Tuba opposes Baguio’s operation of Asin hydros

DOE Sec. Cusi urged: Don’t issue permit 

TUBA, Benguet – Officials and residents of this town are opposing the planned operation of the Asin hydro power facilities here by the Baguio City government saying these are situated on ancestral lands within the territorial jurisdiction of Tuba particularly at Barangay Nangalisan.

The Tadiangan Nangalisan Hydro Ancestral Land Association (TNHLA) in Resolution No. 1, Series of 2019 dated Sept. 10, 2019, “urgently requests Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan and the municipal council headed by Vice Mayor Marie Carantes to support the opposition of the TNHLA urging the Dept. of Energy not to issue any permit to the City of Baguio or any entity for the renewal of operation of the Asin Hydropower plants all located at the Municipality of Tuba, Benguet.”    

Following this, a committee composed of councilors Roger L. Kitma, Garey G. Behis and Nestor Baban went to the DOE central office last week to request officials of the government power agency not to approve any application of Baguio City government to run the Asin hydros considering earlier cited reason among others.

The committee is set to report on the matter on Tuesday to Sal-ongan, Carantes and the municipal council on what transpired during the DOE meeting in Manila, a reliable source said.     

Their TNLHA resolution said “a certification was issued Jan. 3, 2019 for the purpose of protecting the rights of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples within the Tuba Ancestral Domain by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Benguet and another certification from NCIP-Cordillera Administrative Region Hearing Officer a case filed by the TNHLA against the City of Baguio.”

The TNHLA said the Tuba and Provincial Assessors Offices also issued certifications the City of Baguio has no registered property at Nangalisan, Tuba.

They said as stipulated under the Indigenous People’s Rights Act 8371, they have the right to develop and use their lands and natural resources.

In their resolution, the TNHLA said the Baguio City government contracted renewal of operation to a private entity without “free, prior, informed (FPIC) consent from Tuba ICCs/IPs or approval of TNHLA who own the lands within the Tuba Ancestral Domain. 

They urged the Tuba local government to “continuously oppose the application of the City of Baguio for a permit to operate the Asin Hydros and follow provisions of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997.

The TNHLA, in their resolution, “appeals to the kindheartedness od the Dept. of Energy under Sec. Alfonso Cusi to recognize and respect the Tuba ancestral domain by virtue of the Native Title.”

The resolution was signed by TNHLA officers Joe Culbengan Sr., president; Peter Sito, vice president; Brenda Takingan, secretary, Tadiangan, Florida de Vera, secretary-Nangalisan; Steve Solano, auditor; Nelson Taqued, PRO; Jerico Bayan and Lourdes Tallayo, business managers; Ricardo Claro and Barnabas Balacio, Sgt. at arms.

Signatories included TNHLA council of elders Baranabas Balacio, Joseph Permo, Orlando Lagasca, Arnel Claro, Henry Ebanio, Peter Sito, Rogelio Claro, Simson Claro, Dean Albino, Carlito Dacdaco, Joseph Sahoy, Olga Dangwa, Anthony Ebanio, Miller Ogas, Marissa Lamsis, Ruben Salve, Milagros Pascua and Sonny Copero.  

Earlier on April 19, 2016, the Tuba Sangguniang Bayan made Resolution No. 34, Series of 2016 “supporting the opposition of the affected communities to the transfer of water permits from Baguio Water District to the City of Baguio and the intended renewal of operations of the Asin Hydropower Plants and urging the Dept. of Energy not to issue any permit to the City of Baguio or any entity for the renewed operation of the Asin Hydropower Plants, all located at the Municipality of Tuba, Benguet and to cancel the mini-hydro operating contract granted to HEDCOR-INC. for the Asin Hydropower Plants.

It was signed by sangguniang bayan members Maria Carantes, Nestor Baban, Adora Gabino, Garey Behis, Ignacio Rivera, Roger Kitma, Rebecca Apil, Arnulfo Milo and Peter Bengwasan Sr.

Carantes, Baban, Kitma, Behis among other members of the municipal council were re-elected during the last May national and local elections.

Sal-ongan, who was then vice mayor was elected mayor.