Guv: Study FPIC process

Sunstar Baguio
Friday, November 14, 2014

BENGUET still has a lot of untapped energy resources but Governor Nestor Fongwan said the law requiring community consent before energy projects are started has defeated bids to harness these potentials.

Fongwan, who graced the opening of the annual conference of the country's electric cooperatives general managers at the Azalea Hotel and Residences Tuesday, said the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) which hydro powers developers must secure before construction has become a factor why investments in the sector has come only in trickles.

He said he has nothing against FPIC, referring to a provision of the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (Republic Act 8371) requiring consent of indigenous communities for projects, which utilize natural resources.

"But I believe that the FPIC process must be reviewed in order to give meaning to its real intent and purpose," Fongwan said, adding there are instances when opposition on hydro projects are driven by personal interest.

"The consultation process must be reviewed since sometimes it is the cause of delay," he said clarifying he is not calling for the total elimination of the FPIC process.

The governor said the province is losing much because of renewable energy resources lying idle due to the stringent FPIC requirements.

Fongwan told the members of the National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (NAGMEC) there are cases when the community consultations are spoiled by selfish and personal interests.

The Department of Energy and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) must sit down to address the concern, he said.

“And please convey this sentiment to energy Sec. Carlos Jericho Petila,“ the governor asked Unndersec. Zenaida Monsada of the DOE who was the event’s guest of honor and speaker. (Delmar Cariño) source