Korean NGO concerned about megadam

ILOILO CITY—A Korean nongovernment organization (NGO) monitoring foreign projects funded by loans from the Korean government has raised concerns on how a controversial megadam project in Iloilo province is being implemented.

Bub Mo Jung, researcher of the Center for Green Official Development Assistance (ODA), said there were bases for concerns that processes were not being strictly followed in the implementation of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Phase II.

The center focuses on monitoring the environmental effects of projects in other countries funded by the ODA of South Korea.

“Based on an initial study and consultation with affected residents and implementing agencies, it appears that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) was not strictly followed,” Jung told the Inquirer after a three-day site visit and consultations in Iloilo.

Jung said he was also concerned that there was lack or absence of consultation with and participation of affected residents in decision making and project monitoring.

“The implementing agencies could not be following proper procedure, which could be disadvantageous to the indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities,” he said.

The P11.2-billion project, set to be completed in 2016, is funded by a $203-million ODA from the South Korean government through its Export-Import Bank’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund, with a counterpart fund from the Philippine government amounting to P2.2 billion.

The project in Calinog town in Iloilo involves the construction of three dams (Jalaur reservoir, afterbay and catch dams), a

6.6- megawatt  hydropower plant and an 81-kilometer, high-line canal in Calinog.

It is aimed at developing irrigation systems for 32,000 hectares of farmlands, generating hydroelectric power and providing domestic and industrial water supply.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the main proponent of the project, has repeatedly denied allegations that procedures were not being followed and that there was lack of consultation with residents of the areas that would be affected by the project.

NIA experts have also said the project would not harm the environment or cause safety risks among residents.

Gerardo Corsiga, NIA Western Visayas general manager, said the IP communities were consulted and their concerns were properly addressed.

The council of elders of the Panay-Bukidnon representing IP communities in Calinog have also expressed support for the project, according to the NIA.

But Berna Castor, vice chair of the Tumandok group, said the stand of the council of elders did not reflect the sentiments of all the IP communities.

Jung said a recommendation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the NIA to submit an amended EIA was not complied with but an environmental certificate of compliance was still issued.

The EIA contains the environmental effects of a project and proposed mitigating measures, and serves as a guide in implementing or shelving a project.

Jung said the proposed amendments included mitigating measures on IP areas where the project would have an impact on.

He also questioned the construction of access roads leading to the project site, even as the NIA was still in the process of acquiring free and prior informed consent (FPIC) for the construction stage of the project.

Under Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, proponents of projects and activities that will affect IP communities are required to apply for the FPIC and secure certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples that says the project is supported by the affected IP communities.

The NIA earlier acquired the FPIC to conduct a project feasibility study.

The Court of Appeals is hearing oral arguments on a petition for the stopping of the project due to environmental and safety concerns.

The Supreme Court on Oct. 31 last year issued a writ of kalikasan but did not order the suspension of the project.