COMMON GOOD VS. EXCLUSIVE PROGRESS: THE CRY OF KALIWA AND ITS IMPENDING DESTRUCTION

Abstract

A reservoir, like a dam, is a storage area where water is collected in large quantities. The Kaliwa River Basin is located in Tanay, Rizal. A dam on the upper portion of the Kaliwa River Watershed called the New Centennial Water Source (NCWS), or the Kaliwa Dam Project, is ongoing construction. It took the government almost seven years and six months to fully implement and start building because of the lengthy negotiation process with the people affected, particularly the Dumagat-Remontados tribes, obtaining clearances from different agencies and government sectors. Despite the plight and strenuous efforts of several non- profit organizations, local government bodies, people in different provinces, the Prelature of Infanta, and the Diocese of Antipolo, the project was started and will be soon finished by the year 2025- 2026. There was a lack of dialogue and transparency between the government and everyone affected. Research has shown that there were only 46 families who will be affected by the construction, according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), disregarding the downstream provinces that would be affected once there will be releasing of extra water from the dam. In the negotiation process, some failures, like not recognizing other people’s concerns, resulted in complaints, protests, and campaigns against the project. This study aims to identify the failures or deficiencies between the negotiation process and the impending problems once the construction is done. The researcher analyzes the situation and investigates the possibility of dialogue between parties where the Common Good should be prioritized. Based on the review of related literature, several lapses and failures were discovered on the government’s side that posed problems to everyone involved. Analysis of the project demonstrated that a vast forested area would be submerged, destroying biodiversity; another is a lack of transparency on the side of the Chinese investors regarding the project agreement, several Dumagat-Remontados indigenous peoples will be displaced, and people downstream will be much affected by possible flooding due to effects of the dam. The results indicate that a proper dialogue between parties is essential, protection of natural resources is a must, Ecological Education, particularly about climate change and emergencies, is needed, study for alternative water sources should be given time, and promoting inclusive progress and the Common Good is the answer.