Here are some of the most pressing issues, along with real-world examples:
1. Land
Disputes and Ancestral Domain Insecurity
Many IP
communities struggle to secure legal recognition of their ancestral lands,
despite the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.
Examples:
The Higaonon
tribe in Northern Mindanao has faced displacement due to mining and palm oil
agribusiness operations, despite their ancestral claims.
The Ayta Mag-indi community in Porac, Pampanga, continues to
assert their land rights amid development pressures.
2. Resource
Exploitation and Environmental Degradation
Large-scale
mining, logging, and dam projects often encroach on indigenous territories
without proper consultation or consent.
Example: In
the Cordillera region, indigenous opposition to the Chico River Dam project in
the 1970s became a landmark resistance movement. Similar struggles continue
today against mining in the area.
3. Poverty
and Marginalization
IPs are among
the most impoverished groups in the country, with limited access to education,
healthcare, and infrastructure.
Example: Many
Lumad communities in Mindanao live in remote areas with little access to
schools or clinics, making basic services a daily challenge.
4. Cultural
Erosion and Misrepresentation
Modernization,
migration, and media stereotypes contribute to the loss of indigenous
languages, traditions, and identity.
Example:
Indigenous practices are often misrepresented in textbooks and media,
reinforcing harmful stereotypes rather than celebrating cultural diversity.
5. Political
Exclusion and Human Rights Violations
IPs are
frequently excluded from decision-making processes and are vulnerable to
harassment, militarization, and even violence.
Example:
Lumad schools have been red-tagged and shut down, with teachers and students
accused of insurgency links, despite their focus on culturally relevant
education.
Read the full story
References
- Higaonon Tribe Land Disputes (Misamis
Oriental, Mindanao)
Rappler. (2023). Misamis
Oriental land rush threatens Higaonon ancestral domain. Read the article
Oxford Research
Group. (2017). Weavers of Peace: The Higaonon Tribe in the Philippines. View source
- Ayta Mag-indi Ancestral Domain Recognition
(Porac, Pampanga)
Philippine News
Agency. (2022). Pampanga IPs get 18.6K-hectare ancestral land after 13 years.
View article
Porac LGU. (2022). Victory
for Porac Indigenous Peoples!. Official statement
- Chico River Dam Resistance (Cordillera Region)
Wikipedia. Chico
River Dam Project. Background and history
Cambridge
University Press. (2023). Peace pacts and contentious politics: The Chico
River Dam struggle in the Philippines, 1974–82. Academic article
- Lumad Communities and Access to Education and
Healthcare (Mindanao)
Davao Today.
(2019). Mindanao Lumad struggle for empowerment through education. Full report
CLANS. (2018). Center
for Lumad Advocacy, Networking and Services. Program overview
- Red-tagging and Human Rights Violations
Against Lumad Schools
The Organization for World Peace. (2021). Fighting For An Education: Lumad Schools Under Attack. Read more
Rappler.
(2021). Correcting the injustices against the Lumad schools. Opinion piece
State and corporate interests in resource development often override Indigenous rights to land and consultation. The Chico River Dam project and ongoing mining in the Cordillera show how Indigenous communities are frequently excluded from decision-making. This happens despite the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, which protects ancestral land rights and requires Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before any development. These projects have led to environmental damage, displacement, and conflict, showing how economic interests still take priority over Indigenous rights.
ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development often override Indigenous rights to land and consultation. For example, during the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s, the government pushed the project without proper consent, threatening the land and lives of the Kalinga and Bontok peoples. Today, mining in the Cordillera continues to harm Indigenous lands, despite protests. These cases show how development is often prioritized over Indigenous rights and voices.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests often override Indigenous rights, especially in resource projects. The Chico River Dam in the 1970s pushed forward without proper consent, threatening ancestral lands. Today, mining in the Cordillera still happens despite Indigenous opposition. Laws like IPRA exist, but enforcement is weak, and Indigenous voices are often ignored.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development often override Indigenous rights to land and consultation, perpetuating historical injustices. The Chico River Dam project in the Philippines exemplifies this, where Indigenous communities faced displacement and marginalization despite their opposition. Similarly, mining in the Cordillera region has led to environmental degradation and human rights violations, disregarding Indigenous peoples' ancestral domain claims. Contemporary examples, such as large-scale mining and infrastructure projects, continue to disregard Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles. This highlights the need for stronger legal protections and genuine recognition of Indigenous rights.
State and corporate interests in natural resource development have consistently taken precedence over Indigenous rights to land and proper consultation, both in the past and present, especially in the Cordillera region. In the 1970s, the Chico River Dam Project was launched without the consent of the affected Kalinga and Bontok communities, threatening their ancestral lands and leading to militarization and the assassination of Indigenous leader Macli-ing Dulag. Although the project was eventually stopped due to strong local resistance, it revealed how Indigenous voices were ignored in favor of state-led development. Today, large-scale mining operations in areas like Benguet and Apayao show similar patterns, where companies often bypass or manipulate the process of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) despite the protections offered by the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). These cases reflect how economic gains and political agendas frequently override Indigenous peoples’ rights and their deep connection to ancestral land.
ReplyDelete153A25
ReplyDeleteMany times, state and corporate interests in natural resources override Indigenous Peoples’ rights to land and consultation.One example is the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s. The Philippine government planned to build a dam that would flood the ancestral lands of the Kalinga and Bontok people. The Indigenous communities were not properly consulted, and they strongly resisted. Today, similar problems still happen in the Cordillera region. Mining companies often enter Indigenous lands without full and free prior consent. While laws like the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) say that Indigenous Peoples must be consulted, these laws are sometimes ignored or rushed.
The prioritization of economic gains often leads to the marginalization and displacement of Indigenous communities. Historical projects, such as the Chico River Dam, and ongoing mining activities in the Cordillera region exemplify this tension. Indigenous communities face challenges in asserting their rights due to slow delineation of ancestral domains and weak enforcement of protective laws. Conflicting policies often favor corporate interests over community rights, aggravating the issue. In that, stronger recognition and protection of Indigenous rights are necessary to address these injustices.
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ReplyDeleteThe Chico River Dam and mining in the Cordillera exemplify how Indigenous rights to land and consultation are frequently overridden by state and corporate interests. Despite legal frameworks, implementation remains weak, and resistance is often met with repression. These cases highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of Indigenous rights, genuine consultation, and sustainable, community-led development alternatives.
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, state and corporate interests often end up ignoring or overriding Indigenous Peoples’ rights, especially when it comes to land and natural resources. A clear example of this is the Chico River Dam project during the Marcos regime. The government planned to build a dam that would have flooded the land of the Kalinga and Bontok people in the Cordillera. The Indigenous communities were not properly consulted, and their ancestral land was treated like it didn’t matter. They strongly resisted, and even though the dam was eventually stopped, it came at a cost—some leaders, like Macli-ing Dulag, lost their lives fighting for their land.
The Chico River Dam project and ongoing mining conflicts in the Cordillera region demonstrate how state and corporate interests in natural resource development frequently override Indigenous rights to land and consultation. While legal frameworks exist to protect these rights, their effectiveness is severely hampered by weak enforcement, power imbalances, and a lack of genuine commitment to FPIC. Addressing this requires strengthening Indigenous rights protections, ensuring meaningful consultation and consent processes, and holding both state and corporate actors accountable for violations of Indigenous rights and environmental damage. The ongoing struggle in the Cordillera highlights the need for a paradigm shift that prioritizes Indigenous self-determination and environmental sustainability over short-term economic gains.
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ReplyDeleteIn the Philippines, big government and company projects for things like dams and mines often ignore the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their land and to be asked for their permission. Even though there's a law called IPRA (Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act) that says Indigenous Peoples own their ancestral lands and must give their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for any projects there, this law is often not followed well. Historically, like with the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s, the government tried to build dams without asking, leading to strong Indigenous protests that eventually stopped the project. Today, in places like the Cordillera region, mining companies often try to get around the FPIC process, causing harm to the environment and traditional ways of life. This shows that the government and companies often put making money and developing the country ahead of protecting Indigenous rights, even when laws are in place to do so.
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ReplyDeleteIndigenous rights in natural resources are often subordinated to state and corporate interests. The government proceeded with the Chico River Dam project without due consent, with many Cordillera people waging a battle for their land. Today, mining in the Cordilleras still happens without full consultation, further jeopardizing the environment and communities. These examples show a blatant disregard for Indigenous rights for profit.
The government and big companies often choose money and development over the rights of Indigenous Peoples. A clear example is the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s. The government wanted to build a dam to make electricity, but they didn’t ask permission from the Indigenous people living there. If the dam was built, their homes and land would be destroyed. The people protested, and the project was stopped—but it showed how their voices were ignored.
ReplyDeleteEven today, this still happens. In the Cordillera region, big mining companies are digging for gold and other resources on Indigenous land. Many times, they don’t properly ask the people living there, or they are pressured to agree. The Higaonon tribe in Mindanao also struggles with land being taken for mining and palm oil farming. Even though there’s a law (IPRA) that says Indigenous Peoples have the right to their land and must be consulted, it’s not always followed.
So, even if Indigenous Peoples have legal rights, the government and companies often put business first. This leads to land loss, broken promises, and communities being pushed aside.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests often override Indigenous rights to land and consultation, prioritizing economic development over Indigenous claims. The Chico River Dam project in the Philippines ignored Indigenous opposition, leading to resistance and violence before being stopped. Today, mining in the Cordillera region continues despite laws like the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, with companies frequently bypassing genuine consent. These cases show that Indigenous rights are often sidelined in favor of resource extraction and state interests.
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ReplyDeleteGovernment and corporate priorities in exploiting natural resources frequently overshadow Indigenous peoples' rights to their lands and to be consulted. In the 1970s, the Chico River Dam project moved forward despite strong resistance from the Kalinga and Bontok communities, resulting in militarization and abuses. Today, mining activities in the Cordillera still endanger Indigenous territories and traditions, with consultations often inadequate and opposition met with intimidation or force.
State and corporate ventures usually disregard Indigenous Peoples' right to land and consultation. The Chico River Dam project and Cordillera mining are instances where development was undertaken without genuine consent, causing harm to Indigenous communities. These examples illustrate that Indigenous rights are usually relegated for profit or development.
ReplyDeleteThe Chico River Dam project had a significant negative impact on the Cordillera region, particularly on its Indigenous peoples. The project, which lacked proper consent, resulted in conflict and misunderstanding. This disregard for the large population of the Cordillera region highlights a lack of consideration for the well-being of its inhabitants. Furthermore, mining activities in the Cordillera are causing significant environmental damage, negatively affecting the environment and the lives of those who live there. This demonstrates a prioritization of profit over environmental protection and the welfare of the people.
ReplyDeleteThe Chico River Dam was a project planned by the government in the 1970s to build a dam in the Chico River in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. It was meant to produce electricity, but it would have flooded Indigenous lands and displaced many communities, especially the Kalinga and Bontoc peoples.
ReplyDeleteThe Indigenous people strongly opposed it, led by leaders like Macli-ing Dulag, who was later killed for resisting the project. Because of the strong resistance, the project was stopped.
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ReplyDeleteReal-World Examples
Examples include the struggles of Native Americans in the U.S., the Aeta in the Philippines, or the Aboriginal people in Australia, who face challenges like displacement and marginalization.
because the struggle over land and resources is at the heart of Indigenous Peoples' fight for survival and self-determination. Historically and today, state and corporate interests in development projects have repeatedly overridden Indigenous rights, even when those rights are legally or constitutionally protected.
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ReplyDeleteThe state and corporate interests in natural resource development override indigenous rights to the extent of brutally harming them, such as what happened to the leader of the tribe, Macli-ing Dulag, who was killed because of their fight against the building of the Chico River Dam Project. Though this project aimed to be an alternative source of energy as the oil hike quadrupled in 1973, it did not justify the effects of this project on the thousands of indigenous people living in that area. In addition, they are not well informed about this project, and most importantly, they were opposed to it. This is one of the more evident examples that even if there are laws that provide protection for them, they are still experiencing this kind of situation — mistreated, unheard, and marginalized.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests often override Indigenous rights to land and consultation. The Chico River Dam project in the 1970s pushed development without consent, leading to protests and the death of Kalinga leader Macli-ing Dulag. Today, mining in the Cordillera continues to threaten Indigenous communities despite legal protections, with reports of displacement, environmental damage, and militarization. These cases show how economic priorities frequently outweigh Indigenous rights, highlighting gaps in enforcement and genuine consultation
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ReplyDeleteThe government and companies often ignore Indigenous rights under the IPRA, especially on land and consultation. The Chico River Dam Project and mining in Benguet and Kalinga both threatened Indigenous communities without proper consent. These projects caused displacement, environmental damage, and cultural loss. Despite legal protections, Indigenous rights are still often set aside for economic development.
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ReplyDeleteDespite legal safeguards such as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), state and corporate interests in the development of natural resources frequently take precedence over Indigenous rights. In the past, the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s was advanced without adequate consultation, which led to fierce opposition from Indigenous people. Similar trends still exist today, with mining continuing in the Cordillera region in spite of ancestral claims and opposition from Indigenous people. As demonstrated by these cases, economic priorities frequently take precedence over Indigenous peoples' rights to land and their free, prior, and informed consent, which results in cultural loss, environmental harm, and displacement.
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ReplyDeleteIndigenous rights to land and consultation have been largely subordinated to state and corporate interests in the development of natural resources. Although legal safeguards like the UNDRIP and IPRA provide frameworks for justice, their effectiveness is weakened by a development model that puts profit before people, poor implementation, and a lack of public will.
The government and big companies often care more about building mines or dams than about Indigenous Peoples' rights. Many times, they don’t ask Indigenous groups for permission, even if the land belongs to them. For example, the Chico River Dam in the 1970s almost destroyed the Kalinga people’s land. Until now, mining in the Cordillera still harms Indigenous communities, showing that their rights are often pushed aside.
ReplyDeleteIndigenous rights are often de-prioritized under the weight of state and corporate imperatives around natural resource development that elevate profit as top priority above consultation and consent in all matters that affect Indigenous communities. The Chico River Dam project was a prime example of such profits, where the Marcos administration pushed the project ahead without the required free, prior, and informed consent of Kalinga and Bontok peoples, importantly jeopardizing their capacity to remain on their traditional territories. Today, we hear of large-scale mining continuing in the Cordillera region amidst strong local opposition that harms ecosystems and ancestral lands. These examples and experiences demonstrate how Indigenous rights continue to be disregarded for the sake of development agendas.
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ReplyDeleteOne real-world example is the Lumad people in Mindanao, Philippines. They are one of the largest Indigenous groups in the country. The Lumad have their own culture, language, and way of farming. However, they face many challenges today. Their ancestral lands are often taken for mining and logging without their permission. Some Lumad communities have been forced to leave their homes. They also struggle to get access to schools and healthcare. Even with these problems, the Lumad continue to fight for their rights and protect their land and culture. This shows how important it is to listen to and support Indigenous Peoples.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development have often overridden Indigenous rights to land and consultation, both historically and in contemporary times. The Chico River Dam project during the Marcos regime is a clear example, where Indigenous communities in the Cordillera were excluded from decision-making, faced displacement, and responded with strong resistance led by figures like Macli-ing Dulag. Similarly, ongoing mining operations in the Cordillera region continue to threaten Indigenous land, water, and cultural heritage, as companies and the state prioritize economic gain over genuine free, prior, and informed consent. These cases show that despite legal protections, Indigenous rights are frequently subordinated to national development agendas and corporate profit.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development often override Indigenous rights, as seen in the Chico River Dam project, where development proceeded without proper consultation, leading to resistance and human rights abuses. Despite legal protections like the IPRA, similar issues persist today, such as in the Cordillera mining operations and the delayed recognition of Aytas' ancestral land in Pampanga. In Mindanao, Lumad communities face red-tagging and violence, showing how economic and political power continues to suppress Indigenous self-determination and access to basic rights.
In the Philippines, groups like the Aeta and Lumad struggle with land ownership and displacement.
ReplyDeleteIn Australia, many Aboriginal people face inequality and racism.
In the Amazon, tribes are threatened by deforestation and illegal activities.
State and corporate interests often take priority over indigenous rights to land and consultation. In the 1970s, the Chico River Dam project aimed to produce hydroelectric power but would have submerged Kalinga and Bontok ancestral lands. The government pushed it without proper consultation, and it was stopped only after strong protests, including the death of leader Macli-ing Dulag.
ReplyDeleteToday, mining in the Cordillera shows similar issues. While the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act requires Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the process is sometimes rushed, manipulated, or ignored to favor corporate projects. These examples show that, despite existing laws, economic and political goals still often override the rights and voices of indigenous peoples.
From the Chico River Dam fight in the 1970s to today’s mining in the Cordillera, big projects by the government and companies have often ignored Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their land. In the 1974–82 Chico River Dam struggle, explained in the article Peace Pacts and Contentious Politics, the Bontoc and Kalinga peoples used their peace pact system (bodong) to unite and defend their territory, but still faced soldiers and threats. This problem continues today, even with laws like the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act meant to protect them.
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ReplyDeleteHistorically, state and corporate interests in natural resource development have often overridden Indigenous rights to land and consultation, as seen in the Chico River Dam project of the 1970s to 1980s, where Kalinga and Bontok communities faced militarization and the assassination of Macli-ing Dulag before the plan was shelved. The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 introduced legal safeguards like Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), but mining cases in the Cordillera, like the Philex’s 2012 tailings disaster and contested Lepanto expansions show that FPIC is often undermined through rushed or manipulated processes, regulatory capture, and weak enforcement. While organized resistance has led to victories, like Mankayan’s 2021 rejection of a mining exploration, the gap between rights on paper and realities on the ground means state and corporate agendas still frequently prevail, making Indigenous consent more procedural than decisive.
The government and companies often prioritize using natural resources for money, even if it means ignoring the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to their land and input. For example, the Chico River Dam project and ongoing mining in the Cordillera show how IPs' homes and cultures are threatened for economic gain. Laws meant to protect IPs are not always followed, leading to conflicts and loss of land .
ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development have largely overridden indigenous rights to land and consultation, both historically and in contemporary times. A prime example is the Chico River Dam project in the 1970s, where the Philippine government and World Bank tried to displace thousands of indigenous Kalinga and Bontoc people, showing a clear disregard for their ancestral lands and rights. Similarly, mining in the Cordillera region today continues this pattern, with companies often circumventing the requirement for free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from indigenous communities. Despite legal protections like the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), the pursuit of economic gain often takes precedence, leading to environmental damage and the violation of indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination and their lands.
ReplyDeleteState and corporate projects often put development over Indigenous rights. For example, the Chico River Dam in the 1970s pushed ahead without real consultation, leading to the death of leader Macli-ing Dulag. Today, the Chico River Pump Project and mining in the Cordillera still show weak enforcement of laws like free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). This proves that while protections exist, Indigenous communities often need to fight hard to defend their land and identity.
ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development have often overridden Indigenous rights to land and consultation, as seen in the Chico River Dam project and ongoing mining in the Cordillera region, where projects were pushed forward without proper consent, leading to displacement, resistance, and long-term impacts on Indigenous communities.
ReplyDeleteIn contemporary times, large-scale mining in the Cordillera region continues to raise similar issues. Mining companies, often backed by the government, have operated in Indigenous territories without fully respecting the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which is guaranteed under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. These activities have caused environmental damage, loss of ancestral lands, and community division, despite legal protections for Indigenous rights.
ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resources development seems to ignore the rights of the indigenous peoples' right to land and consultation. Development proceeds without consulting the Indigenous People. The Chico River Dam project and an ongoing mining in the Cordillera region, proceeds without even giving consent or heads up to the indigenous people. These projects gives a big impact or effect on the lands and lives of the indigenous people. The lands that they have nurtured was ruined and their rights were ignored.
ReplyDelete053C25
ReplyDeleteIndigenous land rights and consultation in natural resource development are often overridden by governmental and corporate interests, as seen in the Chico River Dam project and mining in the Cordillera region. Indigenous populations, comprising 6.2% of the global population, are disproportionately affected by these initiatives.
State and corporate interests in natural resource development frequently override Indigenous rights to land and consultation, both historically and in contemporary times. Despite the existence of laws and international declarations meant to protect these rights, the pursuit of economic growth and profit often takes precedence. This leads to the marginalization of Indigenous communities and the destruction of their ancestral domains.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests in natural resource development have historically and continue to override indigenous rights to land and consultation to a significant extent. This happens despite the existence of national laws and international conventions that, in theory, protect these rights. The conflict arises from the fundamental difference in how land is viewed: for states and corporations, it's a resource for economic development, while for indigenous peoples, it is a source of identity, culture, and survival.
State and corporate interests often win over indigenous rights to their land and resources. This is because companies and governments want to make money from things like minerals and timber. A clear example is the **Chico River Dam project** in the 1970s, where the government tried to build a dam without asking the local people, forcing them to fight back to protect their homes. Today, the same thing happens with **mining in the Cordillera region**, as companies try to get control of land even when communities say no. These events show that money and power often come before the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
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ReplyDeleteState and corporate interests frequently override indigenous land rights and the right to consultation, a pattern evident in both historical and contemporary examples from the Philippines.
Chico River Dam Project: The state, backed by foreign funding, attempted to build a series of dams that would have displaced tens of thousands of Kalinga and Bontoc people. Despite the legal and human rights violations, the government proceeded without consent. The strong, unified resistance from indigenous communities, however, eventually led to the project's cancellation, making it a landmark case of successful indigenous resistance against a state-led development project.
Mining in the Cordillera: While the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 legally requires Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for projects on ancestral lands, its implementation is often flawed. Mining companies, with the aid of state agencies, are accused of manipulating the process, creating divisions within communities, and failing to secure genuine consent. This has led to continued conflicts, environmental damage, and the militarization of indigenous territories, demonstrating that economic priorities often still take precedence over legal and human rights protections.