The New Centennial Water Source Kaliwa Dam Project (NCWS KDP) or most commonly known as the controversial Kaliwa Dam project was proposed by the Philippine Government in 2012 and was approved by the NEDA Board in 2014. It is aimed to meet the water scarcity in the region of NCR, particularly Metro Manila, Rizal, and Quezon.

However, we, Filipinos, might not think of how damaging the construction of this dam actually is. Including Senator Raffy Tulfo, it has many oppositions because of its possible environmental impacts and effects on the lives of indigenous people living in the area.

It would cause irreversible damage to the environment as the construction will take place in the Kaliwa Watershed, a declared forest reserve and natural wildlife sanctuary. It will also permanently flood 300 hectares of Sierra Madre, causing the displacement of at least 126 species of fauna, including the endangered Philippine Eagle. It will also put a risk on the safety of 100,00 residents with increased chances of massive flooding.

Sierra Madre, as we all know, has helped us battle typhoons for as long as we can remember. Recently, it has weakened the typhoon Karding. Ironic, isn't it? We harm nature as it protects us, humans.

And it actually doesn't end there. The construction of this dam will worsen our debt-ridden economy. From construction to maintenance, the Kaliwa Dam Project will cost us a total of PHP 12.2 Billion, which we can't afford, so it will be financed from a combination of the Philippine government’s regular budget and an estimated 85% will be loaned under an official development assistance (ODA) China. This large debt will be paid for with taxpayer's money despite the project being for the exclusive benefit of those who live in NCR.

IN CONCLUSION, it is important to address this issue because it will cause numerous social and environmental concerns. It tramples upon the human rights of our indigenous people and it also disturbs the biodiversity in the area.

With your help, let us reach out to the Philippine Government. We, Filipinos, would like to ask our government to look deeper into the environmental disadvantages and people's rights violation that the construction of the Kaliwa Dam will cause. Let us look for safer and sustainable alternatives for the water scarcity in Metro Manila/NCR. Because if this project pushes through, there will be permanent and irreversible effects not only on the people and animals who lives in the area, but on nature itself.

Once destroyed, nature's beauty cannot be repurchased at any price. -Ansel Adams

Creators: Group 2 11C | Athena Abundo, Nina Baga, Mara Juan, Arabella Latonero, and Mariella Mendoza

Click here to references and further details about our petition: Details SNTTKDP

We also kindly ask for your participation in answering our feedback form, that won't take longer than 5 minutes: Feedback Form SNTTKDP