Today, on World Rivers Day, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment joins in celebrating the rivers all across the Philippines, many of which are central components of many communities and ecosystems in the country. However, as we recognize the role of rivers in society and in the whole of nature, we must also recognize and push back against the projects and policies that threaten to decimate our already struggling riparian ecologies.
Under the Marcos Jr. administration, megadam projects like the Kaliwa Dam project continue to place Indigenous and local communities at risk through the massive overhaul of watershed and river systems. Development aggression under the Build Better More program has also included supposed climate change adaptation and flood control programs, which, instead of taking a community-led and ecologically-attentive approach, has often come in the form of river widening, concrete dike construction, and other disruptive infrastructure that has negatively impacted communities and other components of these complex ecosystems.
A particular cause of concern in the Metro Manila area is the Pasig River Expressway or PAREX, a massive infrastructure project proposed by San Miguel Corporation. The project threatens to affect more than a million riverside residents of the Pasig River, while contributing to worsening pollution in the city. Civil society has taken a firm stance against this proposed project, and will continue to do so for the sake of protecting the unique and critical habitat — for both humans and other species — that is the Pasig River urban ecosystem.
In celebrating World Rivers Day this year, we continue to call on fellow environmental advocates to oppose the destruction of our rivers in the Philippines. This means, in practice, calling out and pushing back against the mindless development aggression policies and projects under the Marcos Jr. administration. This also means forwarding alternatives that seek to conserve and protect our rivers and related ecosystems, while ensuring human rights are safeguarded in the process.
#WorldRiversDay
#NoToPAREX
#NoToKaliwaDam
