Palaw'an women and youth march in Brooke's Point for land, environment, and women's rights

Indigenous women hold their placards with calls to protect and defend their ancestral land (Photo: Neca Reyes)

Around 100 Palaw’an women marched in the streets of Brooke’s Point on March 25, 2026 to honor the role of women in their community and calling for stronger protection of their ancestral lands and natural resources, as large-scale mining and extractive projects continue to expand in their community.

As the country’s last ecological frontier, Palawan is home to rich forests, mountain ranges, and marine ecosystems that sustain both biodiversity and communities. At its very core are the indigenous communities who have long safeguarded these natural resources, and whose culture, identity, and everyday life are deeply tied to them.

Norima Mablon, an indigenous woman member of Mga Kalebonan et Barong-barong, Ipilan, Calasuguen, Aribungos Mambalot, Maasin (MKE BICAMM), stressed the need for collective action to protect the environment against destructive mining. “Magkaisa para sa pagprotekta sa kalikasan. Kailangang mapanatili ang mayabong na kagubatan at maipagpatuloy ang agrikulturang kabuhayan para maipamana sa susunod na henerasyon.”

Deeply concerned, Jonavie Nani of Samahan ng Maaasahang Kabataan (SAMAKA) ng Brooke’s Point said, "Bilang Isang katutubong kabataan na may pangarap, nangangamba ako para sa aming kinabukasan kung patuloy itong kanilang pagwasak at paninira sa aming kagubatan. Ayaw kong maging kasaysayan na lamang ang aming kabundukan.”

These same resources, however, have drawn increasing interest from large-scale mining and business operations in recent years.

Judy Pasimio, Overall Coordinator of LILAK underscored that the situation in Brooke’s Point is not isolated and reflects the experiences of many indigenous communities across the Philippines. Indigenous communities from Nueva Vizcaya, Romblon, and parts of Mindanao have raised similar concerns over exploitative projects entering their ancestral lands, affecting their access to food, water, and livelihood. In some cases, these have led to tensions on ground, including harassment and violent dispersals.

She also pointed out that indigenous women are often at the frontlines of these struggles. “Katutubong babae ang nasa harap ng pagprotekta sa lupaing ninuno, ngunit sila rin ang unang nakakaranas ng karahasan at diskriminasyon,” Pasimio added.

At the same time, indigenous women and youth also carry the burden of their responsibilities within their communities and home, even when excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect them. On top of this, the Philippines remains among the most dangerous countries for environmental defenders, making these efforts even more difficult.

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), expressed support for the women, youth and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Palawan, urging the government to address their concerns.

“Large-scale mining has been shown to negatively impact not only the environment but also the daily lives of communities. Mining in Palawan has also encroached on the protected area of Mount Matalingahan, which endangers the culture and way of life of the IPs,” Garganera said.

“ATM, along with Samahan ng mga Palawano sa Amas, Brooke's Point (SPABP) and SAMAKA, Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Kabataang Katutubo (SNAKK), Palawan NGO Network Inc, (PNNI) Lilak, Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) and the Social Action Centers of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa and the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, will continue to resist destructive mining projects. The government must rethink and reform its mining policies to prioritize environmental protection and human rights over corporate profits,” Garganera added.

Pasimio asserts that government agencies should also ensure meaningful participation of indigenous women in decision-making spaces, especially on issues that directly affect women. She further urged greater attention to cases of violence against indigenous women and youth, particularly those linked to the entry of large corporations in their communities.

“Kami ay tumitindig kasama ninyo hanggang ang kasarinlan sa sariling pagpapasya sa lupa at sa ating sariling katawan ay ating makakamtan at mapagtagumpayan,” Pasimio said.

Palaw’an people, especially the women and youth, are important partners in shaping a future that is just, sustainable, and centered on the rights of indigenous women.

“Dapat igalang ang karapatan ng mga katutubo at itaguyod ang alternatibong kabuhayan na hindi mapanira,” Mablon ended.