Philippine indigenous groups question ‘true purpose’ of dam project in Marcos’ political stronghold
- Indigenous groups in a Philippine province are opposing an irrigation project, saying they have not been properly consulted on environmental risks
- The row is also throwing up allegations of authorities having hidden agendas behind the development that is set to be built on ancestral tribal land
The Cabacanan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (CSRIP), headed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), is set to be built on ancestral tribal lands. Any construction would require the approval of tribal councils from the villages of Dampig, Saguigui and Caunayan in the municipality of Pagudpud.
Since June last year, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has facilitated meetings for the NIA to obtain the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the locals.
Talks broke down in December when the Isnag Yapayao Balangon Tribal Council (IYBTC) and Isnag Yapayao Uggayam Tribal Council (IYUTC) questioned the NCIP for railroading the proceedings, despite the risks involved. The tribes issued a joint resolution calling for the suspension of the FPIC proceedings.
