Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) and Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC) organized a forum on Enhancing Rights and Tenurial Security of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon at SEARSOLIN, Cagayan de Oro City on January 30, 2020.
The implementation of “Securing Tenure Security of Smallholder Farmers in Select Areas in the Philippines”, part of the broader project of Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) Secure Access to Land and Resources (SALaR) in the three (3) Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) partners from Miarayon Lapok Lirongan Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA), Nagkahiusang Manobong Manununod sa Yutang Kabilin (NAMAMAYUK) and Portulin Talaandig Tribal Association (PTTA) which began in April 30 to date, met with the local leaders, women and youth to present the project achievements, and outcomes that contribute to efforts in strengthening security on customary land tenure.
Strategies in addressing the issues and challenges encountered throughout the project which includes conflict resolution approaches, reinforcement of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) application, and implementation of Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP); and accordingly, presentation of policy proposals were also devised in the discussion.
Representatives from GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) that has been implementing projects to promote economic, ecological, and social development in the country were also able to suggest systems and tools to improve the project management process.
Council of Elders President, Datu Johnny Guina stated that the forum and such initiatives are necessary to discuss about the protection of their territories and ancestral domain, and the conservation of their environment and protected areas. Significantly, Datu Herminio Guinto, NAMAMAYUK Tribal Adviser also expressed that the project became their instrument of unity.
“The experience as an enumerator was tiring…but my efforts turned out to be a great help for the community”, Liezel Pacana, one of the community enumerators of MILALITTRA said.
Other participants whom among are women leaders and youth enumerators were also able to equally share their insights towards the project. And as conveyed, providing separate documents through the “Certificate of Customary land Occupancy” allowed the households to identify land boundaries, resolve conflicts, make decisions and better manage in a communal land.
Written by: Mark Auditor, Mari Bocon & Ryan Galamiton
Photos by: Mari Bocon & Ryan Galamiton