There is a long standing conflict on Mt. Apo in the Southern
Philippines between on the one hand local indigenous peoples (Lumads)
and their supporters and on the other the Government and Philippine
National Oil Company and international finance institutions. The PNOC
have started work on a Geothermal Power Plant project. This is
vehemently opposed by local Indigenous groups who see the mountain as
their ancestral domain and the project as a violation of Apo Sandawa,
as they call the mountain . The plant is being built on a Lumad sacred
site. The Lumad have received much support from around the world. This
is some latest information and appeals for further action.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
April 1994 marks the 5th anniversary of the historic d'yandi; a blood
pact between the tribal leaders of the Lumad people to defend Mt. Apo
by all means. Between April 12th and 14th a commemoration of the
d'yandi will take place in Kidapawan to celebrate and reinforce the
solidarity of groups opposed to the construction of the power plant on
their sacred mountain. A large demonstration is planned for the 13th
April.
SUPPORT NEEDED
The organisers of the d'yandi celebrations are appealing for messages
of support and solidarity to be sent in as soon as possible in advance
of 12 April. All our discussions with Lumad leaders make it clear that
such messages are a great boost and a welcome human contact. Messages
can be sent by fax To D'yandi c/o PRC Manila 010 63 2 921 7542 or Email
to (UUCP:) PRC@PHIL.GN.APC.ORG
ONE STEP FORWARD
Lumad resistance is having increasing success. The US Export- Import
Bank is the latest Bank to reject the funding proposal of the
Philippine National Oil Corporation for the Mt. Apo Plant. The
president and chairperson of the bank, Kenneth Brody, explained that
the preliminary decision to provide funds for the plant had been
reversed "because of unanswered concerns about the potential
environmental damage that could be caused by this project".
This decision highlights the difficulties the Philippine government has
experienced over its plans for the energy plant. Originally planned for
completion in November 1993 PNOC has recently announced a 3 year delay.
Local and international pressure against the project has been high and
a crucial factor in this delay.
ONE STEP BACK
The World Bank has gone back on its commitment to withdraw from the Mt.
Apo project.The Bank has announced their support for the Philippine
government's Integrated Protected Area Systems (IPAS) programme. The
IPAS covers sites designated as the country's "most valuable natural
ecosystems".Ten of these sites including Mt. Apo will be protected as a
priority of the World Bank funded part of the IPAS programme.
When first proposed for Mt. Apo local organizations were supportive of
the project as it seemed to offer guarantees against industrial
development within the IPAS area. Subsequently however the Philippine
Congress passed special legislation allowing the continued development
of the Geothermal Plant right in the heart of the IPAS zone! The
Indigenous Lumads feel tricked and betrayed and oppose this method of
sneaking the project in through the back door. It is their belief that
the plant and its associated infrastructure are incompatible with their
aspirations or the protection of the mountain's unique ecosystem.
PLEASE WRITE
The enclosed information sheet explains in more detail some of the
implications of the Mt. Apo energy plant. It also provides statements
and justifications on both sides of the argument. We hope this will
help you to form a clearer picture and assist in formulating your own
letters to concerned bodies. Some key addresses are given.
This is a vital time to write to other potential funders including the
ExIm Bank of Japan pointing to the ExIM USA decision and urging
withdrawal. You could also write letters to the Ex-Im Bank USA
declaring your support for their decision.
ACTION
In support of the Action on Mt Apo on 13 April Survival International
and the Philippine Resource Centre are co- operating in the holding of
a picket outside the Japanese Embassy, 101-104 Piccadilly London W1
from 11.00 to 1.00. A letter of protest concerning Japanese ExIm Bank
and aid money involvement will be handed in.
Where possible groups are also asked to conduct solidarity actions on
13 April in their own area.
for further information contact:
Geoff Nettleton or Alan Gibson
Philippine Resouce Centre
Tel 44 71 378 0296
Fax 44 71 403 3997
prc@geo2.geonet.de