Ancestral Domain, as one of the three sub-theme agendas made by the Moro International Liberation Front (MILF) for the Mindanao Peace Process, refers to the MILF's demand for territory that will constitute the Muslim native soil, sufficient control over economic resources, and a structure of government that will allow self-governance in ways that are consonant with their culture and with minimal intrusion from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). It is assumed to be the key for a more enduring peace in Mindanao but because of its delicate nature, there are still many issues and concerns that need to be resolved.
This covers five Muslim autonomous provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao, and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Saranggani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes. These communities, commonly referred to as Indigenous People (IP), include the Ata, Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Isamal, Mansaka, and Manguguanan tribes, among others. They mostly dwell in forests but have established ancestral land and domain claims over areas and territories said to be their custody, occupied and utilized by the government.
As a response to the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), a number of non-government organizations (NGO's) set up programs in Mindanao. Many of these NGO's have operations that aim to benefit the tribes of Manobo, Dibabawon, Mandaya, and Manguguanan. Some of them would attempt to focus on the economical development of the forestry situated in the Ancestral Domain to culturally unite all IP to become socially developed, politically empowered, and economically reliant, thus establishing a productive and self-sustaining community.
Role of NGO's
The role of the NGO's in assisting the IP's in Mindanao is very significant since it ensures that socio-economic opportunities would reach these far flung areas. There are NGO's that give them the needed technical and financial assistance and other endeavors to uplift their moral, social, and economic conditions. Most of them also aim to improve the physical and mental being, as well as health conditions of the tribal communities.
Provision of materials, micro-finance, and extension services and the establishment of a cooperative to bring added value to forest and agro-forest activities are among the programs being implemented.
Ancestral Domain Land Use
Four main productive land uses for the Ancestral Domain were identified, namely forest, agricultural, mining, and settlement.
The domain is endowed with a land area of 28,740 hectares and is categorized as public forest or timberland. Within it are tenurial instruments issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which includes an area of about 480 individual Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) of approximately 1, 038.79 hectares, four forest land agreements with a total area of 187 hectares, and one community based forest management agreement enclosing about 2,766 hectares.
A sustainable reforestation scheme was also designed, which included recommendation of the arbitrary harvesting of Gemelina, the establishment of nurseries for the remaining flora and fauna for its identification and propagation, and the protection of palm species such as Rattan and fiber such as Abaca. Likewise, ordinances to combat "kaingin" and illegal logging will be enforced.
Environmental Safeguards
To safeguard the Ancestral Domain from environmental concerns, enforcement of DENR guidelines were promoted on designated areas for mining and prospecting activities. Mining activities in the area cause disturbances such as contamination of water ecosystems, migration, solid wastes, air and liquid chemical pollution, forest degradation, erosion and siltation, and habitat destruction, among others.
Hunting conservation of wild animals and land mammals, as well as endangered species of birds inhabiting the Ancestral Domain is also intensified due to unconfirmed reports that unidentified specie of eagle was sighted within its southern boundary.
Aside from tourism purposes, there are plans to promote the establishment of bridges and landmarks to clean waterways, connecting the locals to their heritage, thus instilling pride and ownership. The installation and maintenance of 24 kilometers farm to market roads is likewise requested, as well as the rehabilitation and electrification of identified barangays, such as Purok V Mahayahay, Baylo and Purok II, Pasian.
Modern Facilities and Infrastructures
Eight water systems were also solicited wherein each water generation system will have its basic aquifer and hydrologists. All water plans will include the consumption of water for plants and garden within the residential areas.
Seven terminals for public transport utilities were requested with aims to offer the landscape of the overall theme of the Ancestral Domain, its heritage and interdependence upon the forest and the reefs
With the vision to develop community appreciation of sustainable reforestation and the adaptation of biodiversity as an integral part of community lifestyle, the various NGO's collaborated for the set up of nine elementary schools, three secondary schools, two day care centers, a home for the aged, and six tribal health center and medicinal gardens. This, as a goal, fosters the establishment of 11 tribal villages/settlements with basic facilities.
Cell sites are also being built in designated areas of the Ancestral Domain. Providers such as Smart and Globe are now racing to position posts in Pasian and Diwata. The development of the wireless connectivity technology makes it feasible for IPO consideration as compared to the installation of conventional system throughout the domain.
Other plans included in the proposal facilitates the preservation of the cultural heritages, sanitation, undertaking of intensive information, education, and communication campaign to 300 member households, advanced planning on waste management, establishment of checkpoints for environmental protection, proper cutting and selling of trees, health and nutrition.
