NEDA-10 Regional Director Myla Faye Aurora B Carino presented NaLUA’s salient features to the plenary.
Representatives from several partner Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) from Bukidnon enthusiastically shared their insights on the proposed National Land Use Act (NaLUA) during a forum co-hosted by Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) and the National Economic Development Authority-10 (NEDA-10) at their office in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao Region on April 10, 2019.
The IP representatives facilitated by the XSF staff go over the features of NALUA for their recommendations (Photo from NEDA-X)
Tribal leaders of Miarayon Lapok Lirongan Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) Datu Rio “Dungkuan” Besto, Datu Dominador “Aligpulos” Decano and Bae Susan “Tawantawan” Hugnaan, together with Nagkahiusang Manobong Manununod sa Yutang Kabilin (NAMAMAYUK) tribal adviser Datu Herminio Guinto with Barangay Councilor Jessie Arroyo of Brgy. Bacusanon, Pangantucan, and Datu Santiano Dela Cruz of Catal Lumad Development Association (CALUDA) and youth representative Welfie Paderno critically analysed chapters and sections of the proposed NaLUA with considerations of the inclusion of the IP’s ancestral domain in respect of their cultural rights for the upcoming 18th Congress.
(standing) Mr. Ravanera of XSF validated the IP’s inputs on the NaLUA (seated L-R) Xyla Gualberto, XSF staff, Datu Dominador Decano, Datu Santiano Dela Cruz, Datu Herminio Guinto; (backside L-R) Bae Susan Hugnaan, Datu Rio Besto
Their participation was supported by the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) and the Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), and UN-HABITAT through the Secure Access to Land and Resources (SaLAR) project.
Initial inputs of the IP sector’s on NaLUA was presented by Mr. Roel R Ravanera, Executive Director of XSF during the plenary. He emphasized that Ancestral Domain shall be recognized and respected following the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process and that customary laws and traditional resource rights are honored. Datu Dominador Decano also presented the group’s output during a workshop detailing the comments and suggestions they [IP sector] hoped to be included in the proposed bill.
Datu Dominador Decano of MILALITTRA presented their NaLUA workshop output