MANILA, July 24, 2009—The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (CBCP-ECIP) has declared its support to the indigenous people (IP) and other environmental organizations who contest the implementation of the Laiban Dam project.
Laoag Bishop Sergio Utleg, Chairman of the ECIP, said that the commission supports the crusade of the Dumagat tribes and other ecological groups to resist the restoration of the Laiban Dam venture.
“(Kami) ay nakikiisa sa pagtutol ng mga katutubong Agta/Dumagat, kasama ang maraming maka-kalikasang grupo laban sa pagtatayo ng Laiban Dam.” (We are in solidarity with the Agta/Dumagat tribe together with pro-environment groups in opposing the restoration of Laiban Dam).
Utleg also expressed support to the Samahan ng mga Katutubong Agta/Dumagat na Ipinagtatanggol at Binabaka ang Lupaing Ninuno (SAGIBIN-LN), Tribal Center for Development Foundation, Inc. (TCD) and the Tribal Office of the Governor of Quezon.
The said organizations have recently expressed that the right of the indigenous people in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) should be respected and followed truthfully.
Utleg added that they are troubled about the impending effects of the Laiban Dam to the affected indigenous communities and nearby cities.
“Nababahala rin kami sa panganib na idudulot ng Laiban Dam hindi lamang sa walong barangay, bagkus sa mas malawak na lupain na sumasakop sa lalawigan ng Rizal, Quezon at maging sa kalakhang Maynila. Panganib na nakabatay sa masusing pag-aaral ng mga dalubhasa at sa karanasan sa mga nakalipas na trahedya (We are worried about the potential danger posed by the Laiban Dam not only to the 8 barangays, but also to the wide areas covering the province of Rizal, Quezon and even Metro Manila. This apprehension is based on the scientific study of the experts and of the experience of past tragedies)," he said.
He also stated that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) should concentrate on reviving and developing the Sierra Madre and not the said dam.
“Ang dapat na pagtuunan ng panahon at paglaanan ng pondo ay kung papaano mapuksa ang walang habas na pagsira sa kagubatan ng Sierra Madre.” (What should be given attention and provided with funds is how to stop the relentless destruction of the forests of Sierra Madre.)
“Dapat din na mapaunlad ang mga watershed ng Angat at Ipo sa papamagitan ng patuloy na pagtatanim ng mga punong kahoy at pangangalaga sa mga ito (The watershed of Angat and Ipo should be developed by planting trees and caring for them)," he said.
Utleg then emphasized that these proposals will be implemented if only the people and the government will help together for the betterment of the environment for the greater majority and not for interest of a few.
The bishops and priests of the Prelature of Infanta, Diocese of Antipolo together with the Green Convergence, an ecological group for safe food, healthy environment and sustainable economy, also declared their opposition on the renewal of the Laiban Dam Project. (Kate Laceda)
