26/06/2025
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๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐น ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐๐ป๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฃ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐บ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐
Laguna, PhilippinesโConversations continue to grow around the proposed 1,400 MW Ahunan Pumped Storage Hydropower Project, as concerned residents, farmers, and civil society organizations in Pakil, Laguna, highlight the possible devastating impacts it poses on the Sierra Madre mountain range, Laguna Lake, and the townโs bountiful ecosystems.
Pumped-storage hydropower facilities have a range of harmful environmental impacts. These include killing fish, spreading invasive species, damaging wetland ecosystems in lakeshore and riverbanks, lowering water quality, and obstructing the movement of aquatic species. According to American author and environmental activist Derrick Jensen, the inefficiencies of these systems can lead to increased fossil fuel consumption and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed development by the Ahunan Power Inc. will involve the excavation of both upper and lower reservoirs, the construction of tunnels, and an underground powerhouse cutting across four barangays: Baรฑo, Rizal, Taft, and Burgos. The projectโs large footprint has raised concerns not just from environmental advocates but also from religious leaders and residents worried about long-term displacement, flooding, and water access.
Notably, the project would require over 136 hectares of land, which would cut through Pakilโs mountains, forests, and declared watershed areas. These spaces are not only rich in biodiversity, home to both endemic and migratory species, but are also vital to the communityโs survival. Likewise, freshwater springs, some of which are considered miraculous, are among the main sources of drinking water for local communities. The area is also home to agricultural lands that sustain local livelihoods, as well as cultural and religious landmarks, including the centuries-old Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church. All of which may be completely eradicated should the project continue its course.
โLahat ng kailangan ay mapo-provide na ng kalikasan. Ngunit ito ay mababago na,โ said Ka Jun Asin, a local farmer and president of the East Pakil Farmers Association. โItong lugar na ito, sa ilang taon pa siguro, ay hindi na mapapakinabangan pa ng mga magsasaka at ng susunod na mga henerasyon.โ
Ka Jun recently toured members of Rights of Nature Youth PH Youth through the majority of the areas that stand to be impacted and the spaces that could be erased if the project proceeds. This initiative was led by the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) in response to the persistent threats to local biodiversity.
Ka Jun further insighted, โWe are threatened. Threatened kami ng developmentโ development para sa Metro Manila.โ
As communities continue to speak out, many are calling for transparency, genuine community consultations, and the protection of Pakilโs natural and cultural heritage. Acknowledging the rights of nature in Pakil and engaging in conversations about its environmental safety and security can be a step forward in ensuring a sustainable future for all, not only for the people of Pakil.
Via | Jinky Espinosa, Rights of Nature Youth PH
