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Post by warlock^_^ on May 24, 2006 23:14:52 GMT 8
Guys read this...stumbled unto this news a week ago, though it slipped my mind to post it here. Imagine they're going to put up a 58 hectare housing project inside? Cayetano: La Mesa housing project within critical area
Senator Pia S. Cayetano said yesterday that the proposed 58-hectare housing project for retired employees of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) falls within the critical area of the La Mesa Watershed. This was established at the joint hearing on the La Mesa housing controversy conducted by the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Clean Water Act. "The threat of contamination is a distinct possibility,’’ said Cayetano, who led the joint congressional probe last week. She cited the presentation at the hearing of Director Virgilio Basa of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), who told the joint panel that the proposed housing project lies within the rim of the La Mesa Lake. The MWSS administration likewise admitted this claim. "Although mitigating measures have been recommended to prevent wastewater and effluents from seeping to the impounding dam, it appears that these measures would be very costly for the beneficiaries/residents who are composed of retired rank-and-file employees.’’ The construction of a wastewater treatment plant was among the proposals submitted to the MWSS administration by the UP-based National Hydraulic Research Center in its 2004 study on the project’ environmental impact. The facility, added the study, would have a minimum capital cost of R46 million and an annual operating cost of P17 million. The proposed facility involves the collection of wastewater and effluents from the houses using leak-free and impermeable sewage pipes to prevent these from seeping to the reservoir. The treated water will then be discharged to drainage outfalls in neighboring villages outside the watershed. "And so the problem remains: Who will shoulder the cost?’’ Cayetano asked. She said the government cannot afford to put La Mesa at risk as a World Bank study shows that 58 percent of the country’s groundwater source is already contaminated with coliform bacteria, while 31 percent of illnesses among Filipinos are caused by water-borne bacteria. "While the committee recognized the right of the employees to the housing project has been deprived from them for decades, including the fact that this is titled land and there are property rights involved, this should be considered along with the interest of Metro Manila residents who depend on La Mesa for potable water. Sustainable development dictates that there should be a balance between social progress and environmental protection and we urge all parties to work together for a viable solution.’’
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Post by warlock^_^ on May 24, 2006 23:15:47 GMT 8
Madrigal airs concern on La Mesa Park
By ELLALYN B. DE VERA
Sen. Jamby Madrigal yesterday visited the contested La Mesa Reservation Park in Quezon City and expressed her concern on the watershed, which is threatened by the planned establishment of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) housing project.
Some 1,411 employee-beneficiaries of the housing project in the 58-hectare lot at the La Mesa Dam compound have appealed to MWSS officials and environmentalists to stop opposing the construction of their homes.
Madrigal stressed that with the planned housing project in the area, four million residents in Metro Manila who benefit from the La Mesa Dam would be greatly affected.
"The project poses clear and imminent danger to the water supply of Metro Manila," she said.
The senator also aired her concern over the apparent lack of transparency in the execution of the Deed of Absolute Sale by the MWSS last Feb. 25.
She pointed out that in a Senate hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Environment and the Congressional Oversight on Clean Water Act last May 16, a letter purportedly sent by Rep. Edcel Lagman to the MWSS stated the payment of R3 million for the housing project.
A certain Engr. Ramon Nolido, reportedly the contractor, issued the check for the housing project.
Madrigal showed an acknowledgement receipt dated March 8 signed by Lagman, the House Deputy Minority Leader, "which proves that he personally received from the MWSS the original owner’s copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title (No. 61126)."
"Why was the contract price only R3 million when it was still the value in 1968, and not in 2006 when the second deed of sale was executed? It should have valued to about R5.9 billion," she said.
"As he (Lagman) is doing his job, I’m also doing mine to protect the environment," she stressed.
She added that with the planned construction of houses in the reservoir, some 5,000 trees would be cut down and it costs R60,000 per hectare to establish a forest.
"I take DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) Secretary Angelo Reyes that he will not issue an ECC (environmental compliance certificate) for the construction of houses," Madrigal said.
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Post by warlock^_^ on May 24, 2006 23:22:02 GMT 8
AMBIENT VOICES By Ma. Isabel Ongpin Protect La Mesa watershed and our water source
EVERYONE who needs water in Metro Manila, and that means all 14 million of us, including would-be housing project beneficiaries of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Service (MWSS), should rethink the use of 58 hectares upstream of the La Mesa watershed for development into residential land.
Let us separate the need for water and the need for housing to discern why this would be an impending calamity which would in effect expose 14 million people in need of water to the contamination and, therefore, inutility of their water source.
Water is definitely a scarce resource in the world today. It is predicted that it will soon be as desirable as oil and cause many tensions, conflicts and even wars between those who want it and need it. Contaminating a water resource would bring more scarcity and be an act of towering insanity.
In all countries, water is necessary for life, sanitation, agriculture, industry, recreation. More so in overpopulated countries like the Philippines where there are more people and more needs. It is, therefore, incumbent on the government and its water agencies to answer the need for water as well as educate the public in water conservation and protection so as to make it a sustainable resource that will service the whole population.
To do such, watersheds from where the water supply is generated must be protected by keeping them pristine with uncurtailed forest growth in large land areas free from any population density. Watersheds serve the whole population, and in effect all its needs from day-to-day living to industrial and commercial enterprises. They are crucial to the government water agency for delivery of its mandate on water supply. A watershed that is unprotected, abused, and populated will not produce a sustainable water supply.
It is therefore quite imperative that the La Mesa watershed from where Metro Manila sources its water supply be conserved and protected.
To cut it up by removing 58 hectares upstream for a housing project would be criminally irrational. It is indubitable that with the population density that will ensue, together with all the activities that housing development entails, the rest of the La Mesa watershed will be affected in an irresponsibly negative manner as far as the water supply is concerned. The UP National Hydraulic Center which has made a study on the environmental impact of the housing project within the watershed has candidly suggested that the destructive implications on it are such that an alternative site must be found.
So, the La Mesa watershed should be spared from it.
Now as for the housing needs of the water agency workers, by all means find another area where the project will not do damage to the environment and the general population. It should not happen that the needs of some supersede the needs of all. Let us be practical here and act pragmatically rather than resort to legalisms that in effect are destructive and illogical.
This is one time that the legislature should immediately conduct an investigation in aid of legislation to avert disaster.
It is time all of us in whatever capacity think of the future, not our own future alone, but the future of generations that will come after us.
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Post by warlock^_^ on May 24, 2006 23:30:15 GMT 8
There's an ongoing petition for this...please help out... Save the La Mesa Movement PRESS RELEASE - May 2, 2006 La Mesa Watershed In Danger! Environmentalists and major non-government organizations today joined forces to ask the MWSS and the DENR to reconsider the plan to establish a housing project within the La Mesa Watershed. "Save the La Mesa", a coalition of organization and individuals, today raised the red flag to warn residents of Metro Manila of the impending threats of water contamination should MWSS and the claimants pursue the housing project within the reservation. Citing an independent study conducted by the UP-NHRC on the effects of the proposed MWSS Housing Project on the La Mesa Watershed and Reservoir, the group expressed concerns over threats of water contamination that the housing project poses to the reservoir. The study, notwithstanding its recommendation of mitigating measures to address environmental risks, underscores the need to review the plans for the proposed site and consider relocating the housing project. Prof. Leonardo Q. Liongson, Director of UP-NHRC, in a letter to MWSS Administrator Orlando C. Hondrade, recommended that "it will be in the best interest of MWSS and the general public who eventually utilize for drinking the water in the La Mesa Reservoir that the 58 hectares of the La Mesa watershed area being proposed for the MWSS Housing project shall remain a protected watershed and not be converted to a housing project area". Consequently, Administrator Hondrade, in his letter addressed to then DENR Secretary Michael T. Defensor, echoed Prof. Liongson's concerns and recommendation, and admitted that the proposed 58-hectare housing area located within the La Mesa Reservoir posed a serious threat on the reservoir's water quantity and quality. The proposed housing project is part of the CBA between MWSS and two of their labor unions, KKMK-NWSA and BELA back in 1968. Under the agreement, MWSS alloted 58 hectares of its property near the La Mesa Watershed to be sold at P5.50 per sq m to the unions, with total value of Php 3.19 million. The property was raffled off and was awarded to 1,411 union members. Eventually, a new site located within the perimeter of La Mesa Watershed was designated. The deal, overtaken by events, was only consummated with the turn over of the absolute deed of sale to the claimants in March 2006. This recent development prompted the group to call on the support of DENR to reconsider the issuance of an ECC to the claimants that would allow them to start building on the proposed site. The group also appealed to the MWSS housing project claimants to consider the viability of an already-identified alternative housing area in Antipolo in lieu of the La Mesa Watershed site. Should the MWSS and the claimants pursue the housing project, past and present preservation efforts to protect the quality and quantity of clean drinking water for Filipinos residing in Metro Manila will be all for naught.
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boyet
Free Rider
Posts: 309
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Post by boyet on May 25, 2006 8:14:19 GMT 8
It's not right to put a housing project around the perimeter protected water shade. Concerning that this is our last source of clean drinking water near M.M. If this project materials, b-coz of greed of few, then our future water system put in jeopardize situation.I'm appealing to MWSS administration, labor union and those people dealing with this to please re-consider there decision and find some place to this housing project. For the sake of our next generation to come.
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Post by Ben Dover on May 25, 2006 10:15:17 GMT 8
while we were doing some explo ride around the 24hr race course weeks before the race...i think i smell something really bad right outside one of the small gates dun sa forest reserve..may tambakan ba ng basura dun? amazing!
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Post by marcs on May 25, 2006 10:17:15 GMT 8
interestingly, the La Mesa Watershed is right beside the Payatas dumpsite . . . go figure
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Post by Alphabolt on May 27, 2006 22:34:48 GMT 8
So what can we do about this , guys? Those in the know, pls post: email addresses, fax nos &/or cel nos. of the Veeps we need to reach to stop the on-going project Lets talk about it and act on it as well
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Rotten
All-Mountain Rider
F*!k da Standards!
Posts: 184
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Post by Rotten on May 27, 2006 23:41:52 GMT 8
how about organizing a ride for that cause un tipong ala firefly ;D
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Post by Alphabolt on May 29, 2006 0:55:47 GMT 8
Maybe we can do that, bootboioi
since the Bantay Kalikasan folks are anti-project also...lets org a ride into La Mesa d@m with all riders showing up in Red shirts and black ribbons....or better yet Blue shirts/jerseys (to symbolize water) and black ribbons
Calling MrsM ! Michelle and other mods , what say you ?
PLs post a thread on that ride if...no, not if...when it s set
We need to do something about this
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boyet
Free Rider
Posts: 309
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Post by boyet on May 29, 2006 7:42:51 GMT 8
I'm on it brad.
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Post by minotaur on May 29, 2006 7:43:40 GMT 8
Maybe we can do that, bootboioi since the Bantay Kalikasan folks are anti-project also...lets org a ride into La Mesa d@m with all riders showing up in Red shirts and black ribbons....or better yet Blue shirts/jerseys (to symbolize water) and black ribbons Calling MrsM ! Michelle and other mods , what say you ? PLs post a thread on that ride if...no, not if...when it s set We need to do something about this I agree with this! I think that its time for PinoyMTBiker to spearhead such an event and gathering since the La Mesa Watershed area is now part of our playground. It is our responsiblity to preserve and fight for ecological balance. Since we are a growing community of mountain bikers we should let the public and goverment officials hear our voices.
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buknoy
Urban Assaulter
Always to SAFETY !!!
Posts: 96
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Post by buknoy on May 29, 2006 14:33:04 GMT 8
if this kind of run will push thru, definitely i will be joining and even invite some of my friends to join.
hope this run will be very soon ! ! !
buknoy here
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Post by Alphabolt on May 30, 2006 12:01:42 GMT 8
Let s hear it for the Dam ! Blue Jerseys/shirts + Black ribbons ...tainted water for millions of Filipinos No way can govt sustain the water filtration and treatment of that housing ...NO %^^&*%^ng WAY I dont even wanna think what those heartless project-pros can do to treat their water...their mere presence there is the "contaminant" Evil all the way yan BLUE JERSEYS/SHIRTS + BLACK RIBBONS....the La Mesa Dam s being beaten up "Black and Blue" as we discuss this
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Post by feline13 on May 30, 2006 12:48:30 GMT 8
Do i hear a blue (tshirt) and black (ribbon print) TSHIRT?
order now at 200 Php! hehehe..
i know of someone who makes the tshirt minimum of 20 pcs...
post suggestions of a black ribbon design
PM for bank details of 50% d/p. meet up place in Makati Area.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
whatchasay guys? ;D
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Post by Alphabolt on Jun 1, 2006 0:55:19 GMT 8
1. Alphabolt [money well spent, folks...make the print dramatic pls, Rissa] 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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Post by eiwol on Jun 1, 2006 3:29:30 GMT 8
count me in... plus one!
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Post by warlock^_^ on Jun 6, 2006 20:56:11 GMT 8
Dear Friend of the Environment,
Thank you for Signing in at the Petition to Save the La mesa Watershed. Our team needs 5 million signatures so that the La Mesa will be declared a PROTECTED AREA. Attached below are the copy of the manifesto and signature sheets so that you can also ask your families and friends to sign in. If you are interested to join the coalition, feel free to contact me at 925-3333 or at my mobile number 0927-2401067. Thank you very much and I hope to hear from you soon.
Bianca Paula M. Carig Bantay Kalikasan ABS-CBN Foundation bianca_carig@abs.pinoycentral.com. 925-5555 or 925-3333/410-9670 0927-2401067
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Post by vq querol on Jun 27, 2006 23:00:28 GMT 8
more power..my support
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buknoy
Urban Assaulter
Always to SAFETY !!!
Posts: 96
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Post by buknoy on Jul 13, 2006 13:01:12 GMT 8
1. Alphabolt [money well spent, folks...make the print dramatic pls, Rissa] 2. BUKNOY - SAFETY FIRST 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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Post by mgtimothy on Jul 18, 2006 23:18:05 GMT 8
is this still on? hmm.. in case...
1. Alphabolt [money well spent, folks...make the print dramatic pls, Rissa] 2. BUKNOY - SAFETY FIRST 3. eiwol 4. timothy 5. 6. 7. 8.
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Post by greywall on Jul 19, 2006 0:46:19 GMT 8
1. Alphabolt [money well spent, folks...make the print dramatic pls, Rissa] 2. BUKNOY - SAFETY FIRST 3. eiwol 4. timothy 5. greywall - i already signed the petition, during the men's health-all terra race 6. 7. 8.
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kukai
Free Rider
Posts: 325
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Post by kukai on Jul 19, 2006 6:18:24 GMT 8
1. Alphabolt [money well spent, folks...make the print dramatic pls, Rissa] 2. BUKNOY - SAFETY FIRST 3. eiwol 4. timothy 5. greywall - i already signed the petition, during the men's health-all terra race 6. kukai 7. 8.
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miks
Bike Commuter
Posts: 63
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Post by miks on Jul 26, 2006 16:11:41 GMT 8
The Environmental Science Society, Committee of Social Concerns and Involvement of the Sanggunian and the Environmental Science Department invite you to the SAVE LA MESA WATERSHED FORUM this Thursday, July 27, 2006 at the SS AVR, Ateneo de Manila University from 4:30 - 6:00 PM The forum will be about the issue of the MWSS Housing Project in La Mesa. The speakers will come from Bantay Kalikasan, the pioneer of the Save La Mesa Watershed Coalition and campaign to declare La Mesa as a protected area. This issue is very important to us, as the La Mesa watershed is our last remaining forest in Manila and it is our alternative source of water. We cannot afford to put the La Mesa Watershed at risk. Please support us in our endeavor by attending the forum! sorry for the late notice
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ten
XC Rider
Surely Goodness and Mercy!!!!
Posts: 149
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Post by ten on Sept 19, 2006 13:43:51 GMT 8
Lets Save the La Mesa ;D ;D
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Post by bikehunter on Sept 29, 2006 18:46:33 GMT 8
is la mesa that famous dam?
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lexor
Urban Assaulter
Never try Never Fail... Padyak lang ng padyak Dude!!!
Posts: 79
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Post by lexor on Sept 29, 2006 20:39:58 GMT 8
is la mesa that famous dam?
Yes of course becs. its one of the primary source of water in Quezon City
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Post by E.C.Rider on Nov 17, 2006 9:13:43 GMT 8
What happened to this project? Natuloy ba?
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