News

Rizal, Philippines – WawaJVCo Inc. obtained the approval of the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Antipolo and Montalban for the second phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, the Upper Wawa Dam.

The negotiations and eventual signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were held last March 17 and 23, 2022 at the Kaysakat National High School in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City and Phase 1B Gymnasium, Kasiglahan Village, Rodriguez, respectively. The event was supervised by the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Team and attended by representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) offices.

“The MOA signing is a milestone of the FPIC Process that we are undertaking,” said Melvin John Tan, WawaJVCo’s President. “It shows the full support from the community for the Upper Wawa Dam Project and will allow us to proceed with working to provide reliable water supply to Metro Manila’s East Zone residents while also helping support the growth and sustainable development of the IPs in Antipolo City and Rodriguez, Rizal.”

Amba Ernesto Doroteo or “Chairman Enok,” from the Antipolo IP happily pronounced “Aangat ang proyekto at kasabay din kaming aangat.” While Adolfo C. Gallanosa from the Montalaban IP expressed his appreciation on the inclusiveness of the MOA saying “Sinigurado sa MOA na ang mga katutubong Dumagat ng Montalban, kasama ang mga kabataan, kababaihan at matatanda ay magkakaroon ng bahagi sa pagpapaunlad ng aming lupang ninuno.”

This is the fourth and final MOA in the FPIC Process for the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project. The successful MOA Signing is a manifestation of the IP’s support for nation building as we address the growing concern of water scarcity in Metro Manila and the nearby province of Rizal. The Upper Wawa Dam Project aims to provide at least 518 million liters per day to over 500,000 households within Metro Manila and Rizal.