SCRL urges NPC to fast track resettlement of Itogon folk

The Special Committee on Resettlement and Livelihood (SCRL) here is urging the National Power Corporation (NPC) to finalize the resettlement plans for the sixty one (61) families to be affected by the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam Project (SRMPDP).

DSWD field director, Porfiria Bernardez, chair of the SCRL Itogon Group said that livelihood activities for these families are highly dependent on where they will relocate when the power plant operates.  This will determine whether the livelihood technologies to be applied through government assistance are adequately backed by local resources, thereby ensuring sustainability of benefits.

Further, the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC), the private company responsible for the power component of the SRMPDP, reported last June that it is scheduled to close two tunnels in preparation for the actual operation of the plant next year.  According to Tommy Valdez, SRPC Social and Environment Manager, this may submerge the low-lying areas of Ampucao affecting some families.

Both considerations led the SCRL to immediately submit a resolution for NPC to firm up all preparations for the families’ relocation.  Per the SRMPDP contract, NPC is responsible for the non-power component that includes resettlement and livelihood activities.

Previously, the families in Itogon opted for self-relocation. Recently, however, they noted the benefits of group relocation per the experiences in San Manuel, Pangasinan.  Reportedly, this caused them to reconsider their previous decision.

Responding to this change of clamor from Itogon residents who identified two upper sitios in Ampucao (Daynet and Cangian), NPC staff along with other members of the SCRL validated the areas and found the sites to be appropriate for relocation.  Approval of the NPC board is still pending.

Meanwhile, the SCRL members have suggested modifications to the Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  (DENR) who budgeted P24 million worth of livelihood projects for the entire municipality of Itogon this year.

As agreed by the committee in the past meetings, the IWMP livelihood component would be the springboard of other livelihood assistance as it is poised for implementation this year.  Ampucao and Dalupirip, barangays that are within the reservoir area, are allocated P1.7 million and P2 million respectively for eight livelihood projects.

SCRL suggested that DENR look into the livelihood projects in these barangays in view of the identified relocation sites for immediate implementation.

Director Bernardez assured DENR of SCRL support to the IWMP program in terms of social preparation of communities, capability-building programs and advocacy needs. Eslorenzo

For More Information Contact:

CIDSS-CAR
40 North Drive, Baguio City
Tel: (063) 074-442-8619
FAX: (063) 074-442-7917
E-mail: [email protected]