Apayao province (outlined in red). (Image from Google Maps)
MANILA, Philippines — Apayao has formed a Multisectoral Consultative Council (MCC) to ensure transparency in the proposed hydroelectric plant projects in the province.
The projects include the 150-megawatt Gened-1, Gened2, Calanasan, and Aoan.
According to the provincial government, Pudtol and Calanasan towns agreed to form the council to serve as a consultative body with recommendatory functions. Kabugao town is expected to follow suit.
The council was also formed to coordinate with indigenous peoples and other stakeholders in the proposed projects to ensure a free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) process.
“In line with the government’s thrust to push for transparency, we welcome the council as we see their value in contributing to the inclusion and empowerment of our dear Y’apayaos. This initiative allows their voices to be heard and contributes to a better understanding of the intricacies of the progress and development projects in Apayao,” Apayao Gov. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang said.
“The opportunity to have regular dialogues will avoid misinformation, fake news, and unfounded fears about these projects,” she added.
According to Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Pudto Rudy Castillo, who is a member of the MMC, a confusion about the Gened-1 over its extended six-year FPIC process had already created discord in the community.
Castillo said this could have been avoided if a functioning body had helped facilitate the process and make it easier for the elders of the indigenous peoples to give their informed consent.
“We are aware that our IP elders, who sat in the project negotiation and who are tasked to make the decision to consent, are respected for their wisdom but they also value the sound advice of their elected leaders, the professionals and religious leaders on matters that are sometimes technical and complex subject matters such as the design and operation of dam projects The council will provide this support,” Castillo said.
The 150-MW Gened-1 plant will be built in the towns of Kabugao and Pudtol in five years.