Kalinga Hydro Project Faces Scrutiny Over Indigenous Consent

SAVE Kalinga Inc., an advocacy group, has voiced concerns over the reported issuance of clearance permits by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the 52-megawatt Karayan Hydropower Project in Kalinga, Philippines. The group argues that the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected indigenous communities has not been legitimately obtained. Kalinga Governor James Edduba recently announced the NCIP’s go-signal for Karayan Hydropower Corp., a joint venture between San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group and Union Energy, to proceed with the construction of a run-of-river hydropower system. The project is targeted to begin commercial operations in 2028 and is expected to impact members of the Dallac, Naneng, and Minanga subtribes in several barangays. Republic Act No. 8371, the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, mandates that developers building on ancestral land must secure the FPIC of affected indigenous Filipinos. SAVE Kalinga Inc. questioned the manner in which the FPIC was acquired, alleging undue pressure, exclusion of key stakeholders, and signing agreements with Kalinga clans without full transparency. Specific concerns include potential alterations to river flows due to the proposed weir and headpond in Barangay Lucog, and the possible submersion of coffee and citrus plantations in Sitios Nabnab and Kurngokung, Barangay Naneng. Tunnel works and access roads are also planned in Barangays Dupag and Bagumbayan, near areas identified by residents as ancestral burial grounds. While project proponents have offered around P15 million annually through corporate social responsibility and benefit-sharing programs, residents state that monetary compensation cannot replace ancestral lands and cultural heritage. They also raised concerns about possible long-term effects on downstream agricultural water supplies, including those serving the Upper Chico River Irrigation System. SAVE Kalinga Inc. emphasized that land, within the indigenous concept of "paniyaw" (taboo practices) and "bodong" (peace pact between tribes), is more than an economic resource. "It is history, livelihood, identity and the legacy entrusted to future generations," the group stated. The group urged the government and the NCIP to conduct an independent review of the contested FPIC process. They also called on affected residents to remain informed and participate in peaceful and constructive engagements, while pursuing legal avenues to protect their environmental and Indigenous rights. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo