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Philippines - Ambuklao-Binga
Complaint |
In June 2008, CAO received a complaint from members of the Ibaloi indigenous community and residents of Sitio Binga, Barangay Tinongdan, Municipality of Itogon, located in the proximities of the Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants, Agno River, Benguet Province, Philippines. The complaint raises concerns about the displacement of indigenous peoples and the deprivation of their properties, lands and livelihoods. It also raises issues regarding inadequate settlement of employment benefits and job security as a possible consequence of plant privatization. The complainants seek a monitoring process to ensure compliance with applicable IFC social and environmental performance standards. |
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Background |
In June 2008, IFC approved a US$85 million A loan for IFC’s own account and a C loan for up to US$15 million for the Ambuklao-Binga project. The proposed IFC investment will partly finance the privatization and rehabilitation of the 75 Megawatt (MW) Ambuklao hydroelectric power plant and the 100 MW Binga hydroelectric power plant, currently owned by the National Power Corporation (NPC). The rehabilitation will upgrade the Binga plant, and increase the combined capacity of the plants by 50 MW in total (30 MW for Ambuklao and 20 MW for Binga) from 175 MW to 225 MW. They will operate as peaking plants, supplying power to the Luzon grid for about five hours daily. |
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Eligibility |
The complaint meets the required criteria for CAO assessment: 1) it pertains to an IFC/MIGA project, 2) the issue(s) raised in the complaint pertain to the CAO’s mandate to address the environmental and social impacts of IFC/MIGA investments, and 3) the complainant(s) would be affected if the social and/or environmental impacts raised in the complaint occurred.
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Current Status |
The CAO Ombudsman is conducting an assessment. A preliminary field visit was undertaken from July 14-23, 2008 and the Ombudsman is working with the parties to discuss options for resolution.
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Last updated: 08/04/2008
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