Friday, November 7, 2025

When Displaced I-Benguets Moved to Nueva Vizcaya

When the Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet was built in the 1950s, many of those who were displaced by the dam moved and relocated to nearby Nueva Vizcaya. Many of the descendants of these movers/evacuees (𝘣𝘒𝘬𝘸π˜ͺ𝘡) are now facing another threat to their new lands. And that would be mining companies. 

These mining firms have already entered the towns of Kasibu and Quezon. And they are now trying to penetrate Dupax del Norte. 

Novo Vizcayanos resisted. They set up barricades and organized mass protests and rallies. These movements worked. The congressman of Nueva Vizcaya and the mayor of Dupax del Norte (who happen to be brothers) had to face the ire and anger of the protesters in front of the Dupax del Norte municipal hall.

This is yet again a testament that the people have the power, not the politicians. The people just have to exercise that power. Politicians are powerful only when the people stay silent.