Q: There have recently been some concerns over the China-funded Kaliwa Dam Project among several Filipinos. Could you clarify that?

A: As an important part of the New Centennial Water Source of the Philippines, once completed, the Kaliwa Dam Project will fundamentally alleviate the severe challenge of the water shortage in the Metro Manila. It is of great significance to meet the long-term water demand and improve the basic quality of the life of the local people.

The project is one of the great achievements in helping the Philippines with more livelihood projects through China-Philippines mutually beneficial infrastructure cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Build, Build, Build plan, aiming to instill a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction among our peoples. In the spirit of amity, mutual trust and results-oriented cooperation, China and the Philippines agreed that the project would be funded by the preferential loans from the Export-Import Bank of China. The loan agreement was reached by both sides through consultation on equal and voluntary basis. The terms and conditions of the agreement are general and standardized requirements in accordance with both international practice and Philippine laws, as suggested by the results of reviews conducted by the Department of Finance, Department of Justice and other relevant government sectors of the Philippines before the agreement was signed.

Considering the profound impact on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the local people as well as ensuring the security of water supply in the National Capital Region, the Kaliwa Dam Project has been attached great importance by President Duterte and relevant Philippine authorities, who ordered to critically evaluate the project's economic practicality and compliance of environmental protection rules and bidding procedures to ensure the project is well qualified. In addition, the Philippine government has committed to covering the cost of migration of the indigenous people affected by the implementation of the project.

China will continue to work with the Philippines to ensure early implementation of the Kaliwa Dam Project for the benefit of the local people.