Commentary
Hydropowerplant in Nabaoy a threat to NPPNP
By: Cris Daday Cahilig
Yes, the proposed Hydro Powerplant in the Nabaoy Watershed is a significant threat to both the watershed and the biodiversity of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NPPNP)—and here’s why, based on environmental science, conservation policy, and what we know from similar projects:
Why It’s a Threat1. Ecological Disruption in a Protected Area
* The hydro project would cover 122.7 hectares, with 97 hectares inside a protected forest within NPPNP—a critical biodiversity hotspot.
* This forest is part of the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Panay, home to endangered and endemic species like the Visayan warty pig, Panay monitor lizard, and hornbills.
* Building dams and reservoirs in such a habitat will fragment ecosystems, disrupt wildlife corridors, and degrade sensitive microhabitats.
2. Alteration of Natural Water Flow
* Pumped-storage hydro projects require large-scale damming and water diversion, which can:
* Reduce downstream flow into the Nabaoy River, threatening potable water availability for Boracay and Malay.
* Disrupt riparian ecosystems, including aquatic species and plants that rely on consistent river flow.
* Lead to water temperature changes, reduced oxygenation, and altered sedimentation patterns—all detrimental to river ecology.
3. Deforestation and Soil Erosion
* Road building, clearing for reservoirs, and blasting during construction all result in removal of forest cover and disturbance of soil structure.
* This increases the risk of landslides, flooding, and siltation in rivers—already a concern based on what happened during PetroWind’s construction.
* Siltation can clog intake structures for water utilities and harm aquatic biodiversity downstream.
4. Inconsistency with Protected Area Laws
* Under the NIPAS Act (RA 7586) and its expanded version (ENIPAS Act of 2018), development within protected areas is tightly restricted.
* A large dam and hydro system may be incompatible with the zone classification of the area—especially if it falls within a Strict Protection Zone, as many parts of NPPNP do.
5. Cumulative Impact with Wind Farm
* The PetroWind project already resulted in runoff and siltation in the Napaan River.
* Adding a hydro project creates cumulative environmental stress, making it harder for the forest, rivers, and communities to recover or adapt.
Not Just an Environmental Risk, but a Water Security Risk* Nabaoy is not just a forest—it’s Boracay’s drinking water source.
* A compromised watershed could lead to water shortages, increased treatment costs, and even conflicts between tourism and local communities.
* The Ati indigenous community also risks losing ancestral land and livelihood tied to the watershed.
Verdict: Yes, It’s a Serious ThreatThe hydro project may offer energy benefits, but in this context—inside a protected, water-critical, and biodiversity-rich forest—it represents a clear ecological and social danger. Even with mitigation, the risks to the Nabaoy watershed and NPPNP’s integrity far outweigh the justifications for development.
