The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk's Social Action Center has backed the Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community in their battle against the expansion of large-scale mining projects in their ancestral domain in Kalinga.

In a statement, AVT-SAC Director Fr. Jeorge D. Masinem said that development projects in indigenous territories must uphold the communities' rights under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), particularly their right to free and prior informed consent (FPIC). 'Development projects must be conducted with the utmost respect for the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples,' Masinem said.

The Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community has long been opposed to the expansion of mining projects in their area, citing concerns over the impact on their ancestral lands and the potential for environmental degradation. Downstream farming communities, who rely on the same water sources as the Balatoc, have also joined the opposition.

According to Masinem, the downstream communities initially did not oppose the Makilala Mining Company Inc. (MMCI) project out of respect for the Balatoc. However, the community eventually joined the opposition due to concerns over the potential impact on their livelihoods.

The Social Action Center's support for the Balatoc community is seen as a crucial move in upholding the rights of indigenous people. 'This move highlights the need for the government to recognize and respect the rights of indigenous peoples in their ancestral domains,' said a local human rights activist.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk's Social Action Center has a long history of working with indigenous communities in Kalinga. The center has provided support and assistance to the Balatoc community in their battles against mining projects.

The Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community has called on the government to recognize and respect their rights to their ancestral lands. 'We will not be silenced,' said a spokesperson for the community. 'We will continue to fight for our rights and protect our lands.'

Key Facts:

  • The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk's Social Action Center has backed the Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community in their battle against mining expansion.
  • The Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community has long been opposed to the expansion of mining projects in their area.
  • The Makilala Mining Company Inc. (MMCI) project is the focus of the opposition.
  • The downstream farming communities have joined the opposition due to concerns over the potential impact on their livelihoods.
  • The Social Action Center's support for the Balatoc community is seen as a crucial move in upholding the rights of indigenous people.