Statement of solidarity with Palaw'an Indigenous women and youth

Group photo as Palaw'an Women closes their Women's month celebration with solidarity partners and Vice Mayor Jean Feliciano (Photo: Neca Reyes)

This Women’s Month, we stand in solidarity with the celebration and collective action of Palaw’an indigenous women and youth in defending and protecting the environment and their ancestral lands from destructive mining and businesses.

As the “last ecological frontier” of the country, Palawan is vital because its vast mountains and lush forests serve as home to various endangered species and endemic wildlife found only in Palawan. Its waters are also rich in natural resources. Palawan also serves as a home to indigenous communities who serve as stewards and protectors of these natural resources and their ancestral domain.

However, alongside efforts of the indigenous people to preserve and protect Palawan’s environment are increasing threats from corporations whose primary agenda is profit, such as destructive, large-scale mining operations.

The continued resistance of indigenous women and youth against the operations of Ipilan Nickel Corporation in Brooke’s Point reflected the experiences and struggles of other indigenous communities across the Philippines who are also resisting destructive mining.

Just this year, a violent dispersal in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya made headlines, where Indigenous women opposing mining exploration of Woggle Corporation had their barricade forcefully dismantled and were arrested. In Sibuyan Island, Romblon, a human barricade was also violently dispersed in 2023 to allow the entry of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation. The Tuwali in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya likewise experienced violent dispersal by the police due to their resistance against the return of OceanaGold Philippines, which continues to damage their mountains. The Subanen in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, and the Teduray and Lambangian in Upi, Maguindanao continuously oppose mining operations encroaching on their ancestral lands, farms, and fishing grounds.

From LILAK’s lens, there is a common matter across these experiences: Indigenous women are at the forefront of defending and protecting ancestral lands. Indigenous women are also the first to experience violence and discrimination in defending the environment. At the same time, they are expected to fulfill responsibilities within their households and communities.

Palaw'an Women proudly carries her placard showing a hand written call to protect the environment (Photo: Neca Reyes)

We firmly stand with you until the right to self-determination over land and over our own bodies, is fully realized and won.

LILAK, together with indigenous women from various communities, calls on concerned authorities and government agencies to strengthen and ensure meaningful participation of indigenous women in decision-making, especially on issues that directly affect their lives. Women’s participation across all levels of society and governance is crucial, as we are part of shaping development and decisions, not only on mining but across governance as a whole.

We also urge for greater attention and action on issues of violence against women, particularly indigenous women and girls, especially when these are rooted in the entry of large corporations into communities.

It must not be forgotten that the rights of indigenous women are part of the broader framework of human rights. These must be respected, protected, and upheld, not undermined in favor of corporate profit.

Indigenous women and youth are partners in development. They are integral to building a just, dignified, and environmentally sustainable future.

Padayon, Babae 💜✊🏼