Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Phase II (JRMP II): It’s acceptability to the indigenous peoples

Abstract

Over the years, social acceptability of development projects proved to be crucial for the success of their implementation. A preliminary study was conducted between 2012 and 2013 to determine the acceptability of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II (JRMP II) in the municipality of Calinog, Province of Iloilo to the indigenous peoples (IP). The study found that the IPs were divided whether to accept JRMP II or not and the risks, both perceived and real, safeguard issues and the benefits associated with the project were the major factors in perception formation and project acceptability. Those who were relatively better off socially and economically either did not accept or were uncertain about accepting the project; while those who were relatively poor accepted it. The relationship between perception and project acceptability need further investigation. In case of forced displacement, the IPs prefer to relocate within their ancestral domain and a onetime payment, in cash or in kind as compensation to the losses and damages to their assets and properties. It is very important that IPs have thorough understanding of JRMP II and the freedom to articulate their sentiments in order to come up with definite perceptions and accurate expressions of acceptability of JRMP II.