Ifugao folks assail NCIP, energy firms’ proponents

>> Sunday, December 6, 2015

Church leaders hit ‘manipulation of FPICs’ 

LAGAWE, Ifugao – Folks affected by energy projects in the province assailed proponents and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples officials who have reportedly manipulated the issuance of “free, prior, informed consent” (FPIC) of the people for the implementation of such projects.

This, even as Gov. Denis Habawel told a national conference on Cordillera autonomy Wednesday at the Novotel Hotel in Quezon City attended by top government officials that tribal elders in their 80s and who were ignorant of the problems posed by such projects were presented by proponents as “genuine voice” of the people.

He said such manipulations had to be stopped and “genuine consultations” should be done in the province whether such projects would be allowed or not.

In Lagawe,  at least 40 representatives from different churches and communities affected by energy projects in Ifugao vowed to raise concern for the protection and conservation of natural resources and for the respect of indigenous people’s rights during the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Church Forum held at the St. Magdalene Parish, Lagawe, Ifugao second week of November.

With its Biblical theme: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream,” the event was hosted by St. Magdalene Parish and organized by the Ifugao Peasant Movement and the Regional Council of Churches in the Cordillera.

Maricar Delfu of Reccord said the forum aimed for a dialogue between church representatives and communities on environmental and indigenous people’s issues in Ifugao.

Chruch representatives included: Fr. John Habawel, Parish Priest, St. Magdalene (Catholic), Lagawe; Rev. MelitaInfante, Conference Minister, North East Luzon Conference –United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and Rt. Rev. Bishop Alexander Wandag, Episcopal Diocese of Santiago, Isabela.

Also present were members and leaders of the communities affected by the energy projects in Eheb; Impugong; Tocucan, Binablayan and Tinoc.

They spoke of their experiences when the Quadrvier Energy Corp. and NCIP officials conducted FPIC activities in their areas purportedly to get their sentiments on the matter.

In their testimonies, they said FPIC activities implemented in the barangays of Eheb, Impugong, Tocucan and Binablayan were done in gross violation of the law.

These included “manipulation and total disregard of the FPIC processes, threats and harassments and lack of transparency.”

Because of these violations, the communities retracted their signature from the memorandum of agreement with Quadriver and NCIP.

Quadriver, an Ayala Corporation, plans to put up series of 26.1 megawatt minihydro electric power plants in said barangays.

Aside from the FPIC violations committed against them, affected community folks said they also feared displacement and destruction of their livelihood due to the proposed tunneling, road opening and widening due to power plant construction.

In response to issues raised by affected communities, Fr. Habawel expressed his concern and prayers for a fair MOA, full and proper implementation of the FPIC process; proper information and education of grass roots communities and safety for those vilified, tagged and threatened in doing their work.

Rev. Infante said the UCCP supported aspirations of the people and as a church, he said they will listen to the plight of the people.

For its part, a Reccord statement said they firmly supported the people in their campaign for the environment.
The group said this was affirmation of their 12th general assembly theme of advancing indigenous peoples agenda for genuine peace and freedom and upholding IP rights.

Wandag cited important role of churches in listening and solidarity to the issues and problems of IPs and society.

He said the church should lead people to genuine development and peace.


The forum later issued a statement abhorring political vilification. They agreed to conduct a solidarity mission soon in Tinoc to hear directly from affected communities. 

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