ALMA DAM to Infanta Mayor: Stand firm against the Kaliwa Dam

The banner carried by ALMA DAM, led by Mr. Conrad Vargas as Lead Convenor, along with its members and indigenous participants, was brought to the municipality of Infanta, Quezon. Their primary objective was to express their concerns to Mayor Filipina Grace America regarding her ambiguous stance on the Kaliwa Dam project—uncertain whether she opposes or supports it.

Among the indigenous community, there is uncertainty about whether some members received compensation from MWSS due to the project’s impact on their homes and livelihoods. Allegedly, the documents did not clarify if this compensation was tied to their acceptance of the Kaliwa Dam project.

Mr. Vargas stated they have repeatedly requested a dialogue with the mayor but have not received a clear response to their demands. They were surprised to discover emerging support within MWSS, including from Municipal Council member and Mayor Grace America’s ally, Councilor Roseller Portales, who recently assisted indigenous individuals compensated by the agency.

ALMA DAM also questioned why they were not given the opportunity to voice their concerns during the morning devotion on Monday, July 22, 2024.

In front of the municipal hall, they gathered to advocate their suggestions and opposition to the project. They promptly sought the support of the Infanta Municipal Council, led by Vice Mayor L.A. Ruanto, and Councilors Kirk Gurango, Mannie America, and Sherwin Avellano, to allow them to speak and detail their proposed actions.

During the Municipal Council’s plenary session, there was extensive discussion and deliberation on critical issues related to the matter.

ALMA DAM is hopeful that Mayor Grace America will grant them a personal dialogue to clarify her true stance and principles directly to them.