BASURA at Ambuklao Dam: Heavy trash accumulation found near spillway

Bokod, Benguet — Long admired for its serene surroundings and pristine waters, Ambuklao Dam is now facing a growing waste problem following a significant buildup of trash near its spillway on October 16, 2025. The situation has alarmed residents and prompted calls for immediate cleanup efforts and stricter waste management measures to preserve one of Benguet’s most scenic landmarks.

One of the country’s oldest hydroelectric projects, the Ambuklao Dam has long served as both a vital power source and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its picturesque landscape and abundant tilapia population. However, locals now fear that the worsening trash problem could harm the ecosystem and discourage tourism.

The debris poses threats to water quality, flood control, and the overall health of the ecosystem—directly affecting communities that depend on the dam.

According to local media reports, residents believe that most of the trash originates from upstream communities and roadside dumping. The recent heavy rains have also carried waste into the spillway area, further aggravating the situation.

Communities both upstream and downstream are likely to be affected, particularly those living near the dam who rely on it for their daily water supply. Their dependence on the dam for agriculture and livelihood makes them vulnerable to the effects of waterway blockages caused by unmanaged waste and debris.

Local authorities said that addressing the issue will require community cooperation, improved waste management systems, and coordinated cleanup operations to safeguard the dam and protect the people who rely on it.