Philippines to shoulder cost of migration of IPs affected by Kaliwa Dam project

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has committed to shoulder the cost of migration of the indigenous people affected by the implementation of the China-funded Kaliwa Dam project, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said yesterday.

The embassy defended the project, saying the terms and conditions of the agreement are in accordance with both international practice and Philippine laws.

“The terms and conditions of the agreement are general and standardized requirements in accordance with both international practice and Philippine laws, as suggested by the results of reviews conducted by the Department of Finance, Department of Justice and other relevant government sectors of the Philippines before the agreement was signed,” the embassy said in a statement.

China and the Philippines agreed that the project would be funded by the preferential loans from the Export-Import Bank of China. The loan agreement was reached by both sides through consultation on equal and voluntary basis.

The Chinese Embassy likewise cited the profound impact on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the local people as well as ensuring the security of water supply in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“China will continue to work with the Philippines to ensure early implementation of the Kaliwa Dam project for the benefit of the local people,” the embassy said.

Once completed, the Kaliwa Dam project will fundamentally alleviate the severe challenge of water shortage in Metro Manila, the embassy said, noting that it is of great significance to meet the long-term water demand and improve the basic quality of life of local people.

The project is one of the great achievements in helping the Philippines with more livelihood projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Build Build Build program.

Meanwhile, Marcelino Tena of the Tribal Center for Development Foundation belied reports that their community approved the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, a project that will affect indigenous peoples’ communities in Rizal and Quezon.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), the proponent of the project, earlier said the Dumagat communities had already given their support for the project to push through.