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Bontoc villagers inaugurate micro-hydro project

BONTOC, Mt. Province (June 23) — Chapyosen folk of the Can-eo village here recently inaugurated the micro-hydro power project before 300 guests from nearby communities, local government units, non-government organizations and people’s organizations. The said project is a joint endeavor of the Chapyosen Mangum-uma Organization (CMO), elders, and village officials.

The activity was celebrated with the theme “Reppeten ti pangkaykaysa ken padur-asen ti ekonomiyan ti probinsiya babaen iti umno a teknolohiya”.

The project generates 5 kilowatts of energy which is enough to provide electricity for the 23 households in the area. It can also run basic industries like a rice mill and a simple blacksmith shop. The Montañosa Research and Development Center (MRDC), a non-government organization engaged in sustainable development, facilitated project funding and technical assistance. The project occupies only four square meters for the power house and another four square meters for the impounding tank.

CMO Secretary Siw-ang Wandas said that the project is in response to the community’s marginalized situation. He added that the project was identified and implemented through self-help.

One of the highlights of the inauguration was a discussion on the Cordillera situation in relation to energy projects and the elders’ role in the defense of land, life, and resources. The activity also provided a venue for neighboring communities to share their issues and concerns, said CMO Chairperson Pechasen Ammok.

With the new project at hand, Bontoc Administrative Officer Winnefreda Ananayo commented that women can now engage in group industries while children can study better at night.

Chapyosen folk claim that this project shows that the government could undertake projects that truly address a community’s basic needs at an affordable cost and at the community’s own pace to progress.

Messages from local officials, including Sagada Mayor Thomas Killip and Bontoc Vice Mayor Franklin Odsey, appreciated the Chapyosen folk’s determination to collectively pursue a community need like the micro-hydro project.

In 1993, the people of Ngibat in Kalinga province pursued the same project in the same manner, and continue to reap the benefits from their independent maintenance of it. The concept of “kua tako na” (this is ours) has helped in this community’s experience.

During the sharing, Talubin and Can-eo folk expressed opposition to the impending mega dam construction by foreign mining companies and investors. In a resolution, the two villages appealed for support from the local and national government against the project, claiming that such “progress” would be pointless if it will imperil the lives of local communities. At this point, Chapyosen elder Ama Iskit-a iterated the elders’ role during the Chico Dam struggle and invoked the same if the project pushes through.

The Montañosa Research and Relief Services (MRRS) and the Development Agency of Tribes in the Cordillera (DATCI) also assisted in the attainment of the project. # Rita F. Depalog for NORDIS

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