Higaonon tribe faces dispute over ancestral lands

Summary

Indigenous communities in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, face threats to their ancestral lands, with large corporations encroaching on territories traditionally owned by the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig tribes. Despite their efforts to secure ancestral domain titles, legal processes remain stalled, leaving these communities vulnerable to land disputes. The United Nations has highlighted the severe impact of land loss, leading to malnutrition and poverty among indigenous peoples. Local authorities express support for preventing further land grabs, but challenges persist. The indigenous groups remain hopeful for legal recognition and resolution of their land claims.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indigenous communities in Bukidnon are facing challenges in protecting their ancestral lands, with some areas being forcibly taken from them.
• 😀 Approximately 40,000 hectares of land in the municipality of Manolo Fortich are considered ancestral lands, but many are at risk of being lost.
• 😀 There have been cases where ancestral land titles were taken and not returned, leading to disputes over ownership.
• 😀 Modern corporations are accused of illegally occupying ancestral lands belonging to indigenous tribes like the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig tribes.
• 😀 The indigenous people’s farming plans on their land are hindered due to these encroachments, affecting their traditions and livelihoods.
• 😀 Rituals and cultural practices of the indigenous people have been disrupted, with security forces sometimes forcibly preventing them from conducting their ceremonies.
• 😀 The indigenous communities are still waiting for a formal resolution on their appeal for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), which would officially recognize their ownership of the land.
• 😀 The last hearing on the case was held in 2019, and there is still no update on whether the case will progress or not.
• 😀 There is hope that the case will be heard again before the year ends, with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) promising to give land titles once the case is resolved.
• 😀 The lack of secure land tenure is severely affecting the livelihood and well-being of indigenous people, making them dependent on external aid and threatening their food security and health.

Q & A

What is the main issue faced by the indigenous peoples in Bukidnon, as mentioned in the transcript?

The main issue is the threat of losing ancestral lands due to land grabs by corporations, which disrupts their traditional farming and cultural practices. They are struggling to maintain control over their land, which is essential for their livelihoods and traditions.

How large is the municipality of Manolo Fortich, and what portion of it is considered ancestral land?

The municipality of Manolo Fortich spans about 40,000 hectares, with nearly half of this, or 20,000 hectares, being ancestral land of the indigenous tribes.

What challenges are indigenous communities facing in their fight for ancestral land rights?

The indigenous communities are facing several challenges, including the inability to obtain formal recognition for their land through a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title, which prevents them from legally claiming their ancestral territories. Additionally, there have been issues of land grabbing, and their ability to conduct traditional rituals and farming has been severely limited.

What role do corporations play in the land disputes in Bukidnon?

Corporations are accused of grabbing land that belongs to the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig tribes, undermining their traditional ways of life. This includes taking land without consent and, in some cases, altering land titles to claim ownership.

How has the government responded to the concerns of the indigenous people regarding their ancestral land?

The government has not provided a clear resolution yet, although the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has promised that once a third hearing takes place, the land will be formally awarded to the indigenous people. The courts have heard their appeal, but there is still no final decision.

What is the significance of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for the indigenous peoples?

The CADT is crucial for the legal recognition of the indigenous peoples' ancestral lands. Without this certificate, their land rights are not formally acknowledged, making it easier for outsiders, including corporations, to claim or take over their land.

What is the connection between land loss and the health and nutrition of indigenous peoples?

The loss of ancestral land is linked to increased malnutrition and illness among indigenous peoples. When they are displaced from their land, they lose access to the natural resources and traditional farming methods that are vital for their food security and health.

What has been the impact of land conflicts on the cultural practices of the indigenous peoples?

The ongoing land conflicts have severely disrupted the indigenous peoples' cultural practices, particularly their rituals. They have been forced to limit their cultural activities, with some rituals being held very infrequently or not at all, as they face pressure from security forces and lack access to their ancestral lands.

How does the local government of Manolo Fortich view the issue of land expansion for plantations?

The local government of Manolo Fortich opposes the expansion of plantations, particularly in small areas containing indigenous land. They discourage further expansion to protect these areas from being overtaken by commercial agriculture.

What hopes do the indigenous peoples have regarding their land claims in the future?

The indigenous peoples remain hopeful that their land claims will be recognized after a third hearing with the courts. They are also looking forward to having their ancestral lands formally titled so that they can implement various community projects, such as building an Indigenous Peoples village.