In the report of Kalikasan, there are 23 ongoing projects in and around Manila Bay, covering 47,000 hectares of seascapes and landscapes that put the Filipino people vulnerable against storm surges, floods, and coastal erosion.
“The Philippines is home to the highest concentration of marine shore fish species in the world, sheltered in a marine corridor known as the Verde Island Passage (VIP). The richness of biodiversity in the VIP makes it comparable to the Amazon. This biodiversity hotspot is being imperiled by fossil gas projects of SMC.”
By ALMA SINUMLAG Northern Dispatch TADIAN, Mountain Province — A play aiming to disseminate the declaration of the United Nations (UN) recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples over their land, life and resources was staged by the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) in two communities of Tadian, Mountain Province on February 20 to 21.…
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
Far from a counter-insurgency operation, the massive militarization and dislocation of communities in Surigao del Sur and the Caraga region had more to do with protecting business interests, primarily mining and energy investments. Although there is nothing particularly new in all this, the Arroyo regime had actually taken the extra step to ensure that the military would act as veritable security guards of these companies.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
While the right of indigenous peoples to their ancestral land is recognized by international agreements and conventions, indigenous peoples in the Philippines are relentlessly being driven away by mining, tourism and other so-called development projects. In Zambales alone, more than 70 mining firms are now operating, with some preventing the Aetas from entering what used to be their land.