On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Senator Loren Legarda once again underscored a vital truth: the survival of the Philippine ecosystem is deeply intertwined with the knowledge and practices of our indigenous communities.
In her speech, Legarda highlighted that these communities, with their centuries-old connection to the land, serve as the frontline guardians of our environment. “Ang ating mga katutubo ang nagsisilbing unang hanay ng tagapagpanatili at tagapagpangalaga ng ating kapaligiran at kalikasan,” she said, pointing out that for indigenous peoples, the land is not just a resource but a lifeline.
Legarda stressed the importance of not only recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples for their own well-being but also for the broader benefit of the nation. “Sila ang nagsisilbing tagapangalaga ng ating likas na yaman at tayo ay umaasa sa kanilang kaalaman at kasanayan upang mamuhay nang malapit sa kalikasan,” she added.
Recent data from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) revealed that the Philippines has around 1,530 ancestral domains covering nearly 26 million hectares. These lands, representing about 44% of the country’s total land area, are rich in biodiversity and natural resources. Yet, only 17% of these domains have approved Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs), and just 22% of those are fully registered. This gap highlights the urgent need for support and recognition of indigenous land rights.
Legarda also noted the staggering ecosystem value of these ancestral domains, estimated at Php1.1 trillion. This includes crucial services like carbon capture, water provisioning, and soil conservation—services that benefit not just the indigenous communities but the entire country.
“We must actively support and elevate our indigenous communities, recognize their invaluable contributions, and uphold their rights,” Legarda urged. She emphasized that investments in indigenous knowledge and practices are not just about assistance—they are strategic investments in the future of our environment.
As the principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 10689, which declared August 9 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, Legarda’s advocacy reminds us that the wisdom of our indigenous communities is essential for preserving the natural world we all depend on.
