By Elmer Valenzuela
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has ordered the immediate suspension of construction activities for the 1400MW Ahunan Pumped Storage Hydropower Project in Pakil, Laguna, citing concerns over its location within an area of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
In its Cease and Desist Order issued on May 25, the Commission noted that the project proceeded with the construction despite previous request for the submission of the proposed development plans and the corresponding Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for an evaluation on the potential effects of the proposed project on the integrity of various cultural properties in Pakil.
The agency stressed that the development is within the vicinity of the San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church, a “NHCP-marked historical structure and a Grade II Level Cultural Property,” as well as the town’s beloved Turumba Spring.
Under Section 25 of Republic Act No. 10066, “when the physical integrity of national cultural treasures or important cultural properties is found to be in danger of destruction or significant alteration, the cultural agency shall immediately issue a cease-and-desist order suspending all activities that will affect the cultural property.”
Since no document has yet been submitted by API, the NHCP issued the order, stating further that the suspension “shall remain in force until lifted upon the decision of the NHCP Board of Commissioners,” and that non-compliance may result in legal action.
Despite this directive, however, anti-dam group Mamamayang Nagmamahal sa Pakil (MaNaPak) reported construction-related activities have continued on site.
In a public statement, the group called on API to immediately comply with the order, stating that defying a government order demonstrates lack of respect for the law.
“Ang pagsuway sa isang kautusan ng pamahalaan at ang pagpapatuloy ng mga gawaing konstruksyon sa kabila ng malinaw na utos na itigil ang lahat ng aktibidad ay nagpapakita ng kawalan ng paggalang sa batas, sa ating pamanang pangkultura, at sa mga mamamayang direktang maaapektuhan ng proyekto,” Francisco said.
They also urged the municipal government and concerned agencies to enforce the suspension, warning that continued operations and construction of the project undermine the credibility of law enforcement and regulatory institutions.
Since 2020, the group has been opposing the US$1.1 billion hydropower plant project due to concerns over deforestation, impacts on water sources, flooding, displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and threats to the area’s cultural and natural heritage. #
