NCIP Approves Ancestral Domain Title for Zamboanga Sur Indigenous Group After 20-Year Struggle

The Subanen Indigenous Cultural Community in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur is on the verge of receiving its long-awaited Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). Bangat Gukom Lucenio Manda, Bayog tribal chieftain, confirmed that the NCIP Commission en banc approved their CADT application last April 21 after 20 years of struggle. And this weekend, July 18, Bayog's tribal leaders presented the official documents to community members, highlighting the collective effort that brought them to this moment.

The Subanen, also known as the Subanon, have been living in the region for generations. They have a rich culture and tradition of living in harmony with their environment. The struggle for their ancestral domain title is part of a broader effort to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.

According to Manda, the CADT application was filed in 2005, but it wasn't until 2019 that the NCIP finally began reviewing the case. Manda said, 'We're grateful that our application was finally approved, but we're also aware that this is just the first step.' The CADT is expected to be formally turned over to the Subanen community in the coming weeks.

The Subanen have been fighting to protect their ancestral lands from logging, mining, and other forms of exploitation. Manda said that the CADT will help them to secure their rights and prevent further encroachment on their land. He added, 'We're not just fighting for our land, we're fighting for our way of life.'

The NCIP has been working to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. According to the commission, the Subanen are one of the most marginalized groups in the country. Manda said that the CADT is a major breakthrough for the Subanen community, but he also acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.

The Subanen community has been living in Bayog for generations. They have a rich culture and tradition of living in harmony with their environment. The struggle for their ancestral domain title is part of a broader effort to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.