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Philippine Dam Crisis: Contending the Deferment of the Laiban Dam Project 2013

Bulacan State University

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

City of Malolos, Bulacan

Philippine Dam Crisis: Contending the

Deferment of the Laiban Dam Project

BY

ALMAZAN, Erwin V.

ATIENZA, Joel Jeremiah G.

BERSABAL, Marvin R.

EUGENIO, Darwin B.

TOLOSA, Andrew Ian Grey J.

Group 6, ECE 4-A

(Accomplished August 16, 2013 in compliance to the requirements of the academic

program “Environmental and Safety Engineering”, 1st Semester, SY 2013-2014)


Abstract

Dams were once considered as prime catalysts to the advancement of human

progress, harnessing commercial value from arid rivers at the expense, however, of the

riparian people and environment within and beyond. In the Philippines, watersheds play a

vital role of supplying agricultural, domestic, and industrial water especially to the urban

population of Metro Manila. Such dependence led to the framing of the Laiban Dam

Project, seeking to inundate the ecologically-fit Sierra Madre share of Tanay in Rizal

where at least 4,413 families of indigenous Dumagats and Remontados find more than

home in such grounds they contend as their heritage. Upon dealing with such conflicts

and other downstream consequences, this research study attempts to analyze relevant

information regarding costs and expenses, land sustainability, probable risks, ecological

factors, ethical considerations, and the existence of feasible alternatives and conservation

measures which would prevent the construction of Laiban Dam.

Keywords: dam project, indigenous people, water crisis, sustainable development,

downstream consequences, environmental hazards, ancestral domain, dam alternatives

Discussion

The existence of dams has undeniably been beneficial in sustaining the looming

necessities of humanity by fulfilling the purposes of, but is not limited to, supplying

industrial and domestic water, irrigation and drinking water, flood control, inland

navigation, fish farming, recreation, and hydroelectric power. Accordingly, dams were

once hailed as symbols of human advancement worldwide, trending to its peak in the


1970s when a mean of two or three large dams were contrived to rise each day. However,

the expensive cost of their construction and maintenance was rationalized to the direct

and indirect services they provide. Dams adversely modify the environmental and social

patterns of riverine communities including its resources - transferring benefits from local

settlers to a new range of consumers, ergo, bringing up global debates from such conflicts

(World Commission on Dams [WCD], 2000). In the Philippines, watersheds are

predominant in the goal of supplying agricultural, domestic, and industrial waters to

various parts of the country especially to the urban population of Metro Manila, which

pipes 98 per cent of its water requirements from Angat Dam in Bulacan. Due to such

dependence, the Philippine government organized a task force that would search for a

secondary water supply source. In 1978, Kaliwa River in Laiban, Rizal was chosen as the

most viable for dam feasibility studies. However, the plan was deferred by the end of

1989, commencing a cycle of planning and re-planning which delayed the project until

press time.

The Laiban Dam Project, a joint venture of the Metropolitan Waterworks and

Sewerage System (MWSS) and the San Miguel Corporation, is a multi-purpose water

supply and power generation scheme. Initially called Kaliwa River Basin Project, it is set

to be Metro Manila's second major source of water next to Angat Dam. The watershed

aims to produce 1,900 million liters per day (MLD) of domestic and industrial water plus

some 25 megawatts (MW) of hydro-electric power supply initially assumed to serve

690,000 households in Rizal and Southern Metro Manila. It will be situated within the

Kaliwa River Basin (east of Metro Manila), inundating 28,000 hectares of the

ecologically-fit Sierra Madre share of Tanay in Rizal. Affected barangays from Tanay


would be Laiban (the one mostly populated), San Andres, Cayabu, Sto Nino, Tinucan,

Mamuyao, and Sta. Ines. The site would even reach the Quezon Province (Barangay

Limutan) as the dam shall divert and trap water from a 276 square-kilometer watershed

formed by Lenatin and Limutan rivers. Consequently, the rise of the 113-m high rockfill

dam will displace at least 4,413 indigenous families into the 4,424 hectares of

resettlement area in San Ysiro, Antipolo City by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No.

2480. Presently, diversion tunnels for the rivers, some land acquisitions and

compensations for above-ground improvements, and updates of bid documents were

completed.

Figure 1: Laiban dam location. (Source: MWSS Laiban Dam Project Profile)


Costs and expenses

The main reason why the dam is being proposed is to secure water resources and

the anticipation of a water crisis in Metro Manila. MWSS stated that Laiban Dam is the

answer to the scarcity on 2015 when deficit was estimated to reach 1,600 MLD.

However, the high costs allocated and the project dealings "mulled with secrecy" raised

controversies on the real purpose of the scheme. In 2007, the dam was approved at a cost

of P48 billion. A couple of years after, San Miguel Bulk Water Company, Inc. offered an

unsolicited proposal to sponsor the project, lifting the price to P52 billion. It was an

uncontested bid. Furthermore, an alleged collection of “advance tariffs” from water

consumers to finance the dam construction was critically challenged, bannering an issue

about denial of fairness to patrons who already paid for a project that has not even barely

started (Lingao, 2009; Mallari Jr., 2013). Through a public-private partnership scheme,

MWSS revealed in 2013 a revamped plan they termed as the New Centennial Water

Source Project (NCWS), amounting up to P85 billion to compensate the plan of

constructing one or two dams, including one main dam (Laiban Dam) and/or one

regulator dam downstream (Kaliwa Dam). This is alongside the P15-billion distribution

facility and treatment plant and the P5.3-billion improvement on the Angat Dam, both in

Bulacan (Mayuga, 2013).

Ecological biodiversity and sustainable development at stake

A rich ecology hosting a diverse flora and fauna is endangered with the pursuance

of Laiban Dam. The land’s biodiversity include animals like wild boar, deer, snake, and

monkey. Land use particularly in Laiban is mainly agriculture, and even in the absence of


industrialization, it was found to be sustainable and capable of development without

destroying its environment (Crucio & Parayno, undated). They plant fruits including

pineapple and papaya, as well as crops like bananas, coconuts, corn, and palay (which

they grow without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides), among others. Their

livestock consists of chickens, goats, cows, and horses which are also their mode of

transportation to the town proper. Residents claim income and financial satisfaction from

cooperatives and their crops, preventing them to log because the mountains are

surrounded by non-timber products available for consumption. In fact, there was a

planned reforestation program to further advance the sustainability of the area, excluding

the big potential of eco-tourism in such scenic landscape. Development aggression it may

seem, but the law is clear about the rights of the residents to the environment. According

to Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, "The State shall protect and

advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the

rhythm and harmony of nature".

Environmental impacts and potential hazards

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was able to record some detrimental effects

of dams on the environment based on its analyses of large dams in Asia. Such impacts

include the alteration of hydrological cycle and degradation of riverine biodiversity.

Siltation and inconsistent water discharge might result to water climate change that

destroys fish migration patterns and plant life. Its impact would spread to riparian settlers

whose livelihoods are dependent to such resources. Furthermore, scientific studies show

that millions of smaller dams all over the world are actually contributive to the emission


of greenhouse gases which cause global climate change, challenging the popular "green"

concept of dams. According to a journal of the American Chemical Society (2013), more

and more methane bubbles out of the water behind small dams. Large dams are known

sources of carbon dioxide and methane, both of which are greenhouse gases. They trap

heat near the Earth's surface and in fact, the latter has 25 times more warming effect than

the former. Methane comes from organic matter, mostly rotted, in the sediments trapped

within dams. Such can potentially increase global freshwater emissions by up to 7 percent

following the dam trend in pursuance of new water and energy sources. Constructing the

Laiban Dam would further add to these figures. The following is a matrix comparing the

carbon dioxide emissions of different energy options.

Table 1. Global Warming Impact of Various Electricity Options

Power Plant Type Emissions (g CO2-eq/kWh)

Hydro (tropical) 200 – 3000 [1]

Hydro (temperate/boreal) 10 – 200 [1]

Coal (modern plant) 790 – 1200

Heavy Oil 690 – 730

Diesel 555 – 880

Combined cycle natural gas 460 – 760

Natural gas cogeneration 300

[1] Represents gross emissions and does not include emissions produced when

water is released from the reservoir. (Source: International River Network)


Moreover, MWSS stated that the watershed will help Angat Dam to supply water

since the latter is "too old" and is situated above the West Valley Fault. Likewise, Laiban

Dam will rise between Marikina and Real-Infanta Fault Lines, moving experts to infer

that in the course of an earthquake, the dam would experience wreckage, as much as the

downstream communities and settlers would be drowned (Mallari Jr., 2013). Another

probable hazard is the overflow of water from dams which are, according to ADB, non-

assurances of effective flood control especially when large volumes are to be held back.

There is no clear plan for accident cases that may be destructive to downstream

communities once the dam has been built.

Displacement and ancestral claims

Probably the most significant of the controversies facing the construction of

Laiban Dam is the ejection of indigenous Dumagats (also known as Agtas) and

Remontados, reflecting the irreversible loss of shelters, above-ground improvements, and

cultural heritage, among others. Since the 1980’s, these tribal communities are in strong

contention against the anticipated dam construction as they consider the dam site part of

their ancestral domain. Affected residents were to be resettled at Brgy. San Ysiro in

Antipolo City, where chaos would also fall on the farmers already situated in the said

area. The site which was reserved since the '80s is already nestled by families from other

resettlement projects. With the project implementation, they would have to give way for

the original recipients of the resettlement site - the indigenous peoples of Laiban vicinity.

Thus, conflict heightens with the proliferation of such "domino effect".


Amidst its resurrection in 2013, residents still have not given support to the dam

project. Quoting an Agta tribal chieftain's sentiment, indigenous peoples perceive the

dam project as "a Damocles sword hanging over [their] heads". They made a vow to

continue such invincible stand before their deceased chieftain Nap Buendicho, who in

2009 led a 148-kilometer protest march from General Nakar, Quezon going to Manila in

dramatization of their opposition to the dam project (Mallari Jr., 2013). There is a legal

security offered by Republic Act No. 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of

1997, promulgating that "The State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of

ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall

consider these rights in the formulation of national laws and policies". However, issues

regarding ancestral domains would rather require ethical consideration since indigenous

peoples, in general, stand in strong unity against the concept of modern paradigm not

because they mean objection to development but rather they "are just still awed by the

magic of the cosmos and the mystery of life", giving reverence to nature in protecting the

gift of life for future inheritance (Luedert, 2007). The WCD (2000) insisted that projects

involving indigenous and tribal people shall only be guided by their free, prior, and

informed consent. They may still be given compensation, but they cannot bring back that

which would be lost. It was discovered that compensation packages for local residents

amounting to P3 million per family or P5 million (for those with extended families) were

distributed. However, these do not include resettlement costs, livelihood projects,

utilities, and basic needs like water, electricity, and education for their children.

Nonetheless, they continue to pursue for their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles


(CADT), which would add legal substance to their claims and would add to them more

financial assistance (Lingao, 2009).

Suggested alternatives and recommendations

Findings of the WCD (2000) show that only 30 per cent of the domestic and

commercial water supplied by large dams were utilized by intended consumers. Dam

efficiency thus was put to doubt, and with all the adversities and irrevocable impacts of

dams came the quest for better alternatives. In response to this, there are some suggested

options in lieu of large dams, based on the ADB report. Firstly, it is important to promote

conservation measures to water and energy consumers. The Freedom from Debt Coalition

(FDC) once inferred about Laiban Dam's promotion of increased water consumption

contrary to water conservation, since the dam shall hold a sizeable water volume. There

are different ways to conserve water as well as energy such as recycling, water and

energy use inventory, and scheduled irrigation, among others.

Consequently, supply-side management shall also be considered and aimed

towards efficient water distribution. Unnecessary water loss or non-revenue water has

contributed much to the wasted costs and expenses shouldered not just by the controlling

agencies but most likely by the patronizing consumers. By fixing the leaks in the

facilities, more money and much of the resources shall be saved and may actually defer

the need for new sources. The improvement projects for the Angat Dam will be a

significant development in the waterways. Furthermore, the existence of other renewable

sources both for water and energy needs is a significant point to consider. Renewable

energy sources include sustainable biomass, wind, solar, and fossil fuels. Moreover,


studies and implementation of surface water harnessing strategies are being applied to the

Laguna de Bay.

Finally, if building a dam would remain as the only viable solution to the water

crisis, a cheaper alternative was being suggested. The Wawa Dam near Montalban, Rizal

used to be Metro Manila’s main source of water until the commissioning of the Angat

Dam when its operation was cancelled. Amidst the issue on Laiban Dam deferment, the

said dam is being promoted in lieu of the former. Its advantages include (1) the absence

of the need for a one-time billion dollar investment with a minimum take-or-pay

provision, (2) a watershed area of 27,700 hectares almost tantamount to Laiban’s 28,000

hectares, (3) its distance of 4 kilometers from Manila, much shorter than Laiban’s 70

kilometers, (4) delivery of 300-500 MW of electricity compared to the 25 MW offer of

Laiban Dam, and (5) the fact that it would not have to displace people to acquire right of

way because it is already built and only requires minor repairs (Cruz, 2009).

Conclusion

Laiban Dam is not the only answer to the water supply needs of Metro Manila,

considering the hazards it can pose to the environment, the lives who have to give way

for its construction, and the findings saying that it is not highly recommendable.

Conservation in the form of efficient and improved water supply facilities, demand

management, recycling, and prevention of excess and dispensable consumption is already

a benchmark to begin with. However, for the time being, the State in accord with the

concerned people has to finally adjudge the fate of the Laiban Dam, or else preliminary

costs alone may already surpass the actual amount of the structure, apart from the time


and effort being put to waste. While it is true that the number of those who will be

accomodated is greater than those who will be dislodged, it does not necessarily mean

that the benefits will cancel out the concerns right away. What has to be appraised also is

the non-monetary and intangible values of what's to gain and what's to lose. Damage to

ecological balance and biodiversity is cureless. Furthermore, 35 years would've already

worn the Dumagats and Remontados had it not been due to ancestral instinct and identity

they hold on to and live upon. Provisions like Section 16, Article II of the 1987

Philippine Constitution and The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 are vital in their

struggle against Laiban dam, though in the light of humanitarian standards, the issue lies

more on ethical acknowledgement rather than legal security. For them, the land depicts

an immeasurable worth. Through the years, it had been the seat of a rich ecology,

livelihood, ancestry, customs, and traditions - all of which are at stake when the scheme

pushes through. Project proponents may earn the free, prior, and informed consent of

Laiban residents but in the long run, it is still up to the latter to rule the verdict and let the

aftermath of this project - the irreversible impact on their environment, culture, well-

being, and heritage - make the final judgement.


References

American Chemical Society. (2013, July 31). Sediment trapped behind dams makes them

'hot spots' for greenhouse gas emissions. ACS News Service. Retrieved from

http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2013/acs-presspac-july-31-

2013/sediment-trapped-behind-dams-makes-them-hot-spots-for-greenhouse.html

Chronology of Events: Laiban Dam Project

URL: http://pcij.org/resources/laiban-02-chronology.pdf

Crucio, E. & Parayno, P. (n.d.). Laiban Dam Project: Interlocking Ethics, Values and

People in a Philippine Watershed. Retrieved from

http://www.kadinst.hku.hk/sdconf10/Papers_PDF/p180.pdf

Cruz, N. (2009, July 31). Cheaper, faster alternative to Laiban dam. Philippine Daily

Inquirer. Retrieved from

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090731-218009/Cheaper-

faster-alternative-to-Laiban-Dam

Lingao, E. (2009). Costliest dam project also biggest resettlement bill. Philippine Center

for Investigative Journalism. Retrieved from http://pcij.org/stories/2009/laiban5.html

Luedert, J. (2007). Deliberating Justice: Indigenous Peoples, the World Bank, and the

Principle of Free Prior Informed Consent. Retrieved from

http://research.allacademic.com/index.php?cmd=Download+Document&key=unpublishe


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Mallari Jr., D. T. (2013, July 12). Sierra Madre tribe asks Congress to stop Laiban dam.

Inquirer Southern Luzon. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/443527/sierra-

madre-tribe-asks-congress-to-stop-laiban-dam#ixzz2YtXOfv9G

Mayuga, J. L. (2013, February 27). Group tells government: Scrap Laiban Dam project.

Business Mirror. Retrieved from

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/9872-group-tells-govt-

scrap-laiban-dam-project

MWSS Information Sheet: Laiban Dam Project

URL: http://pcij.org/resources/MWSS-Laiban-Dam-Project.pdf

Republic Act 8731 - The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997

URL: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/resources/indigenous-peoples’-rights-act-1997

The Asian Development Bank and Dams

URL: http://www.forum-adb.org/docs/adb-and-dams.pdf

The 1987 Philippine Constitution

World Commission on Dams. (2000). Dams and Development: A New Framework For

Decision-Making. The Report of the World Commission on Dams. London: Earthscan

Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/attached-

files/world_commission_on_dams_final_report.pdf

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