“Journey of Resilience: The Mamanwa People’s Pursuit of Safety and Subsistence in Sitio Palayan”
In 1991, a group of Mamanwa embarked on a journey away from their homes in Surigao, Mindanao, seeking refuge from hostilities and conflicts. With unwavering determination, they made their way to the Visayas region, holding onto their hope for a safe and tranquil sanctuary.
“Our community had endured enough of human conflicts. Our living conditions had become unbearable, leaving us exposed to attacks from both government and rebel factions. This compelled us to seek a new home, one where our families could be safe,” explained JR Kalinawan, their respected tribal leader.
Known as the “first forest dwellers,” the Mamanwa chose to settle in the forested realms of Sitio Palayan in Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran. As they resettled, they lived day by day, relying on subsistence farming and the bounty of nature for sustenance.
In their quest for a secure future, they turned to kaingin or slash-and-burn farming. They also engaged in beekeeping and crafted intricate items like rattan baskets and hammocks.
“We cultivated the land, making it our own, utilizing the forest’s natural resources in ways that sustained us. We believed that nature would always provide for our needs—food, clothing, and shelter,” JR shared.
A Clash with Nature
Paradoxically, humans, meant to be stewards of nature, can inadvertently become agents of destruction. Regrettably, the Mamanwa, in their practices, strained the balance of nature and the once-abundant forests.
Their use of kaingin led to destructive consequences, impacting the once-pristine and fertile forests. Responding to their conservation mandate, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stepped in.
On one occasion, a Mamanwa was imprisoned for engaging in kaingin. This event displaced the tribe once more, preventing them from returning to their previously settled Sitio.
The National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), along with collaborative efforts from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs), and the DENR, addressed the issue. Public consultations determined that this indigenous group required protection and land tenure security.
DENR’s Intervention
In November 2019, the DENR, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Biliran, extended an opportunity to the Mamanwa indigenous group. They were offered a chance to settle and manage the land through a tenurial instrument. The prospect of a Community-based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) was explored.
Executive Order No. 263 outlines community-based forest management as the national strategy for sustainable forest land resource development, with mechanisms for implementation.
Forester Joefamar C. Fernandez, CBFM Coordinator of PENRO Biliran, recounted how they assisted the Mamanwa in forming a people’s organization with 23 members, enabling them to qualify for the CBFMA. After fulfilling other requirements, the DENR awarded the Mamanwa with the CBFMA, granting them the right to develop and use the forest and its resources for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years.
“The CBFMA safeguards the land claim of the IP tribe, allowing them to utilize and cultivate the area for their livelihood. Their responsibilities include protecting, conserving, and sustainably developing the forest and its surroundings,” Forester Fernandez emphasized.
With formal organization, governmental support flowed to the Mamanwa. The DENR’s Community-Based Forest Management – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFM-CARP) provided financial assistance of P308,800.00 for their rattan and fruit tree agroforestry project.
Empowered, they diversified crops and received training in modern and organic farming. This funding also facilitated their means of transportation and product delivery.
“In 2009, this group also benefited from the Upland Development Program and participated in the National Greening Program (NGP),” For. Fernandez added.
Educated about wildlife and forestland management laws through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and campaigns, the Mamanwa partnered with DENR for change.
From Menace to Guardian
Before collaborating with DENR, the Mamanwa’s presence in the forestland was deemed problematic, a threat to nature. Over time, through cooperation with DENR and participation in its projects, their status changed. The Mamanwa transformed into reliable allies, aiding in environmental protection and conservation.
“To assist DENR, we regularly survey and patrol our designated area, preventing illegal activities. This is essential for preserving our resources, on which our lives depend,” emphasized Jomar Kalinawan, Mamanwa Tribe Association President.
“We are immensely grateful to DENR for their support and the knowledge they’ve shared about farming. We now understand the forest’s importance to our survival and recognize our duty to protect and conserve nature for the future,” Kalinawan added.
The story of the Mamanwa’s partnership with DENR in Region VIII instills hope—change and progress amid conflicts, discrimination, and poverty are attainable if we persevere and fulfill our responsibilities to Mother Earth. (Source: DENR)
Empowering IP’s Health: Almeria’s Triumph in Vaccinating Mamanwa Tribe Against Covid-19
Under the dedicated leadership of Hon. Richard D. Jaguros, the Local Government Unit of Almeria continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to providing essential assistance to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Brgy. Caucab. A testament to this commitment is the successful vaccination of 24 members belonging to the Mamanwa tribe in Almeria, Biliran against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Despite the challenges posed by hesitancy and the geographical distance of their settlement from health facilities, the Local Government Unit of Almeria, in collaboration with various stakeholders, ensured the immunization of these community members.
According to a report by the Department of Health, the vaccination drive for the Mamanwa tribe in Barangay Caucab, Almeria, was concluded on February 02, 2022. This endeavor was an integral part of a region-wide vaccination campaign. Within this timeframe, a total of 15 adults and nine young tribe members were administered a single dose of the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine. Notably, there have been no reported cases of Covid-19 among the tribe members.
The success of this vaccination effort can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the vaccination team, healthcare workers, and volunteers who tirelessly reached out to the Mamanwa community. This initiative was made possible through the strong collaboration and partnership between the Department of Health, the municipal health office, and the local government unit of Almeria. Such a collaborative approach not only underscores the commitment to public health but also highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring the well-being of all members of the community.
The Local Government Unit of Almeria, led by Hon. Richard D. Jaguros, continues to stand as a beacon of support for the Indigenous Peoples under its care. The successful vaccination of the Mamanwa tribe against Covid-19 stands as a testament to the dedication and effective collaboration between various stakeholders, ensuring the health and safety of every community member.
Ultimately, our aspiration is for a world where people, including indigenous communities, coexist harmoniously and continues to soar high and thrive through the new normal.
“DUYAN” Hammocks
Experience the comfort of native “duyan” hammocks meticulously crafted from rattan. These exceptional creations, skillfully made by Mamanwas in Sitio Palayan, Caucab, Almeria, Biliran, are available for purchase at prices ranging from P500 to P1,000. Elevate your relaxation by adding just P100 to P200 for convenient delivery to the Poblacion.