The Government Mining Policy and Mindanao (Part 3 of 3)

Q. Indigenous people

A. Big problem. Smart miners got to the tribal datus, chieftains paying them, as consultants, hiring the relatives of the Datus as guards, Laborers. Some Indigenous tribes say yes (Surigao) some say no (Tampakan). The new mining policy must specify what the role of the tribes will be. The constitution says the state shall protect the rights of indigenous people to the ancestral lands (sec. 4 art. 12) but all mineral lands are owned by the state (sec. 2 art. 120. In the 1920’s to the 40’s gold mining boom of Baguio, Bontoc, Kalinga etc. The igorots, ifugaos got nothing because we were still an American colony. This time the constitution and the 1997 Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) is on their side.

Q. How to consider the Indigenous tribe problem

A. The Church/NGO/green groups said the state is selling to development instead of preserving the tribal health/social mores/culture. Mining companies say the other side is selfish with a paternalistic agenda making the tribes museum pieces with no future, lesser slower chances of catching up with Christians/ educated tribes. The miners will hire tribal people, put bridges roads, health centers water/sewage system, schools so civilization/private sector traders will reach them faster/easier.

Q. Who’s correct?

A. Both. The trick is a very delicate balancing of protecting the rights of the tribes, the national economy will benefit/improve and the environment will be protected.

Q. How?

A. I’m a dreamer, not a state/private sector/tribal group adviser. Ask the UN agencies on Environment, Indigenous people, NGOs for advice/help.

Q. Conclusions

1. Mining is a very profitable business.
2. It is not clear if the benefits to the state, local government units, the laborers and the Indigenous tribes will equal the social costs (pollution, miner’s diseases, and destruction of the forests, rare flora and fauna through open pit mining’s, deep tunnels, disappearance of centuries old practices culture, tradition, etc.)
3. When the minerals run out and the corporations leave, what will happen to the people and the exploited lands?