The Sierra Madre Mountain Range, popularly known as the "Backbone of Luzon," serves as a spine for the country, keeping it upright in the face of incoming super typhoons and other natural disasters, thereby saving many lives. However, despite the fact that it provides various advantages to the region, the administration continues to plan the construction of the Kaliwa Dam Project in the said area to alleviate Manila's severe water shortage. Moreover, this minor improvement in people's lives beyond the mountains would damage not just the biodiversity of the mountain range forests, but it would also endanger thousands of indigenous people and other wildlife species that live there. What can we do about it? Let us stand together in opposition to the construction of the Kaliwa Dam Project. It is now our turn to defend what has been protecting us for so long.

We oppose the Kaliwa Dam Project for the reasons mentioned:

A. THE KALIWA DAM IS NEVER THE ANSWER.

It will violate the rights of a large number of people. It will endanger many species of flora and fauna, as well as cause permanent environmental damage to the Sierra Madre mountain range. The Sierra Madre suffers irreversible environmental damage as a result of the dam's construction.

B. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KALIWA DAM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TRIGGER THE CURRENT CLIMATE CRISIS.

It has the potential to contribute to climate change, global warming, and flooding. It also reduces typhoon protection due to its impact on the Sierra Madre. It will also jeopardize our country's ability to deal with future typhoons.

C. IT WILL DESTROY THE AREA'S RICH BIODIVERSITY.

The construction of the Kaliwa dam will not only harm endemic wildlife, disrupt biodiversity, and displace thousands of indigenous people, but it will also cause long term environmental damage to the Sierra Madre.

D. INFRINGES ON THE LEGAL PROCESS.

Because the location comprises a protected forest reserve, a national park, and a wildlife sanctuary, it violates the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act and the Expanded NIPAS Act. Signing the bilateral finance arrangement for the Kaliwa Dam Project through ODA would effectively be a violation of R.A. 8173 and R.A. 7586. Until today, the Dumagat-Remontados have never given their free, prior, and informed consent for this building, as required by R.A. 8173.

E. IT WILL WORSEN OUR DEBT-RIDDEN ECONOMY

This project would necessitate a 10.37 billion peso loan from China, and as a result, every Filipino, including those living outside of Metro Manila, will be liable for the debts. It also authorizes China to utilize their laws and their territory to handle disputes about the project, which might lead to our government surrendering Philippine territory to repay the debt.

REAL solutions to the water crisis

A dam cannot provide water security in Metro Manila on its own. There is an urgent need to investigate all potential options with the least negligible negative impact on the environment and our people.

With the help of various experts, there are numerous alternative and more sustainable solutions:

A. Watershed forest conservation

Conserving trees in existing watersheds like Angat and La Mesa is not only more cost-effective, but it would also secure Metro Manila's and adjacent provinces' continuing water supply for years to come.

B. Repairing and improving existing dams

Rehabilitate existing water reservoirs and expand efficient water distribution systems and facilities.

C. Protect and rehabilitate degraded watershed

Protection and restoration are recognized as cost-effective, realistic, and preventative measures for assuring long-term water supply in Metro Manila and other locations. The use of native tree species guarantees the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna to sustain ecological functions efficiently.

D. Repairing and improving water distribution facilities

Improving water concessionaire services by minimizing non-revenue water loss due to leaks in water pipes is another cost-effective alternative that has yet to be examined.

E. Explore and apply new technologies

Another feasible, although untested, solution to the problem is water recycling. There is an urgent need to reconsider the use of up to 85% of used water discharged as wastewater. This might be processed and utilized for agricultural, landscape irrigation, and industrial applications.

F. Applying and strengthening water conservation policies

The Local Government Code of 1991, which offers local government entities a significant role in providing people with a water supply and sanitary services, is widely seen as an essential alternative

Let’s sign the petition and be part of NO to Kaliwa Dam, and YES to Alternative solutions.