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Harder times to hit Pangasinenses

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan (Dec. 11)— Militant groups here gathered this week in a People’s Summit condemning the Arroyo administration for its inaction to issues raised by marginalized sectors in the province.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Pangasinan, the group cited the continued operation of San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam in San Manuel as the province’s “perennial threat to life, land and livelihood”.

Jose Doton, Chairperson of Tignay Dagiti Mannalon a Mangwaya-waya iti Agno (TIMMAWA) said that “the San Roque Power Corporation has consistently violated the people’s right to own their land because of the government policy to Land Use Conversion”. He said about 300 gold panners have lost their livelihood due to prohibited panning along Agno River.

Meanwhile, urban poor settlers of Bagong Barrio, Dagupan were also present relayed that demolition threatens their home and livelihood. The said demolition is intended for a bangus processing plant, which is also supported by the local government here.

Bayan Pangasinan Chairperson Rev. Fr. Eleuterio Revollido expressed disappointment over the governments continuing policy to foreign capitalist which “exploit the country of its vast resources and deprive the people their right to a just, humane life”.

The group had signed petitions to concretize their response to the issues facing the local Pangasinenses. Over 200 individuals initially signed the petition.# Jong de la Cruz for NORDIS

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