Assignment Title:

Exploring Innovative Supplemental Services in

Architecture Practice
GEE11B-M – People and Earth’s Ecosystem

IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS IN BACHELOR OF

SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED BY:

Abesamis, Jeremai Phillipe G.

BSA- 4B

SUBMITTED TO:

Sr. Mhars Francis A. Melgar

DATE SUBMITTED:

February 29, 2024

 The Kaliwa Dam is a 60-meter-high concrete gravity dam located along the Kaliwa

River in Rizal and Quezon provinces in the Philippines. Its main aim is to supplement the

water supply from the Angat Dam. The Kaliwa Dam is intended to address Metro Manila's

water difficulties. However, its construction is stalled due to environmental and

socioeconomic concerns. Once operational, the Kaliwa Dam is planned to provide an

additional 600 million liters of raw water daily to Metro Manila and the surrounding areas,

which currently rely on only two dams in Bulacan. The Kaliwa Dam has different impacts,

specifically in the 3 E's of sustainability: Environment, economy, and social equity.

First, its effect on the environment is that the dam's construction may hurt nearby

ecosystems such as forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats. Deforestation, habitat degradation,

and changed river ecosystems can harm local biodiversity and ecosystem services. Also,

Indigenous communities living in the project region suffer displacement. Their livelihoods

and cultural heritage are under threat. Displaced residents may need help locating new

housing and employment and maintaining their social networks. Because of this,

Indigenous groups, environmentalists, and human rights organizations have expressed

concern about the ecological devastation and the rights of affected communities.

Next is the economy, Water Supply: The Kaliwa Dam proposes to offer an additional 600

million liters of raw water per day to Metro Manila and surrounding areas. A reliable water

supply is essential for economic activities such as agriculture, industry, and residences. The

dam's development generates jobs and boosts regional economic activity. It involves labor,

materials, and machinery that benefit the local economy.

Water scarcity severely influences enterprises, particularly during droughts and extreme

weather events. Completing the Kaliwa Dam will improve water security, allowing

enterprises to run uninterrupted.

Last is equity. Environmental justice is essential for promoting social equity and ensuring

everyone has equal access to a healthy environment, regardless of race, ethnicity, or

socioeconomic status. It guarantees fair and just access to environmental resources,

protection from environmental hazards, and participation in environmental decision-

making processes. The construction of the Kaliwa Dam has been a 50-50 choice for me. It

has economic, social, and environmental impacts. I have mixed feelings about its construct,

but for me, finding a balance between economic development and environmental

protection is vital. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that the

project's benefits are equitably distributed.