Buaya, Balbalan undergoes Consultative Community Assembly for 40MW hydroelectric power

Buaya, Balbalan – The Buaya community in Balbalan convened with concerned agencies for the 2nd Consultative Community Assembly on March 28 this year, providing them the avenue to air their questions about the proposed hydropower project in their area.

Among the three hydropower projects proposed by re-developer JBD Waterpower Inc. (JWPI) is the 40 Megawatts Buaya "Mabaca River" Hydroelectric Power Plant(HPP).

This 2nd Consultative Community Assembly(CCA) was participated by the community, JWPI headed by the company’s president, Geraldine Gonzales, the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other concerned agencies.

Purpose of CCA

Part of the process of the proposed project is the Consultative Community Assembly(CCA) which happened twice, the first one was on March 10 and the second was held on March 28 in Buaya.

Roger Ngao-i, Community Development Officer III of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Kalinga recapped that their office was among the speakers during the first CCA where they discussed the rights of the Indigenous People and the reasons for the project.

The Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process was likewise discussed to them on said assembly.

For the second CCA, Ngao-i told the community it is another chance given to them to ask questions.

“Daytoy iti tiyansa nga ag-questions tayo. Nu anya iti doubts tayo, nu anya iti haan nga nalawag kanya tayo ket damagen tayo. Daytoy iti tiyempo nga naited nga da tayo ket ag-questions tayo tapnu ma-clarify dagiay adda pan-panunut tayo,” he said.

2nd CCA

The second CCA was composed of a lecture from the Department of Energy personnel who explained the sources of energy and the hydropower and its benefits.

Project Team Leader, Engr. Obed Jose Bilowan likewise elaborated the proposed 40MW Buaya HPP.

There was also an open forum wherein the constituents of Buaya raised their questions which were answered by the concerned agencies and the JWPI.

At least 10 days after the 2nd CCA, the community will have to decide whether or not to continue with the next steps of the FPIC process.

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