THE INDIGENOUS peoples (IPs) of Kabugao, Apayao stress that their priority is the documentation of their indigenous political structure (IPS) and the registration of their indigenous peoples organization (IPO) and not the divisive dam that threatens to destroy their unity and cultural identity.
In a resolution signed by the IPs of Kabugao, they expressed their strong opposition on the 150 megawatt (MW) Gened 1 Hydro Electric Power Plant (HEPP) project of the Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corporation (PPRPC).
They are also withdrawing their earlier statement "Yes to negotiation only" from continuing the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process.
The IPs stated that they fully know and understood the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the proposed 150 MW dam.
"The dam is undoubtedly perilous to our culture and values of oneness, our life and limb, our properties or our ancestral and the like, " the IPs expressed.
Kabugao IPs added the peace and tranquility in their community are also hugely affected and now are being replaced by divisiveness and animosities because of the dam.
The IPs also pointed out that they as the people within the indigenous cultural communities of Kabugao, Apayao are receptive but not for the HEPP project. (SunStar Baguio)