The Kaliwa Dam project, part of the New Centennial Water Source, poses a severe threat to the Sierra Madre mountain range, its ecosystems, and the indigenous peoples who call it home. While the project aims to address Metro Manila’s water needs, its construction endangers biodiversity, displaces indigenous Dumagat-Remontado communities, and increases flood risks in the region.

This large-scale infrastructure project jeopardizes the natural protection Sierra Madre offers against typhoons and environmental degradation. Moreover, it violates indigenous rights and disrupts ancestral lands protected under Philippine laws.

We call on the Philippine government, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and project stakeholders to:

1. Halt the Kaliwa Dam project immediately and explore sustainable, alternative water sources.

 

2. Conduct transparent consultations with affected communities and ensure their voices are heard.

 

3. Protect the Sierra Madre by prioritizing conservation efforts and sustainable development.

 

4. Invest in watershed rehabilitation and other eco-friendly solutions to secure water resources.

 

The Sierra Madre mountain range is the Philippines' first line of defense against typhoons, saving millions of lives by acting as a natural barrier that weakens storms before they hit populated areas. Beyond its role as a shield, it is a sanctuary of rich biodiversity, home to endangered species, and a source of livelihood and cultural heritage for indigenous communities.

 

The Sierra Madre is not just an environmental treasure—it is a lifeline for millions of Filipinos, a guardian against calamities, and a home for indigenous peoples. The destruction it faces from the Kaliwa Dam project is irreversible and unjust.

 

By signing this petition, we stand united to protect the Sierra Madre, uphold indigenous rights, and demand sustainable solutions for the country’s water needs.

 

Act now to stop the Kaliwa Dam—because the future of Sierra Madre and its people is worth fighting for.Madre.