Residents, including tribe, oppose China-funded Kaliwa Dam construction

Residents including an indigenous group living near the site of China-funded Kaliwa Dam in Infanta, Quezon said Thursday they are strongly opposing the project.

Members of the Dumagat tribe residing at the foot of Sierra Madre mountains in Tanay, Rizal fear that they may lose their ancestral domain because of the dam that is seen as an alternative source of water for Metro Manila.

Octavio Pranada, leader of the tribe, estimates that the project may leave about 11,000 of its members homeless.

Pranada fears that the water from the dam will destroy their farmlands, homes, and places of worship.

With this, he said they will do the best to oppose the project and refuse any offer of relocation.

“Kasi nabubuhay po kami sa bundok talaga, sa sariwang hangin, sa tubig, doon po talaga kami sanay.. pag dadalhin po kami sa Metro Manila, talagang baka doon po kami mamatay lahat,” Pranada said.

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