Tribal groups oppose bid to retake ancestral land

03/24/2008

The 7,500-member federation of Indigenous People (IPs) from southern Palawan recently appealed to President Arroyo to intercede on their behalf, following the aggressive lobbying by non-government organizations and local government units to declare the entire Mount Mantalingahan into a “protected landscape zone,” which, according to them, would “encroach into their ancestral domain.”

The proposed protected zone in southern Palawan is purportedly meant to preserve the mountain’s landscape and natural resources, following reports of continued kaingin operations and the entry of mining companies.

In a letter-petition to the President, the Brooke’s Point Federation of Tribal Councils (Brofetrics) said they opposed the move because it will “defeat their rights to their ancestral lands,” which is within the contested mountain. The letter was signed by various chieftains from 28 tribal councils, representing major tribes inhabiting Palawan.

In a proposal initiated by environmental groups and some local government officials, the protected zone will be managed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), a government unit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We don’t want our lands to be re-taken by government, or by those who are alien to our lands. Under Republic Act 8371 (IPRA Law), we have the sovereign right and responsibility to manage and protect our lands,” said Chieftain Renila Dulay, president of Brofetrics. The group cited the specific provision of the IPRA Law mandating them to plan for the management of their lands, through the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP).

The natives also chided groups initiating the reclassification of their lands for allegedly unilaterally drafting plans without consulting them, when said plan will have adverse impact on their tribes. The IPs stressed that even if Mount Mantalingahan is declared a protected zone, it is no guarantee that it will deter denudation of forest lands.

“For as long as the tribes that inhabit the forest have no other significant means to feed their families and raise their children, tribal communities will oppose all moves to control our domain which was passed on to us by our ancestors,” said Celso Paida of the Palaw’an tribe. The tribal leader added they have good reason to welcome commercial mining operations in the area. “Mining has dramatically helped improve incomes and standard of living through good paying jobs which enabled us to send our children to school and pay for our families’ medical needs,” he said.

Back to top

For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph
The Daily Tribune © 2006