320-MW hydropower project eyed in NV-Quirino border

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – A multibillion-peso hydroelectric dam and irrigation project is being eyed along the remote mountain border of this province and Quirino. 

The planned Diduyon hydroelectric power project would be jointly undertaken by the national government through the Department of Energy and a company reportedly owned by business magnate Lucio Tan.

Kasibu Mayor Alberto Bumolo Jr. confirmed the ongoing survey for the project and consultations with the affected communities.

The project would traverse Kasibu and the Quirino towns of Maddela and Nagtipunan.

The hydropower plant is expected to contribute at least 320 megawatts (MW) to the Luzon grid and augment irrigation to thousands of farmlands in Quirino and parts of Isabela. The two provinces host the three-decade-old, 380-MW Magat Dam. 

Militant and environment groups, however, said the dam’s construction would submerge at least eight barangays in the three upland towns. 

The Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Environment and Development (KIRED) said these villages are mostly inhabited by indigenous people such as the Ifugaos, Igorots and Bugkalots, also known as Ilongots.

“We doubt if the project proponents can convince the affected communities, knowing that they will be displaced by its construction,” said a KIRED leader who asked not to be identified.

The National Council of Indigenous Peoples, according to the group, has been conducting consultations with the affected villagers to obtain social acceptability for the project, but allegedly lacked transparency.