The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) mentioned Thursday that the approval of the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project (NCWS-KDP) was made after a number of deliberations with the leaders and representatives of the affected Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Ian Cruz reported on “24 Oras”.
In a press launch, the fee mentioned the certificates of precondition was issued on September 19, 2022, with situations following the IPs Customary Laws and Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) and took part 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 mentioned.
NCIP mentioned the IPs who oppose the mission have been likewise included within the deliberation, permitting them to current their arguments and objections. The Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) means of the mission, in the meantime, was performed for seven years and 6 months.
However, the fee mentioned it respects Father Peter Montalla’s opinion, a priest who helps the Dumagats, however added it will not acknowledge him as he isn’t a part of the neighborhood.
NCIP additionally launched a replica of the decision signed by 70 IPs from the Dumagat-Remontado tribe in Tanay, Rizal, condemning Kakai Tolentino of BAI Indigenous Women’s Network and mentioned in addition they don’t acknowledge her as an affected neighborhood member and isn’t allowed to talk for the group.
Tolentino stood firmly on her assertion, saying she is from the Dumagat tribe and speaks for her group, not the whole IPs.
Meanwhile, Father Montalla additionally adhered to his assertion that the NCIP manipulated the IPs’ so-called consent of the mission.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
