Balitang Southern Tagalog: Kaliwa Dam

Summary

Indigenous people in Quezon province express concern over the construction of a dam, fearing it will affect their ancestral land and livelihood. The dam's construction is linked to frequent flooding, and the community is worried about the environmental impact. The local government is taking action, with Quezon Governor Helen Tan planning to engage with government agencies to address the issue. The Manila Water Sewerage System (MWSS) aims for the dam to be fully operational by 2027, but the indigenous community and farmers fear losing their water sources. The provincial government is committed to resolving the issue, ensuring the voices of the indigenous people are heard.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ The construction of a dam is affecting the indigenous people's ancestral land, causing changes to their traditional way of life.
• 🌧️ Frequent flooding is now a common issue for the locals, especially during heavy rains, which is a new problem attributed to the dam construction.
• 🌿 The environment has been altered, with many changes reported by the indigenous people, including the absence of insects that used to be present.
• 🛣️ The construction of an access road for the dam is a concern for the locals, as it may lead to further environmental degradation.
• 💧 The dam project is expected to impact water supply, potentially causing farmers to lose access to water sources.
• 🏭 The Manila Water Sewerage System (MWSS) is involved in the dam project, with over 20 boreholes planned, aiming for full operation by 2027.
• 🏞️ The dam's construction is a concern for the indigenous people of General Nakar and Infanta, who rely on the land for farming and fishing.
• 🙌 There is an ongoing campaign by the group 'Alm Dam' to represent the interests of the indigenous people, farmers, and fishers, advocating for a halt to the dam construction.
• 🏛️ The provincial government is taking action, with Quezon Governor Helen Tan planning to communicate with government agencies to address the dam's impact.
• 🗣️ There is a call for the indigenous people's voices to be heard and for the dam project to be discussed and managed in a peaceful manner.

Q & A

What is the main concern of the indigenous people regarding the construction of the dam?

The indigenous people are concerned that the construction of the dam will affect their ancestral domain and change their way of life, as it has already led to frequent flooding during heavy rains.

What is the current situation of the indigenous people's environment due to the dam construction?

The environment of the indigenous people has been altered, with many changes occurring in their surroundings. The construction has resulted in the displacement of insects and other creatures, and there is a fear that the situation will worsen with the construction affecting Rizal and Quezon.

What are the potential impacts of the dam construction on the local farmers and fishermen?

The construction of the dam could lead to the loss of water sources for local farmers and fishermen, affecting their livelihoods. The indigenous people and other sectors are worried about the potential negative effects on their daily lives.

What is the timeline for the dam and sewerage system to become fully operational?

The Manila Water Sewerage System (MWSS) mentioned that the dam and sewerage system are expected to be fully operational by the year 2027.

What actions are being taken by the local groups to address the construction of the dam?

Local groups, including indigenous people, farmers, and fishermen, are taking action to halt the construction of the dam. They are advocating for their concerns to be heard and for the construction to be stopped.

What is the role of the provincial government in addressing the concerns about the dam construction?

The provincial government is actively involved in addressing the concerns. They are making efforts to communicate with the concerned agencies and are not leaving the issue unattended.

What was the response from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) when asked about the dam construction?

The DNR stated that they have ordered a halt to the construction during that time, but the exact nature of the order and its current status are unclear.

What is the role of the media in this situation, as mentioned in the script?

The media, specifically Southern Tagalog Regional TV, is playing a role in reporting the issue and attempting to obtain statements from the MWSS and other relevant parties to provide more information to the public.

What is the main goal of the rally or gathering mentioned in the script?

The main goal of the rally is to seek a peaceful resolution and discussion of the dam construction project, emphasizing the importance of hearing the voices of the indigenous people and other affected groups.

What is the stance of Quezon Governor Helen Tan on the dam construction?

Governor Helen Tan of Quezon has assured that she will personally communicate with government agencies to address the concerns regarding the dam construction.