The South Central Luzon Bishops Conference (SCLBC) airs strong support to the people opposing the Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Dam project subject for construction in Pakil, Laguna. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the SCLBC urge the municipal government of Pakil as well as the provincial government of Laguna to “reject the Ahunan Dam Project and to stop the environmentally destructive corporate proposal.”

An assembly of the Bishops of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the group echoes Pakileños’ concern of environmental, social, religious, and cultural degradation which will result out of the dam’s construction.

“Allowing this dam project is ethically wrong since it will destroy the town’s revered mountain, displace families, dry up spring water, and harm the town’s rich cultural and religious sites. The Ahunan Dam is a deluge that threatens to destroy Pakil’s nature and people, and Pakileños have the right to oppose this devastating dam project ” wrote Rt. Rev. Rowel S. Arevalo, SCLBC Chairman.

Late last year, the Diocese of San Pablo also declared its support to the campaign opposing the construction of the hydropower plant. Bishop Buenaventura Malayo Famadico stressed the people’s right to a balanced and sound ecology and the people’s moral duty to uphold and advance this right in behalf of the voiceless and future generations.

In December of 2022, the DENR conducted a public hearing on the controversial project. Anti-dam residents led by Mamamayang Nagmamahal sa Pakil (MaNaPak) called for a stoppage on activities atop the project site. The group also urge the DENR-EMB for a review on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A position paper was presented by MaNaPak to the environmental bureau denouncing the implementation of the hydropower dam.

(Featured image: Pakileños and church members celebrate Piyestang Lupi in Pakil, Laguna, September 2022. Elmer Valenzuela)