The indigenous peoples (IPs) of Kabugao, Apayao said that a dam that threatens to destroy their unity and cultural identity is not their priority.

Instead, they want the documentation of their indigenous political structure (IPS) and the registration of their indigenous peoples organization (IPO).

In Resolution 01 signed by the IPs of Kabugao of said province, they expressed their strong opposition on the 150 Mega Watt (MW) Gened 1 Hydro Electric Power Plant (HEPP) project of the Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corporation (PPRPC).

In said resolution, the IPs are also withdrawing their earlier “Yes to negotiation only” from continuing the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process.

The IPs stated that that they now fully know and understood the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the proposed 150 MW dam.

They added: “The proposed 150 (MW) HEPP project is never our priority in our Ancestral Domain.”

“The dam is undoubtedly perilous to our culture and values of oneness, our life and limb, our properties or our ancestral and the like, ” the IPs expressed in the resolution.

The Kabugao IPs said that in allowing the conduct of the FPIC, the peace and tranquility in their community are also hugely affected and now are being replaced by divisiveness and animosities because of the dam.

The IPs also pointed out that they as the people within the indigenous cultural communities of Kabugao, Apayao are receptive but not for the HEPP project.