Infanta, Quezon residents want ECC for Kaliwa Dam revoked at public hearing

Infanta, Quezon residents on Wednesday called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revoke the environmental compliance certificate it issued for Kaliwa Dam project.

The dam, which would be located in the municipalities of Infanta and General Nakar, has received opposition from groups and residents who fear the effects of the dam on the environment and nearby communities.

At a public hearing, environmental scientist Ruben Guieb, who reviewed the Kaliwa Dam, said the project is not compliant with the environmental standards, according to a report by Marisol Abdurahman on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali.

He advised the government to straighten out its environmental issues first.

Guieb said that some important information concerning the impact of the project was not presented in the DENR’s document, such as how much of the area's biodiversity will be destroyed.

He asked how the DENR could mitigate the impact if the agency does not know the possible extent of the damage the dam would cause. This information is required to be presented according to the law, Guieb said.

At the public hearing, Infanta residents also pointed out that the municipality is a flood-prone area, as well as their apprehension over the fact that the dam would be constructed along a fault line.

Representatives from the Agta-Dumagat-Remontado tribes also said that not only would their culture be destroyed but also the environment itself.

Some groups are questioning the issuance of ECC for the project when many questions were left unanswered during the previous public hearing in Rizal.

The municipal council of Infanta is also united in the decision of turning down the P12.2-billion project. These groups are considering escalating their disapproval to Malacañang. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News