DLSU Hosts Kaliwa Dam Action Project Forum to Amplify Indigenous Voices

De La Salle University (DLSU) held the Kaliwa Dam Action Project Forum on November 21, 2024, as part of Lasallian Mission Week, with a focus on raising awareness about the proposed Kaliwa Dam project. Organized by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and Terrestrial Ecology N01-BIOSEC students led by Prof. Emelina Mandia, the event aimed to highlight the dam’s environmental, cultural, and social implications. Associate Dean Dr. Carla Manzano opened the program by emphasizing solidarity with marginalized communities, setting a reflective and action-oriented tone for the day.

The forum featured compelling testimonies from Dumagat-Remontado elders Ramcy Atoveza and Marcelino Tena, who spoke of their ancestral connection to the Sierra Madre mountains and the threats posed by the project, including displacement and ecological degradation. Environmental advocate Conrad Vargas from the Stop Kaliwa Dam Movement expanded the discussion, addressing the dam’s broader consequences for biodiversity and advocating for sustainable alternatives. Students from Terrestrial Ecology N01-BIOSEC echoed these concerns in a passionate call to action, emphasizing the need for collective advocacy.

In closing, Dr. Billy Almarinez provided scientific insights into sustainable practices, while Mr. Ricky Cabugsa of COSCA called for deeper compassion and collaboration with indigenous communities. The event underscored the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, ecological stewardship, and community solidarity in the pursuit of justice and sustainability. It served as a platform for the Dumagat-Remontado community to share their stories, inspiring the DLSU community to support efforts against the Kaliwa dam project.