LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Tuba has reiterated its opposition to the transfer of water rights.
In a resolution by the local council, councilmen are backing communities, which are opposed to the transfer of water rights to Baguio City.
“The municipality cannot let its constituents’ vehement opposition to the City of Baguio’s efforts to revive operations of the Asin Hydros go unrecognized and unheard,” the resolution stated.
Last year, Baguio City moved to transfer water permits in the municipality from the Baguio Water District to the City Government and change the purpose of the permit from domestic to power generation.
The local council resonated the community opposition saying “In full solidarity with the affected landowners, the barangays and the indigenous peoples, the municipality urges the Department of Energy (DOE) to cancel mini hydro operating contract issued in favour of Hedcor Inc., for the Asin Hydropower plants.”
No permits for renewal, assignment or any document that would allow the rehabilitation and operation of the power plants by the DOE without prior notice, consultation with affected communities and compliance with pertinent laws, rules and regulation added the resolution
Copies of the resolution were received by the Baguio City Mayor’s office May 6 before the May 31 meeting of both local government units.
Tadiangan, Nangalisan,Taloy Norte and Poblacion villages said the Asin Hydro Power Plants have ceased operations since 2012 and is still within the territorial jurisdiction of the Tuba town.
In a countermove, Mayor Florecio Bentrez filed a formal opposition at the National Water Resources Board.
The town, detailed reasons for the opposition citing the water permits applied for is subject to a pending case between the municipality and the BWD at the National Resources Board.
Another point in the opposition cited by the municipality, applicant for the operation of the hydro power plants must secure a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) as well as the conduct of consultations with the community and approval by the local Sanggunian.
Bentrez stressed they will only allow the reoperation subject to conditions that there will be no diversion of water from the river system and that the concerned barangays should issue resolutions interposing no objection to the operation.
Another condition by Tuba town detailed issues on compensation has been resolved and the new terms on sharing scheme have been reached between the parties.
During a meeting between the two local government units, the talks dwelled mostly on the unreleased compensation of surface owners and the need for the landowners to help in convincing the Commission on Audit to allow the City Council to waive the city’s damage claims, amounting to P2.7 million.