MANILA, Philippines — Indigenous people (IP) and local government units are involved in the negotiations of the Kaliwa Dam project, Malacañang assured Wednesday.
The Palace’s remark came after Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called for the review of the project, saying the rejection of the Dumagat-Remontado tribe should be considered.
READ: Kiko Pangilinan: Konstruksyon ng Kaliwa Dam, dapat busisiin nang husto
“The Duterte administration prioritizes national interest and the gains of the Filipino people from this infrastructure,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a Palace press briefing.
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“We assure that the Kaliwa Dam project undergoes due process, noting that all stakeholders, including the indigenous people and the concerned local government units are involved in the negotiations,” he went on.
A study conducted by the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc. showed that the dam construction would displace around 1,000 indigenous families.
READ: Construction of Kaliwa Dam pushed through even without permits — COA
The Palace pointed out that the construction of Kaliwa Dam will augment the water supply in Metro Manila and nearby provinces as it is expected to deliver 600 million liters of water.
The 60-meter water reservoir will cover 291 hectares of Kaliwa Watershed Forest reserve and the IP communities in General Nakar, Quezon to Tanay, Rizal.
The Kaliwa Dam project is funded by China’s Official Development Assistance to the Philippines.
READ: Stop P19-B Kaliwa Dam, groups urge Duterte