dam is a flagship project of gov’t for water security – Dizon

MANILA, Philippines — The Kaliwa Dam is among the government’s priority projects for water security, Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects Vince Dizon said Thursday.

In an online Palace briefing, Dizon said Kaliwa Dam is among the 12 water-related infrastructure flagship projects since it is vital for water sustainability in Metro Manila.

“Unang-una po, mayroong 12 infrastructure flagship projects related to water, kasama dito ang Kaliwa Dam dahil napakaimportante ng Kaliwa Dam sa long term water sustainability dito sa Metro Manila,” Dizon said.

(First of all, the Kaliwa Dam is included because it is important for the long-term water sustainability here in Metro Manila.)

“I think after so many years, so many decades, it’s about time na gawin na natin ito. Napakaimportante nitong Kaliwa Dam sa water sustainability natin dito sa Metro Manila,” he went on.

(After so many years, so many decades, it’s about time we complete this. Kaliwa Dam is really important for water sustainability in Metro Manila.)

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte gave the go-signal for the China-funded Kaliwa Dam in Quezon province, saying it is the “last resort” for Metro Manila’s dwindling water supply.

But many groups expressed concern over the project as it would pose environmental issues to livelihoods and it would displace thousands of indigenous peoples.

KGA