ABSTRACTThe research looked into the impact of EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) towards sustainable development by looking into the experience of Ambuklao and Binga. Specifically, it sought to know the contribution of dam projects to the residents in terms of the following aspects: Institutional, Economic, Socio-cultural and Environmental. Researchers tried to find a way to balance these aspects that would allow them to complimentary coexist in the community. The balance can be possible by containing the growth spirals of economy, population and depletion of resources, reducing them to near stasis. The balancing act must be accompanied by a thorough understanding that the nature of its problem is the tension between short-term growth (development) and long-term survival (sustainability). The study bridged the growing gap between the government and the community, and also shaped their organizational capacity for sustainable development. The research employed qualitative method of documentary analysis and participative interview in gathering the needed data. The research is best served to the interest of the public using it as a springboard for positive action and making them aware that the state has mechanisms for development that can affect them either positively or negatively.

Keywords: EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act), Development, Institutional, Economic, Socio-cultural and Environmental, Sustainable Development

Chapter IIntroductionBackground of the StudyThere are numerous existing definitions of development. It is not only dening development which is contested; the way that development is measured is also problematic (Willis, 2005). A simple dictionary however defines development as simply an act of growing or to advance from a certain state (Merriam - Webster). On an another note, a mere act of growing or advancing does not indicate whether its heading in a positive or negative way. If the development activities of a group of people jeopardize the well-being of some other groups, can it be called a proper development? The power industry of the Philippines fits well in this category. Surely the industry is developing, but whether its developing in a favourable way for the country and its people remains to be arguable at best. The role of energy for a country can be described as vital. Its like a heart or air without it, a body will cease to function and eventually die (World Economic Forum, 2012). Although debatable, there is a general belief and agreement amongst economists, researchers, analysts, and policymakers, that energy consumption is related to economic activity and plays a key role in the process of economic development and growth (Kraft & Kraft, 1978). And so with the belief that the availability of energy is essential for economic growth, established and emerging countries tend to go the extra mile to fund developments in relation to energy. Certainly, the Philippines was not an exception to this growing trend. Through the course of time, the development of the energy sector became a national priority amongst the past Presidents and their administration. In particular, the electric power industry and the electrification of the whole country were heavily sought after. The electric power industry experienced impressive growth and development over the past century. From supplying only 20 percent of the population in the early 1950s, it now stands at more than 70 percent today (Cham, 2007).Although most part of the population has access to electricity today, prospects of electricity shortages are constantly looming on the horizon. Even the prices of the electricity of the Philippines continue to be among the highest in the World (Valderrama & Bautista, 2011). Numerous concerns were raised and with the prices of electricity going through the roof and electric power shortages headlining the news frequently, calls for reform in the electric power industry are regularly knocking on the congress and the Malacaangs front door.The problem that is being experienced today in our electric power industry can be traced back in the 1960s and 70s. During this time, the demand for electricity soared rapidly due to rapid economic and population growth. To keep pace of the times, the government pursued aggressive power development plans financed largely by foreign borrowing (Cham, 2007). It proved to be feasible and beneficial at the time since the economy was experiencing stability in light of a strong and stable peso-dollar exchange rate. Spearheaded by the National Power Corporation (NPC), numerous development plans were rolled out including the infamous Bataan Nuclear Power Plant being among them. This little mean machine is a 620 MW power plant that cost a staggering US$ 2.3 billion upon its completion. But due to safety and morality concerns, it was never operated even though most established and developed countries are using them for decades. Because of political instability and upheavals in the country, the collapse of the economy was slowly unravelling. Furthermore, the flawed fiscal policy of the government saw a drastic depreciation of the peso in 1970s to 80s (Cham, 2007). It resulted to a substantial increase of interest in foreign loans and unwittingly added more financial expenses for the NPC. Furthermore aggravating its financial expenses was the 1973 Oil Crisis that saw a rapid increase of oil prices in the international market. No new generating capacity was added nor were there upgrades in the Luzon grid in the 1980s. They were expecting the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to begin operation in 1984 but it all went down the drain. Naturally, the NPC couldnt keep up with the rapidly growing demand for electricity. And in the early 1990s, the repercussions were severe. The country experienced in what was known today as the Power Crisis of the 1990s.In 1990, there were 103 days of blackouts for an annual duration 1,273 hours, resulting in 251 GW energy sales losses (World Bank, 2003). It didnt take long for the power crisis to turn into an economic crisis. Businesses were limited to their operations and factories were forced to close or reduce operations. The daily, long, and rotational blackout severely crippled the economy as productivity fell (Mejia, 2003). A problem like this begs for a solution as fast as possible and the government responded with a fast-lane type of development. In this particular problem, the government turned to the Private Sector for help. Back in the late 1980s, NPC withdrew its exclusive rights to power generation through the virtue of Executive Order No. 215 and allowed the private sector otherwise known as Independent Power Producers (IPP) to participate in the electric power industry. Naturally, the process of obtaining contracts was tedious and bureaucratic. During the power crisis however, they fast-tracked the process of obtaining power project contracts with the private sector (Mejia, 2003). In 1993, the power crisis reluctantly ended. The cooperation of the government and the private sector successfully ended the power crisis and the NPC enjoyed profitability after long years of financial losses. With the IPPs augmenting the NPCs installed generation, the electric power industry returned to normalcy 1996. In light of their recent success of averting the power crisis through the help of IPPs, the government soon eyed further developments of the electric power industry. Its no secret however that the financial position of the NPC and the government was delicate and compromising at the time. They couldnt afford to upgrade nor rehabilitate their power plants let alone build new ones. In order to save the ailing industry, the government turned again to the private sector for assistance. They envisioned the privatization of the electric power industry, the government taking a step back, and assuming the role of a regulator instead (Corral, 2009). With that goal in mind, numerous laws were passed for the comprehensive privatization of the electric power industry. The epitome of their years of effort was promulgated on 2001 and it is known as Republic Act 9176 Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). EPIRA aims to develop and restructure the electric power industry by relying heavily on the private sector for investments. The NPC and its assets and liabilities will be privatized to give way for development and rehabilitation. But what EPIRA truly aims however, is the cheap and reliable supply of electricity for the people. The government was hoping that by allowing numerous IPPs to generate and distribute electricity, it would provide a more reliable and abundant supply of electric power. The forecast was that the surplus of supply and the competition among the IPPs should drive the prices of electric power down. With the laws and frameworks enabling the privatization of the NPC, the Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet were sold as a package to the SN-Aboitiz group in 2007. With the change of ownership however, past issues were brought back to life. Old wounds were reopened in the hearts of the indigenous people who were stripped of their lands during the construction of the dams back in the 1950s. The issue of land is at the heart of the conflicts between the government and the indigenous people. Land is immensely important to both sides. For the indigenous people, land is intimately connected to almost all parts of their lives their livelihood, culture, home, and their identity (Skene, 2006). Losing it means taking most of what they have. Its no secret however that the lands of the indigenous people are very rich in natural resources and it has great potential for hydro-electric development projects (Skene, 2006). Developing these rich lands would eventually lead the government into butting heads with the indigenous people. Thus, a conflict leading to sacrifices was inevitable. Through lengthy discussions, the state convinced the indigenous people that the development programs will not only provide an abundant supply of power for the country but it will also help the local residents at the same time. Thus, an exchange was made for this purpose. The locals bitterly left their lands with the promise that they will be properly compensated for it, that the community not be deprived of government assistance, and with hopes that these projects will be for the betterment of the whole country. As they say, some element of force or coercion and a goodly amount of consent are necessary for governance (Arcellana, 1976). Keep in mind however, the word compensated. The taking of private properties of individuals is not condemned in a modern society if the individual is sufficiently and justly and compensated. But what if they were not compensated properly? To this day, some are still resurfacing and making their protest heard in order to claim the just compensation that is way long overdue. Thats what they claim. If its baseless or not, it will be for another occasion for people to scrutinize and uncover these.The prosperity of the majority is the new dogma of a modern sovereign state. Through the virtue of the Social Contract, a private property of an individual can be taken by the state if its deemed beneficial for the whole populace (Curtis, 2008). The welfare of the majority shall override the needs and wants of the few such is the new brand of modern oppression: Tyranny of the Majority. But can it really be called an optimistic development when few were left behind? When the minority are exploited for the benefits of the many? When means employed are only just a mean for an end? Time will tell if the sacrifice was worth it.After 13 years of implementation, EPIRAs mandate of affordable and reliable electric power is nowhere to be found. The electric power supply is nowhere near reliable as the rotating blackouts in Mindanao only grew worse by the day. The prices of our electric power did not become affordable and instead became one of the most expensive in the World. Electric Power distributors were literally threatening the public of rotational blackouts if they dont increase the electric rates up. As power outages headlines the news frequently, clamours for the reform of the electric power industry is piling up and experts warn of an impending energy crisis again if nothing is to be done.

Statement of the ProblemThe general study sought to find out the impact of EPIRA to the sustainable development from the experiences of Ambuklao and Binga. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following:

1. How did the dam projects contributed towards sustainable development of the residence in Ambuklao and Binga in the areas of:

a. Institutionalb. Economicalc. Socio-culturald. Environmental

2. What significant issues surfaced during the 1950 implementation to the present?

Conceptual Framework

InstitutionalEcologicalEconomicalSocio-CulturalSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTEPIRA

To address the paradox between development and sustainability, the study aimed to come up with recommendations and find a way to balance them all and allow them to coexist. This balance may be possible by dramatically containing the growth spirals of economy, population and depletion of resources, reducing them to a state of near stasis. This balancing act must also be accompanied by a deep understanding that the nature of the problem is the tension between short-term growth (development) and long-term survival (sustainability).Electric Power Industry Reform Act: This policy aims to develop indigenous resources, to reduce the cost of electricity, and to promote foreign investment in the sector. It liberalizes the power sector, setting deregulation measures and privatization in motion by requiring state-owned utility National Power Corporation (NaPoCor) to break up its vertically integrated structure into smaller generation, transmission and distribution structures. The opening allows the participation of any competitive technology, including renewables. The removal of subsidies will level the playing field for renewable technologies by making the price of conventional fuels reflect their true market value. (A World Resources Institute , 2001)The Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants were privatized as a package through an international tender process, under a comprehensive sector reform law, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). The plants are now owned by SN Aboitiz Power Benguet, Inc. (SNAPB), a joint-venture between SN Power Invest (SN Power) of Norway and Aboitiz Equity Venture (AEV) of the Philippines. The IFC investments partly finance the privatization and rehabilitation of the 75 MW Ambuklao hydroelectric power plant and the 100 MW Binga hydroelectric power plant, currently owned by National Power Corporation (NPC). The rehabilitation re-commissions the Ambuklao plant, which has been shut down due to silt problems, upgrade the Binga plant, and increase the combined capacity by 50 MW in total (30 MW for Ambuklao and 20 MW for Binga) from 175 MW to 225 MW. These operate as peaking plants, supplying power to the Luzon grid for about five hours daily. The project company, SNAPB, take over the hydropower facilities since June 2008, and put in place new management procedures, addressing technical issues such as sedimentation and dam safety and implementation for the rehabilitation of both plants. SNAPB will also enter into a separate agreement with the Government, for those facilities that will remain under public ownership, to cover the operation and maintenance of the dams and appurtenant structures, formulation of operations manuals, formation of an oversight committee, and maintaining the integrity of the water levels in the reservoirs. (International Finance Corporation, 2008) Sustainable Development: The study assessed on the impacts of EPIRA to sustainable development. The idea of sustainable development grew from numerous environmental movements in earlier decades and was defined in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Karen Higgins, 2013) as: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The focuses of the study are the four primary aspects towards sustainable development: INSTITUTIONAL: Decision making policies which came from the government created an impact that affected peoples lives. The politics behind passing the needed policies and implementing important programs are complicated. It requires long-term thinking and tough choices. In this study the researchers assessed the impact of EPIRA institutionally to the barangay and municipality level of both Tinongdan and Ambuklao.ECONOMICAL: Economic growth depends on a sustained, functioning natural environment. The significance of this long recognized but superficially embraced interdependence is that there are limits to Earth's natural resources and thus to any economic growth that depends on them limits that, if not honoured, will gravely affect the future. (Higgins, 2013) In order to grow, the economy also feeds on natural resources and threatens the livelihood on which life relies. In this study, the researchers will assess the impact of EPIRA on economical aspect as to how this dam projects sustained the residents of both the municipal and barangay levels respectively.SOCIO-CULTURAL: Sustainable development requires that moral vision of human beings be harnessed in as much harmony with local cultural aspirations as possible. Cultural diversity guarantees sustainability because it binds universal developmental goals to plausible and specific moral visions. Biological diversity provides an enabling environment for it. (UNEP, 2002).The study is supported by the idea of Lipton (1997) and Scherr (1997) which emphasized the relationship between population, social, conditions and resource degradation. The social component of sustainability includes issues of population stabilization, distributional equity, provision of social services and political accountability and participation. (Tesfaye, 2012) . This study will assess the impact of EPIRA towards the socio-cultural aspect of both the municipal and barangay level.ECOLOGICAL: It is best to view the components of sustainable development starting with the issue of environmental degradation. While damage to the natural world and resource depletion directly affects human well-being, the health of the environment and how we solve environmental problems are good ways of gauging how well sustainable development efforts are working. (Watts, World Environment Magazine & TV, 2013) In this study, the researchers will assess the impact of EPIRA towards environment caused by the dam projects to both the municipal and barangay levels respectively. Significance of the Study The significance of this study is that it can be used to evaluate the current status of the two dams in the said study, whether it be: a) efficiency and b) functionalityAnother purpose is that it can be used as a guiding post or a guide for future policies or mechanisms regarding energy and possibly societal change in particular areas who those projects might affect. Furthermore, this can also be used as a reference for academicians and students that will utilize it in related academic purposes or other purpose that might suit their interest in the utility of this study in a legitimate way.Lastly is that this research served the interest of the public as it can be used for them to be made aware that the state has mechanisms like this and for them to know that a lot of people are affected by it both positively and negatively, and that information can be used as a springboard for positive action and change.

CHAPTER IIMethodologyResearch DesignThe study employed qualitative method using the documentary analysis and participative interview. Formulated interview guide is composed of open-ended questions are used to gather the answers needed for the study.

Locale of the Study The study was conducted in the municipality of Itogon and Bokod, Benguet specifically Barangay Tinongdan and Barangay Ambuklao. These places were selected because of their proximity to the dam projects, Binga and Ambuklao Hydro Electric Power plants.

Respondents Itogon Benguet Bokod, Benguet

Municipal MayorHon. Victorio PalangdanHon. Mauricio T. Macay

Barangay TinongdanBarangay Ambuklao

Barangay CaptainBenjamin N. MedinaArthur Solano

Local ResidentsFernando GuzmanGeorge Meno BiguesRamon CapsulaNarciso WabaysanNorberto PacioMarlon EtiwRobert BongsiwA descendant

Data Gathering ToolsIn order to elicit data from the respondents, the study used the qualitative method of research inquiry. Personal interviews were conducted with an aid of an interview guide. (See Appendix B)

Data Gathering ProceduresThe researchers requested for courtesy call and asked permission from the Mayor and Punong Barangay and conducted an interview. Then they scheduled an interview to the Mayor and Punong Barangay. Afterwards names of qualified respondents from the Barangay specifically residents with experiences followed. The researchers set out a date of interview for the respondents. Lastly, the researchers consolidated the data accumulated from the interview conducted Treatment of the DataThe interpreted data discussed by the group were all gathered from the conducted interview. Interviews were recorded and documented through pictures and audio by means of electronic devices which were maximized to keep all the necessary data.

CHAPTER IIIResults and Discussions

Pieces of information below are the result of the interviews conducted by the researchers long way to their trip to Barangay Tinongdan, Municipality of Itogon & Barangay Ambuklao Municipality of Bokod. The resulting data provided answers to the questions stated earlier in the previous chapters.The main purpose of this research is to know the impact of EPIRA to sustainable development itself. It basically aims to study the different effects of privatization of the Binga and Ambuklao dams to the community. To achieve the said objectives, the researchers conducted participative interview to the people who have extensive knowledge of the area. For the transcription of the actual interview (See Appendix D)

The Ambuklao Experience

Problem 1: How did the dam projects contribute towards sustainable development of the residence of Ambuklao and Binga in the areas of:

a. InstitutionalIn the Barangay level, residents of Ambuklao were given a chance and an opportunity to organize themselves into a group wherein they were able to form an organization of fisher folks called BANPIKOI. Its main function is to regulate the places where fisher folks can acquire their fishes from the dam.One respondent noted, Good thing about Aboitiz is their assistance through the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). The CSR funds are directed to schools as well improvement of bridges. On the other hand Aboitiz promised that those who will be working for the dam would be from the locality.According to the Barangay Captain of Ambuklao, the SN Aboitizs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund for the barangay sums up to 1.5 million pesos per year which includes the delivery of their said responsibility for the barangay and municipalitys sustainability of livelihood. Each household receives 1000 pesos of power subsidy only. However, the excess power consumption of each of the household should be under their responsibility. Elevating to the Municipal level, some additional taxes can be imposed and the influx of tourists contributed to the development in the Municipality of Bokod. The Municipal Mayor stated that as of now, the Ambuklao Dam is still operating, and is one of their major sources of income. Thus, the presence of Aboitiz is not a problem because of the CSR fund that they are providing.

b. EconomicThe residents of Barangay Ambuklao were provided means of livelihood by allowing them to build their fish cages within the dam, but on a limited basis only. Accordingly, there are 83 other fish cage operators who have been making the Ambuklao Dam their source of livelihood since 1994. The fisher folks supply 30 vendors in Baguio with as much as 1,000 kg of fish every day. Ambuklao fish is virtually a brand because of an increasing demand. In contrast, because they are restricted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to 6.8 hectares of fish cages, which can accommodate only 10 fish for every cubic meter of water. (Espiritu, 2013)According to one of the respondents, the reconstruction of Ambuklao Dam gave positive effects which are as follows: (1) benefits were equally at par, (2) helped the barangay recuperate after the stagnation of the dam for 12 years, (3) locals that were employed during the construction.

c. Socio-cultural The Mayor of Bokod stated that they have an organization called Indigenous People Organization, an association that manages the cultural heritage with the SN Aboitiz and the NPC. The Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2009 establishing the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Heritage Site with the purpose of granting the concerned Indigenous Peoples the right to use the residual areas of NPC in the areas of Marian Village and Sombero. The purpose of the Cultural Heritage Site is to empower the concerned Indigenous People to obtain the benefits in the community improving the quality of their life and for the use of future generation. The residual areas are the common facilities that can be used by the residents of Marian Village and Sombrero. The concerned Indigenous People were the one who administers the residual areas with the authorization of their Barangay and Municipal authorities.

d. Environment The barangay captain of Ambuklao stated that there are no existing environmental issues, if ever there were any mentioned problems before it has been settled. One problem that was determined was on waste materials that were products of the rehabilitation of the dam, but was easily resolved.

Problem 2: What significant issues surfaced during the 1950s implementation up to the present?

EXISTING PROBLEMS AND IMPACTSWith the interview with the President of the Senior citizen organization and a Lupon Member there were two major problems which according to him existed during the 1950s implementation of the dam projects. First, the employment of the people during the construction and reconstruction of the dam was more on manual labour. The lack of educational attainment of the majority of the residents became a huge factor on why there was a minimal amount of employment in the construction and reconstruction of the dam. Second the displacement of the residents from their domain. Members of the Ibaloi tribe are known to be family oriented. One of the respondents stated that their claim for the land that was used in the construction of the dam was never settled until the present time. Majority of the respondents also mentioned that lands falling under the category of Pasteur Lands were paid to them twenty-five centavos (25 cents) per sq. meters.

The Binga Experience

Problem 1: How did the dam projects contributed to the sustainable development of the residence of Ambuklao and Binga in the areas of:

a. InstitutionalAccording to one of the respondents, there is an increase in national wealth because of the CSR fund. 80% of the funds are directed to lowering the cost of electricity.

b. EconomicThe dam projects greatly contributed to sustainable development in Barangay Tinongdan. First, with regards to the economic prowess it brings to the town of Itogon, tax profits greatly increased. Second, CSR fund augmented the developmental capabilities of the barangay of Tinongdan. The money given was used mostly in development projects. Third, it contributed to the influx of tourist, which served as another source of income for the town. Lastly, it opened door for another livelihood for the residents such as fish culturing.One of the respondents stated that the state power industries contributed to the communitys development in terms of livelihood, educational assistance and subsidized materials.

c. Socio-culturalIndigenous People's Notion of Land- Indigenous people (IP) believe that land was granted to them by Kabunian and entrusted to them to harness, to cultivate and develop, to take care, sustain and patronize. To them, private property is non-existent because they adhere to the value of collectivism. In fact peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with nature defined the peoples role as stewards or guardians of the land. Since time immemorial the indigenous peoples (IPs) has been occupying the territory that they are presently in. Historical accounts show that even before the coming of the colonizers, the people were already in possession of the land. They have developed systems of how to exploit the resources within the land. They have built their permanent settlements, constructed their rice terraces, identified their territories from boundary to boundary, and they were living peacefully. They have developed a culture that defined their actions, their behaviours, in order to survive. (NCIP)The Theory of adaptation states that adaptation is a necessity to survive. Relating this with the study, SN Aboitiz cannot be indifferent because they should help the community. Under this theory is the principle of chain reaction which would mean that if they are not going to conform to the community then they are putting their company for possible future threats.During the construction of the dam, many families lost their lands and were displaced. Along with their lands were their livelihoods. In the highlands however, the lands are not just simply a means for livelihood. It can be said that the relationship of the land and the people is more intimate than most. That is why when the people lost their lands during the construction of dam. They lost their culture and identity as well. For these reason, the dam projects did not contribute to sustainable development in the socio-cultural aspect. The violation of the collective rights of the indigenous people in terms of their concerted rights to self-determination and cultural preservation which is the basis of their continued existence and identity were curtailed.

d. Environment Indigenous people have suffered and will continue to suffer immense danger to their lands' and environment due to the long-term impact of dams. The dam has caused the loss of ancestral lands due to siltation. Siltation of rivers is a serious problem in Benguet resulting from mining operations and dam construction. The Ambuklao and Binga dams are stark examples of the detrimental impacts of siltation and mega dams on rivers. The steadily rising level of silt in the dam reservoirs and along the Agno River upstream of the dams is covering a wider and wider area around the dams and continues to destroy more and more rice fields. In the case of the Ambuklao dam, the communities of Bangao and Balacbac were located far above the predicted water level of the dam and 17 kilometers away from the predicted edge of the reservoir. These two communities are now inundated because of the rising water level and accumulation of silt upstream along the Agno River. Government authorities dismiss the increasing siltation as a natural phenomenon. However, the Ibaloi people know that the dams are the real culprit. The farmlands and communities were never affected by silt before the dams were built despite storms and earthquakes. The dams blocked the free flow of water and silt down to the lowlands. (CPA, 2007)In the environmental area, we can surmise that the dam projects contributed to sustainable development. In an environmental friendly way, the country is able to harness electric power by using the dams made in Tinongdan. The dams are able to last for a long time and stay productive in generating electricity. During the construction of the dam however, the environment was greatly altered. The land was flooded with water and many trees were cut down.

Problem 2: What significant issues surfaced during the 1950s implementation up to the present?The first issue to be noted is the displacement of the residents when the Binga dam was built in the 1950s. According to the testimonies of a former barangay captain of Tinongdan and a member of the displaced families, the local employees were deprived of just compensations during that time. The salaries given were too low and cannot suffice their basic needs. Second, the displaced families lost their means of livelihood right after they lost their lands. The government had given them insufficient compensations and suggested relocation areas. However, they were discriminated by natives of the province, and jobs are not suitable for them left them with no choice, they returned to their land having impoverished lives. The third issue is with regards to the mandate of EPIRA which is to provide cheap electricity cost for all Filipinos. What is being observed as a result is, only the residents of Tinongdan and Ambuklao are reaping the benefits of cheap electricity. 80 % of the CSR will cover the cost of the electricity of the community as what is stated by the barangay treasurer. But as stated in the previous chapters, the threat of power supply shortage is always looming and the cost of electricity is on the rise constantly. The fourth issue focuses on to the employment of the people. It is stated by the former captain that many people in the community were employed during the reign of the NPC and he was one of them. During the reign of the SN-Aboitiz however, few were employed and they are not even from Tinongdan and Itogon but from other provinces.

Chapter IVConclusions and Recommendations

After finding the results of each problem the researchers formulated and provided conclusions and possible recommendation for such.

Conclusion Problem 1: The dam projects in the Ambuklao and Binga area contributed to the development both positively and negatively in the four areas (Institutional, Economic, Socio-cultural, Ecological) through different ways. The subsidies, social obligation or the so called CSR fund of SN Aboitiz to the local government units (Barangay and Municipal) are greatly appreciated by the authorities concerned because it is through these that most of their community projects were implemented. (See Appendix for CSR Funds Project) .The livelihood projects that emerged in the construction of these dams gave residents employment that is presently used to sustain their necessities. Influx of tourists in both areas contributed also to the development of their community. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by both parties (SN-Aboitiz and LGUs) gave Indigenous People of the communities the right to use the facilities that innately gave the basic needs of the people (school, church, bridges, etc.). As discussed above environmental development is seen as lesser concern in Binga area rather in Ambuklao Area. Projecting the four areas of sustainable development presented, there exist certain benefits and repercussions at the same time. Among the four areas others are considered important in development while other will remain unsolved creating a greater problem to the community as with the case of Binga area in their environmental aspect.

Conclusion Problem 2: In the construction of dams in the Ambuklao and Binga, residents suffered and surfaced the same issues. The displacement of the families became one of the main issues that flourished during its construction. Complementing the issue of displacement is the improper compensation of the affected families and their supposed corporate benefits. The basis of employment was on the educational attainment of the residents in the areas of Ambuklao and Binga thus employing them more on manual labor. As an overview to the purpose of the dams that continues to benefit Filipinos, it cannot be repudiated that there were people who sacrificed, lost their rights, properties and were improperly compensated. We still procure the product of the dam (economically advancing and benefiting from it) but we cannot resolve the problems that occurred in the past and will continue to occur in the present.

Recommendation

Recommendation for Problem 1: The researchers further recommends the following that for problems like this to be resolved in the future, unilateral actions from the state must be absent, it is not necessarily that though the state has power, it doesnt mean that it must always do its actions unilaterally. On the other hand, these dam projects benefit the majority, but reciprocal to the suffering brought upon to the minorities. The compensations not being enough for them, i.e. displacement, disintegration of families, loss of economic means; means that they are greatly harmed rather than benefitted, it created both positive and negative results as for the communities they have benefits in contrast, for locals it isnt enough. As a recommendation, future projects and actions similar to this, the following factors must be present, proper compensation to the displaced; a dialogue must be present for all parties, so that all the 4 areas will have a meeting point resulting in an efficient compromise in order for the development to really be sustainable.

Recommendation for Problem 2: The issues that surfaced for both situations have manifested because of how the displaced indigenous people were not properly compensated, and how some government and corporate promises were never fulfilled, thus resulting in the disdain of both the people and the community,and to a certain extent, towards these institutions, thus for this to be avoided, as much as possible, the institutions who were supposed to give back to these people and these communities, must fulfil their end of their bargain efficiently, but if they cant, then at least they must give what is really due. The benefits at present that they get for some are enough but due to the past mistakes that these institutions committed, these people still have doubts, thus another prong of recommendation can be to give or compensate for the past mistakes that these institutions have done, due to the fact that they committed harm to these people in and intergenerational way. If any one of the four key components of sustainable development is not properly addressed by society, the other two will suffer as a result. For this reason, all four parts are equally important. Issues about environment, economics, socio-cultural and politics are inter-related through the way humans interact with their surroundings and with each other. There is often a mainstream belief that for poor countries to develop, environmental concerns have to be sacrificed.

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