A change of assessment, or cash changing hands?
That was the question of Pakileños who have continually voiced their opposition to the construction of the Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Pakil, Laguna.
The reason: after issuing a cease-and-desist order on the construction of the dam, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) suddenly turned around and allowed the construction of the controversial project.
The NHCP’s sudden reversal sparked anger among environmentalists and local residents who charged that the push towards renewable energy should not be an excuse for widespread environmental destruction.
Cease and desist order
To recall, the NHCP on June 25 issued an order directing the immediate suspension of activities related to the 1,400-megawatt project.
The NHCP released the order after concerns were raised about the Ahunan Dam’s impact on cultural heritage sites in Pakil.
Among the major sites that could be affected by the dam include the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church, an NHCP-marked historical structure and Grade II cultural property, and the historic Turumba Spring, a landmark tied to the town’s centuries-old devotion to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba.
Another site that critics say could be affected by the dam is the Mount Ping-as, which had been a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics from Pakil and other parts of Laguna province.
NHCP acted under the National Cultural Heritage Act, which stipulates that cultural agencies may order the suspension of activities when important cultural properties are at risk of destruction or significant alteration.
Order lifted
On July 1, however, the NHCP suddenly reversed its order to suspend all activities related to the construction of Ahunan Dam.
In its letter addressed to Ahunan Power, Inc., the NHCP said the order was lifted after the company assured the commission "that the Ahunan Pakil Pumped Storage Hydropower Project will not adversely affect the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church."
Apparently, the letter noted, Ahunan Power, Inc. said that "dust mitigation and environmental monitoring measures" were "being implemented" to safeguard the structural and cultural integrity of the church, one of Laguna's oldest Spanish-style churches.
"The NHCP acknowledges the commitment of Ahunan Power, Inc. (API) to continuously implement these mitigation measures to prevent any adverse effects on the church and its immediate surroundings," the letter, which was signed by NHCP chairperson Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., stated.
Acquitted?
For groups who have continued to oppose the Ahunan Dam project, however, NHCP’s lifting of the cease-and-desist order is a virtual “acquittal” of Ahunan Power for the potential impact on Pakil’s historical sites.
In a statement issued July 2, the Network Opposed to Ahunan Dam expressed its disappointment with the decision.
“We feel that the decision is ill-advised and based on an incomplete study of the dam’s impact on Pakil’s cultural heritage and historical significance,” the statement, which was posted on the No to Ahunan Dam social media page, stated.
For the groups calling for the stoppage of the project, the NHCP’s acceptance of Ahunan Power’s explanation on why the dam will not affect the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church is tantamount to “asking the guilty party to investigate themselves and find themselves acquitted of their crimes.”
“The NHCP must conduct an impartial and independent investigation on the ongoing impact of the Ahunan Dam. The Network Opposed to Ahunan Dam is more than happy to cooperate with the NHCP in acquiring an objective assessment in this matter. They will find that there is indeed no shortage of reasons why the Ahunan Dam must be stopped,” the group added.
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