A delegation of Cordillera community representatives, backed by the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) and Innabuyog-Gabriela, concluded a day of intense lobbying at the House of Representatives, November 26, highlighting a unified opposition to “development aggression” across the region.
Delegates held a session with Baguio Congressman Mauricio Domogan, and Mt. Province Representative Maxi Dalog Jr. after a protest action outside the House grounds and the submission of community petitions against destructive large-scale mining, dam projects including the Baguio public market privatization.
These coincide with the International Day to End Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) and the government’s so-called Mine (Un)Safety Week—an especially critical moment for Indigenous women who face heightened vulnerabilities amid land grabbing, militarization, and displacement.
CPA in a statement said “While we agree in some key community concerns, there are still issues that we need to exhaust, especially on mining and human rights,” expressing hope that community issues elicit a decisive response from lawmakers.
Over recent years, rapid policy shifts have facilitated the fast-tracking of foreign investment in mining and energy. These include the lifting of the moratorium on new mining agreements, the removal of the open-pit mining ban, and amendments to the Renewable Energy Act allowing 100% foreign ownership of renewable energy projects. Mechanisms such as EVOSS and the Green Lanes have further undermined community participation, while the NCIP has advanced amendments to the 2012 FPIC Guidelines without genuine consultation with Indigenous Peoples.
CPA lauded the Makabayan bloc’s “willingness to discuss ways forward even beyond our brief time” and the commitment to champion pro-people legislation, including the proposed People’s Mining Bill and the Human Rights Defenders Bill.
“We know that these talks will not be enough. Tomorrow, we continue, and we will take our demands to the streets,” the CPA statement concluded. Maria Elena Catajan
