SEN. PIA ON GMA'S PROCLAMATION OF LA MESA AS PROTECTED AREA

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today welcomed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's proclamation of the La Mesa Watershed as a protected area, saying the designation is well deserved and long overdue.

At the same time, she expressed concern over the President's statement that La Mesa was "subject to private rights," adding that the proviso could spell a big difference in ongoing efforts to safeguard the watershed from destruction and possible contamination.

"I had mixed feelings following the announcement. Although prior private rights are recognized under the NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System) Law, it is feared that certain activities are already threatening to contaminate water in the reservoir itself and should therefore be limited or stopped outright."

"Allowing any activity that endangers the very existence of La Mesa is tantamount to disregarding its designation as a protected area," warned Cayetano, who chaired the Senate environment committee which investigated the construction of housing projects on the watershed for MWSS employees and executives last year.

Citing a 2004 study by the UP-based National Hydraulic Research Center on the environmental impact of the housing project, she said mitigating measures, like the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, would require a minimum capital of P46 million, on top of an annual operating cost of P17 million.

"The mitigating measures were meant to prevent wastewater from seeping to the impounding dam. But neither the MWSS administration nor the housing beneficiaries have indicated willingness to shoulder the cost.

"So how can we be assured now of the safety of our water supply? I hope the President was properly briefed on the matter, for how can she issue a blanket statement about recognizing existing private rights when those involved have shown no commitment to avert the potential damages of the housing project?"