'Good intentions' at Brooke's Point

In recent news reports, a Palawan tribal group complained against ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan Foundation represented by Gina Lopez for allegedly forcing its way into ancestral land without consultation and consent.

The charge of trespassing was filed by Brooke’s Point Federation of Tribal Councils (BPFTC) when Bantay Kalikasan without permission from the ancestral land owners cut down 25 trees that had supposedly helps hold up the banks where the Sabsaban Falls flows.

The trees were then used to partly construct facilities for the Bantay Kalikasan Eco-Academy, an eco-tourism joint project with the municipal government of Brooke’s Points and the ABS-CBN Foundation, that would promote the preservation of Brooke’s Point rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of native Palaw’ans.

The municipality of Brooke’s Point, under the leadership of its mayor, Narciso Leoncio, M.D., has plans that include establishing a municipal airport as well the aggressive marketing of local handicrafts in Metro Manila and other countries.

Gina’s plea

Reacting to a flurry of negative media reports arising from the filed complaint, Gina – who is recognized as an ardent environmentalist and anti-mining advocate – has sought space to voice the side of Bantay Kalikasan. Here are excerpts of an email that she sent.

“There has been a slew of negative publicity that is totally untrue. Because our project is and stands to benefit many, it is vital that the truth be known.

“The facts: To date, Bantay Kalikasan has invested P2.5 million in Brooke’s Point with the pure intention of uplifting the lives of the people through the care of the environment.

“All the profit goes to the community. It is not a business. It is being done with the intention of sending a strong message that taking care of the environment can uplift the lives of people and the communities.

“I have been able to do it successfully in Puerto Princesa – where on the second year, the people are able to send their kids to college, put food on the table, maintain peace and harmony by taking care of the beauty that abounds.

“What we are doing in Brooke’s Point is eco-educational tourism. Which means the area is being used as a site where people can learn indigenous culture, cuisine – and most important, learn and experience biodiversity at its best.

“In the light of these intentions and in the light of our success in jacking up the economy after only months of preparation, the criticisms are highly uncalled for.

Backed by resolution

“A complaint does not constitute reality. Bantay Kalikasan is backed by a resolution made by the indigenous people. This is their project.

“I also received a letter from the Mayor which I would like to share with you.

“I have letters and proof of communities and families that are very appreciative of our efforts in the area. Including the Mayor and the Sanggunian Bayan. Including the two barangays who are benefitting from the employment opportunities. Including the hundreds of individuals that are benefitting from our efforts.

“We have also secured a DENR permit to implement the clearing of over-matured and defective trees.

“I hope this will finally put to rest all doubts and give assurance that in fact, the ABS CBN Foundation and myself personally have only the best interest of the people of Brooke’s Point. We have no other intention other than to benefit the common good.”

Mayor’s support

Here are parts of a letter that Leoncio sent to Gina Lopez:

“Thank you for your full commitment in helping protect the environment and introduce alternative livelihood to our constituents, the members of our Indigenous People community in particular.

“The assistance you have given and will be given to us in many aspects brings hope and joy to every hearts of our constituents young and old.

“If only your detractors know and completely understand that aside from achieving your goal in preserving the environment, you gain nothing for yourself, and if they really of good purpose, we believe they may change their minds and join in our advocacy instead.

“Nevertheless, opposition will always be there. Some people will keep on obstructing good intentions for reasons we may never know. In spite of this, we urge you to keep moving on with us and trust God and each other.”

Ancestral land owners’ complaint

In the interest of transparency, Gina sent also the copy of the complaint filed by BPFTC (or BroFeTriCs) as represented by Fabio Ilagan, a member of the Indigenous Cultural Community Pala’wan tribe, and an original resident of Barangay Aribungos, Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

Aside from invoking unauthorized and unlawful intrusion in their ancestral land, BroFeTriCs also filed a complaint against the barangay councils of Aribungos and Ipilan and Brooke Point’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office for not seeking certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the issuance of their respective permits.

The petitioners stated in their complaint that “the upper portion of the forest is where we gather forest products to support our livelihood, and the rivers within our Ancestral domain serve as our fishing ground.

“The Sabsaban Falls is our worship place where our Balyan conduct tribal ceremony to cure sickness of our seriously ill ICC/IP members without disturbance.”

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