Another battle is yet to be fought in Lapayan

Construction machines and equipment for the coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, LdN have started to clear the area and transport construction materials. Photo: A. Manisan  

After successfully stopping the quarry application and operation in Mialunod River, residents of Brgy. Libertad (formerly called Lapayan) in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte firmed up their resolve in advancing the welfare of their community while protecting their environment.  

The community is one of the hosts of the 540 megawatt coal-fired-power plant which is being constructed in more than 100 hectares of land between Libertad and Tacub in Kauswagan. 

Since the construction started, several complains from the communities have been raised. Among these are displacement of the fisherfolks from their livelihood, relocation and compensation issues, and destruction of marine ecosystem. 

Concerns over the negative effects of the coal-fired power plant are also shared by the residents especially those who are living right beside the plant. 

On March 27, 2015 they formally formed an organization called Libertad Power Movement Association (LMPA).  This initiative aimed at strengthening their voice and efforts in pushing their collective demands to protect their community from disaster and ecological damage.

Anti-quarry wins

The community in Libertad is glad over the cessation of the quarry operation in Mialunod River. 

Mialunod River plays a vital role in the lives of the surrounding community. Some Lapayan residents wash their dishes and clothes in the river. Others also take a bath here. 

The Sanguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Lanao del Norte, released a resolution dated March 02, 2015, to support the resolution of the Barangay Council of Libertad that prohibits quarry operation in Mialunod River. The SP said resolution also implored the Office of the Provincial Governor “to issue a cease and desist order to persons or entity who are quarrying at Mialunod River… without quarry permit issued by the Office of the Provincial Governor.”

While waiting for the “cease and desist order”, the provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted an investigation. According to one of the DENR personnel who refused to be identified, during their actual visit to the area, they had witnessed the actual quarry operation. As such, they requested to stop the operation while their investigation is going on. 

To remember, the community vehemently opposed the application and the quarry operation in Mialunod River as they were afraid of possible floods. Libertad was flooded twice (1999 and 2014) that caused lives and properties. 
   
Few months ago, the residents of the said barangay undertook series of activities from placards display along the highway, mobilization, prayer rally to petition signing which gathered more than 500 signatures. 

They demanded the authorities to prohibit quarry operation in Mialunod River instead set-up “FLOOD CONTROL” to protect the communities from flood.