NCIP: IPs approval of Kaliwa dam project discussed

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said Thursday that the approval of the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project (NCWS-KDP) was made after several deliberations with the leaders and representatives of the affected Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Ian Cruz reported on "24 Oras".

In a press release, the commission said the certificate of precondition was issued on September 19, 2022, with conditions following the IPs Customary Laws and Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) and participated in by the community-recognized IP elders/leaders.

"The issuance thereof was made after a meticulous Commission En Banc Deliberation, which was conducted on numerous schedules. Said deliberation was attended by community-recognized and authorized IP leaders and representatives," it said.

NCIP said the IPs who oppose the project were likewise included in the deliberation, allowing them to present their arguments and objections. The Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process of the project, meanwhile, was conducted for seven years and six months.

However, the commission said it respects Father Peter Montalla's opinion, a priest who supports the Dumagats, but added it won't recognize him as he is not part of the community.

NCIP also released a copy of the resolution signed by 70 IPs from the Dumagat-Remontado tribe in Tanay, Rizal, condemning Kakai Tolentino of BAI Indigenous Women's Network and said they also do not recognize her as an affected community member and is not allowed to speak for the group.

Tolentino stood firmly on her statement, saying she is from the Dumagat tribe and speaks for her group, not the entire IPs.

Meanwhile, Father Montalla also adhered to his statement that the NCIP manipulated the IPs' so-called consent of the project.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News