NATRIPAL Project 1194  Supported by IPAF through Tebtebba Foundation

 

The project officially started in December 2015 and lasted until June 30, 2017. Major accomplishments were disaggregated into three components namely the capacity building component that were composed of five trainings for the project holder with additional trainings conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) as they deemed needs of the community. All of the trainings were successfully conducted.

 

Registration of four (4) people’s organization has been facilitated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): NTTC in Barangay Canique, KAISABACA in Calabukay, AENTT in Talog, and SACABACA in Calawag. They have now their juridical personality and could seek for external assistance by themselves according to their capacity. The fifth supposed to be is SKTBB in Baras, but DOLE has so many times altered the application form to be used that it became impractical. This shows the difficulty and the time it takes to register people’s organizations.

 

The second component is the land tenure component comprise of collecting evidences presented to the NCIP. What has been done is conduct of census, mapping out of IP residents to determine number of legitimate claimants. CADT boundaries were rather mapped out and twenty three (23) boundary monuments were finally installed to delineate the ancestral domain. Sketch map has been produced to determine boundaries. Also exploration of indigenous political structure has been facilitated that leads to selection of IP representatives in local government bodies.

 

In addition, petition of the community for the ancestral domain to be delineated, a duly notarized application with a sketch map, supported by a community resolution allowing Danny Sacamay to be the authorized representative and census were submitted to NCIP service center for prompt action.

 

With regard to activities jointly conducted with NCIP, community wide IEC has been done to increase and broaden awareness of the indigenous peoples along the countryside with their rights. Alongside with data gathering and documentation of political structure and leaders, culture sensitivity training is bestowed as they feel the need of the community. Validation of elders/leaders workshop has been done, and resolution of conflicts workshop.  Genealogical survey is likewise done.

 

The last component is the resource management component comprising of the formulation of management plan called Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP). After some series of management planning and consultation, everything was put into writing. This was followed by community validation and then, the book has been published and local leaders had been furnished a copy of these books for their simple guide in utilization of natural resources.

 

 

What has been Achieved?

Improved resource management of Tagbanua communities in Taytay is gradually impressing.

 

Improve in capacity of the communities can be measured through community actions such as number of meetings, increase participation of IPs in different activities, number of plans implemented and number of issues /threats address by the IPs like intrusion of migrants within the ancestral domain. However, the absence of a legal instrument results into the lack / absence of any legal rights and ownership in the ancestral domain areas. Without formal ownership of their land, the Tagbanuas always find themselves in the losing end since they do not have legal documents that endow them with the right to care for and protect their lands. This is how crucial the CADT is.

 

More than 50 % decrease in illegal activities within ancestral domain areas due to vigilant monitoring of local officers of people’s organization by the end of the project. See examples of significant change below.

 

The participation of women today is continuously increasing especially in decision-making. This can be evidently seen in conducting meetings and other social activities manifested in the activity attendance sheets.

 

The Tagbanuang Tandulanen of Taytay have secured a certificate from the NCIP that they had submitted documentary evidences pertaining to their ancestral domain claim.  This certificate is very crucial for them since they can use this certificate in dealing with state market players, e.g. DENR to issue permit to transport for non-timber forest products.

 

Petition of the community for the ancestral domain to be delineated, a duly notarized application with a sketch map, supported by a community resolution allowing Danny Sacamay to be the authorized representative and census were submitted to NCIP service center for prompt action.  There are 12 barangays that are covered in the CADT claim: Alacalian, Talog, Baras, Calawag, Bato, New Guinlo, Old Guinlo, Pamantolon, Canique and Pancol, Paglaum and Abongan. Note that the last two barangays, Paglaum and Abongan, were inside the ancestral domain claim but have no presence of IP. That’s why the barangays covered are sometimes counted as 10, sometimes it’s 12. ( I am not counting Barangays with no intervention)

 

Four barangays in the initial counting (Cataban, Liminangcong, Inalwayan and Bagumbayan) were not covered in the CADT claim because they were assisted by Atty Giogio of NCIP and had initial validation of claim. The 17th barangay, Banbanan, had an independent claim.

 

Twenty three (23) boundary monuments were mounted securing the Barangays of Alacalian, Talog, portion of Abongan and Libertad, Baras, portion of Magsaysay, Bantulan, Calawag, Paglaom, Bato, New Guinlo, Old Guinlo, Pamantolon, Canique and Pancol, Dinamayan Island and in Busy Bees. These CADT corners will be validated by NCIP geodetic engineers during delineation. Boundary monuments were installed employing the process of self-delineation to the best of the Tagbanua’s knowledge and beliefs and was proven to be effective in previous assisted ancestral domain applications.

 

CADT Application was filed to NCIP office for prompt action. Certification from NCIP is issued to prove the submission.  A claim book submitted to NCIP field office last March 27, 2017 containing the following documents:  a) application form duly notarized, b) petition of the community, c) community resolution endorsing Danny Sacamay as their CADT representative, d) boundary agreement between Talog and Libertad, e) boundary agreement between Canique and Busy Bees, f) boundary agreement between Alacalian and Alimanguan, g) boundary agreement between Baras and Biton, h) census of population and sketch map of the ancestral claim (measuring 24,000 hectares including ancestral waters) that will be the basis for validation of NCIP in preparation for subsequent perimeter survey.

 

An optimum ADSDPP book has been formulated addressing sustainable use of resources and equal benefit sharing.

 

The formulated ADSDPP was derived from the research conducted by the project coordinator since project inception. It contained the practices, beliefs and customary living traditions of the Tagbanua. During data gathering on ADSDPP formulation, there are not much discussion that occurs. With regards to benefit sharing, whoever works hard, gets more benefit from existing resources. The main concern of the Tagbanua is the existing big fishing vessel operating inside Malampaya Lake.  All illegal forms of fishing method is not allowed inside the Malampaya and also in terrestrial, illegal logging is not allowed. This is from a municipal ordinance but also likely to be included in the ADSDPP

Likewise during ADSDPP validation, there are no much interesting points of discussion but the Tagbanuas are very thankful that their plan had been put into writing wherein they can used that as development tool for utilization and conservation. IPO leaders of Alacalian, Talog, Baras, Bantulan, Calawag, Bato, New Guinlo, Old Guinlo, Pamantolon, Canique and Pancol has been furnish a copy of the ADSDPP book for their reference and guide in environmental management.  

Formulation of management plan or ADSDPP is also done and validated with the communities. Local leaders has been provided copy of this book for guide. Management planning, planning for the project plight of the communities are being done by the project coordinator during field visits and these are feed in to the ADSDPP.

 

Constraints and Lessons Learned:

Constraints experienced

Steps taken that addressed the constraints

Environmental problem. The belief that all natural resources is god given and for everybody persist.

 

Communities need to identify the root causes of such environmental problem. They should have a plan, appropriate approach and methodology in formulating solutions.

 

With regard to formulation of their ADSDPP, it takes time and funding in order to come up with ADSDPP that is really participatory and involves all stakeholders

The initial plan that they have is still subject to amendments. What’s good for now is that they have documented plans in which some agencies look for that will serve as guide for their resource implementation.

 

Ethno-linguist discrimination

Confidence-building mentors and advice that indigenous people are special people recognized by the law

 

Significant Changes on Environment:

Because of the CADT claim filed with the NCIP, migrants from Visayas stopped from kaingin making in Baras and Talog unlike the attitude before the project came in that they don’t care whatever happens.

 

In Canique, knowing that there were illegal loggers in between their boundary of Pancol, NTTC president initiated a move to disperse those 4 illegal loggers who were from Leyte. Henry solicited assistance from Palawan NGO Network, an environmental NGO known for their apprehension of chainsaws, and they conduct ocular inspection and investigation. They filed complain in the DENR and filed case against the encroachers. The DENR warns them not to push their kaingin or else they will push to file the case in court. They want total protection for their environment.  Another thing is that Henry is growing vigilant in monitoring illegal activities within their barangay that makes some barangay officials to get angry with him because their moves are limited already unlike before that even at daytime, is just normal to see lumber being transported from the forest down to loading area accessible to transportation.

 

In Alacalian, their Bantay Dagat Ananias Moreno is driving away illegal fishermen encroaching their territory without any local ordinance from the Barangay except for their political will of protecting their resources. He and his family are voluntarily acting as fish warden in their small territory that many of their constituents are benefiting from resources.

 

Social and Cultural knowledge:

Trained leaders have gained enough confidence among themselves, they have now the courage to get in touch with their municipal officials for assistance Eg. In developing tribal centers, food assistance during fiestas and foundation day

 

Traditional Governance:

A case showing how the Tagbanuas asserted their rights on their ancestral domain:

 

The Farmers Association in Barangay Calawag, composed of non-IP farmers, is applying for a Community Based Forestry Management Agreement (CBFMA) inside the ancestral domain area of the Tagbanua. Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are the one promoting CBFMA in the area. Lydia Abin, the president of the indigenous peoples’ organization SAKABACA is almost convinced of the offer of the Farmers Association, because they will allegedly have respective areas of forest to manage under the supervision of the DENR. Out of curiosity, Lydia went to Danny Sacamay who is their CADT representative. Danny Sacamay advised her not to accept the offer because they have standing claim of ancestral domain title. Having a CBFMA is contradictory to the idea of ancestral domain.

 

As experienced before, CBFMA is just an alibi used by vested interest individual to transport illegal logs from the community using their tenurial instrument. They would declare logs as fruit trees or planted trees but underneath were all fresh cut premium logs. DENR personnel are very vibrant in promoting this thing knowing that they have ample favor taken from farmers. Aside from these, the CBFMA proposed by the DENR will be given to lowland cultivators and not to the indigenous peoples living nearby that forested areas.

 

The Tagbanuas therefore did not attend the meeting which is a statement that they don’t agree to the CBFMA of the Farmer’s Association. Lydia was also advised by the IPAF project coordinator of NATRIPAL that if the CBFMA will be given to any people’s organization, it must be SAKABACA and not the Farmer’s Association because the Tagbanuas are the owner of the domain. Lydia is using the advice and the CBFMA matter did not progress any further. 

 

Women Empowerment

Women are now being more aggressive in reporting illegal activities happening within the perimeter using their mobile phones.  They are also growing assertive in social participation especially in decision-making.

 

Advancement of  Indigenous Peoples Right:

The Tagbanua of New Guinlo invoked their right to free, prior and informed consent which prompted the Provincial Government of Palawan to follow FPIC standard operating procedure.

 

The story goes like this. The Provincial Government initiated a Lamayuhan Project for danggit (Danggit is a small fish being preserved boneless). The project was through the provincial board member Winston Arzaga.  The board member contacted the Barangay Chairman of New Guinlo, Ricky Abis to handle the project. Chairman Abis in turn contacted Nonita Francisco, the former president of YABOCIES but was ousted because of her wrong doing of promoting non-IPs within the ancestral land claim. YABOCIES is the indigenous peoples organization in New Guinlo. Nonita Francisco is not the right person to talk about that project because she was no longer the president of YABOCIES. However, the construction of the building for the Lamayuhan started without the consent and knowledge of YABOCIES. Upon knowing this, YABOCIES filed a complaint to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), copy furnishing NATRIPAL, Palawan NGO Network Incorporated (PNNI) and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

 

In a meeting where Isagani of NATRIPAL was present, a representative of Chairman Abis asked him about the right protocol that they should have done on the Lamayuhan project. Isagani told the representative that what they could do at that stage is to present the project proposal to NCIP, and NCIP will do a field visit investigation gearing towards MOA signing after consensus building process. The representative of the chairman apologized to YABOCIES and stated that she will tell the board member who is in charge of the project that they should follow correct FPIC process.

 

For the members and leaders of YABOCIES, they have no objection on the entry of the project. What they wanted is proper consultation and respect for their right to FPIC.

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Organized group of indigenous people are now acknowledged by local government units. Eg. LGU seek the approval of the indigenous peoples on their water project installed in Baras Canique and in Barangay Baras.

 

Changes in Advocacy:

Inferiority complex gradually overcome by the community. Some couples  are now using their own vernacular language in expressing their ideas unlike before that “Cuyunin” (the language of migrants from Cuyo Island) is the dominating language used  in the community.

 

Exit Strategy:

 

We have created a technical working group composed of two representatives per municipality as an exit strategy. Members of this technical working group shall meet at least quarterly to discuss relevant issues happening in their communities even without the presence of NATRIPAL anymore.

 

The knowledge and skills they have gain in the series of trainings, hands-on- application and mentoring and willful advice from project facilitator boost them to build much self-confidence they can apply in their everyday way of life.

 

While in environmental management, the ADSDPP they have crafted will lead to sustainable management of resources

 

We are still searching for benevolent donors to push the titling project.

 

 

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PhilAm Fund partners NATRIPAL

 

As in most parts of the world, indigenous peoples of Palawan, Philippines face severe problems, the most pressing of which are the threat of being displaced from their ancestral territories and lands. The constant influx of newcomers into their territories in search of minerals and timber as well as the policies of their governments are often to their disadvantage: in recent times these threats have increased thousand-fold or, in some cases, become reality.

 

The Tagbanuas of Aborlan  are very, highly spiritual group of people manifested in their customs and practices, in their respect for tradition, and the manner with which they value the land and other natural resources that they have been endowed with. This spirituality has not been lost even when after many of them were converted to Christianity by foreign missionaries. 

 

As part of their religious tradition, certain places had been consigned by the Tagbanuas for worshipping their fairies and goddesses. These so-called “Sagradong Lugar” or sacred places, have been regarded with both fear and respect, and the members of the tribe had, as much as possible, avoided to wander in these locations, much less bring about damage to the resources therein through cutting and gathering in order not to earn the ire of the spirits who are presumably watching over these places. These fear and respect continue to this day, which have kept the sacred places more or less untouched over the years and the tribal people here worry that if such destruction and land conversion within ancestral domain won’t be stopped, no wonder to have that diminishing  culture of Tagbanuas would subsequently follow in the near future, especially the technology transfer is so remote due to unwanted acceptance of the present generation.

 

 

While many of the Tagbanuas had faithfully observed the inviolability of their sacred places, these migrants have really painfully driven them to towards the foothills of the mountains. These migrants have aggressively pursued the opening up of land, with the end in view of being able to “officially” lay claim on them when the appropriate time comes. 

 

Quite painfully, Tagbanuas  are a very shy lot. This trait, they claimed, was the reason it was easy for migrants to lay claim on their land. But faced with further displacement by migrants, and fearful that they would someday be disenfranchised from the land they inherited from their ancestors, the Tagbanuas were awakened to the reality that their timidity was not doing them well in dealing with aggressive migrants.

 

 

It is to counter this unfortunate trend, NATRIPAL forge partnership with the PhilAm Fund via Gerry Roxas Foundation.  The effort was also expected to serve as a mechanism that would assist the indigenous peoples to face the contemporary challenges of development that endanger their integrated existence and give them a distinct identity. NATRIPAL equips the tribal people with the wherewithal to help them be at part with other sections of civil society.

 

This 28 month project seeks legal recognition from the government for three communities of Aborlan; Iraan, Sagpangan and Gogognan.It also aim to strengthen capacity of local tribal people build their respective local entrepreneur basically from non-timber forest product. This project leads to acquisition of  Certificate Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) that will give full empowerment to the indigenous people in the communities building their own social enterprise gearing them towards the mainstream.

 

Kaingin Forum of Palawans

 

Kaingin method of farming is the most prevalent practice of the indigenous people in Palawan. Although per capital income from this activity is not quite convincing, but because it is culturally-based practice, it continues to exist for generations. Many people will disagree with this practice because soil fertility is gradually degrading and that means productivity also decreases.   They cannot do the “sustainable kaingin” system as they used to do with a fallow period of ten to fifteen years because of the increase number of population and most settlers (people from other regions without the cultural background of the kaingin system) cut the same area within 3-5 years only that is not enough time for the forest to regenerate. The reason behind this practice is hinged culturally on their life they claimed that they will lose their good varieties of rice seeds if they don’t do kaingin in a year because the seeds will be deteriorated

 

In the municipality of Brookes Point where kaingin is a mass practice of the Pala’wan tribe, the municipal mayor was alarm by mass burning of kaingin that lead her to execute orders of zero burning. But the tribal people insisted that it is their cultural practice no matter what.

 

On May 8, 2015 a Kaingin forum was held at Kelangbanua in Barangay Amas. Discussion centred on determination of traditional lines used for this activity, the methodology to be employed and establishment of wide fire breaks

 

 

NATRIPAL celebrate its first silver founding anniversary

 

NATRIPAL Inc. holds its 43th general assembly meeting last December 15-17, 2014 in its own training center at Macawili Road, Barangay Bancao-bancao, Puerto Princesa City. In fact, this is not only a mere assembly meeting of 63 local indigenous peoples organization but a celebration of its first silver founding anniversary. In commemoration of this occasion, there will be one-day tribal celebration back up by native songs and dances, speeches and honouring pioneer leaders.

Beyond its twenty-five years of existence, it had not only proven that it’s not a fly-by-night NGO, as quoted by a famous writer of a nationally circulated newspaper in 1995 but a genuine service provider for the three indigenous group catered; the Tagbanuas, Pala’wans and Bataks. However, that quotation had serve a challengefor the administrators to prove its sincerity and intense dedication of serving the people, that beyond difficult circumstances, fund deficiency and vehement struggles, they manage to stay alive and prove its worthiness.

After twenty five years of struggle, the gradual empowerment of the indigenous peoples is among the modest tangible achievement of NATRIPAL. This is evident by its capability to implement satisfactory programs in the midst of tremendous political and commercial challenges that confront the organisation and we are proud now to say that the organisational management of NATRIPAL are taken care of the indigenous peoples ourselves.

 

 

 

NTTBP partners DENR greening pr

rogram; Ensures Future for their Youths

 

Nagkakaisang mga Tagbanuang Tandulanen ng Barangay Pancol (NTTBP),  people’s organization in Barangay Pancol, Taytay Palawan partners (DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources) in the National Greening Program amidst hardships and challenges.  This in response to His Excellency Benigno Aquino III’s call to help lessening the effects of  global warming.

Mr. Moises Calamare, NTTBP President confessed that it took him incredible sole determination to start coordinating with the DENR in March 2012. Considering numerous requirements, he never complains and just find ways and means to comply with and eventually he succeeded. He likewise recalls that the problem did not just end there. He was somehow influenced by murmurs that NTTBP will not prosper because the DENR prefers collaboration with CBFM holders and not with the indigenous people who are ancestral domain claimants. But in the end, his strong desire to help the community prevails. Even the awkward attitude of some members as if they will not benefit from the struggle did not affect him anymore, until such time Memorandum of Agreement with the DENR has been inked.

Establishment of nurseries in Sitio Maypa and Sitio Rodriguez of Barangay Pancol with the processing of documents for NGP participation signaled the start of realization of NTTBP-DENR partnership.   A 100 hectare planting site was delineated with assistance from Forester Gerald Namoc. Seedling production is going in two sitios but the  time for accomplishing a 100 hectare plantation area is gradually facing off and they had to double-time because a quarter is only left for them in 2012. More patience and indulgence characterized the situation and some of the members are getting rid because they feel they are just deceived by their president, going here and there without concrete accomplishment, Calamare exclaimed.

CENRO of Taytay endorsed them to the PENRO level in December 2012, only to find out a more complicated problem. Since the accounting section of the DENR demand for an official receipt for all transactions, they are referred to the BIR to secure first an authority to print NTTBP official receipts. With more confidence, they went to the BIR and here they were requested to secure a certificate of good moral standing from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Knowing that they cannot provide it, head bowed they go home not knowing what to do next that after the struggle they would end to nothing.  Blessing in disguise, the old president turn over the Tax Identification Number (TIN) of NTTBP to the new president so Moises was again refreshed with that instance and once again they appeal to the BIR and this time presenting their TIN, they were already assisted with generosity. After payment of corresponding penalties, they were allowed to print their OR.

Considering the struggles and difficulties they encountered and up to date, NTTBP celebrates their initial victory and optimistic to accomplish more in the near future. As of press time,  funds for site preparation was already released by the DENR  because their proposed planting site for 2012 was carried out to 2013 and now, everybody’s happy except for those members whose proposed planting area are not included for 2013.