The Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC) stands in unwavering solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples, farmers, women, youth, elders, and local leaders of Barangays Guinaoang and Bulalacao in Mankayan, Benguet, who are courageously defending their ancestral lands, watersheds, and agricultural livelihoods against the aggressive entry of Crescent Mining Corporation.
The ongoing barricade established by the residents is not merely a protest; it is a legitimate and collective assertion of their rights as Indigenous Peoples to protect their ancestral domain, their environment, and their future. It is a clear expression of the community’s social non-acceptance of mining operations that threaten the very foundations of life in their communities.
Threats to Land, Water, and Food Security
Agriculture is the lifeblood of Mankayan and Benguet. The fertile lands and abundant watersheds sustain thousands of farming families and contribute significantly to the country’s food supply. At a time when the Philippines is already grappling with worsening food insecurity and increasing dependence on imported agricultural products, sacrificing productive farmlands for destructive mining is a dangerous and short-sighted path.
We cannot allow another vital agricultural landscape to be destroyed in exchange for temporary profits that benefit only a few corporations. The true wealth of the Cordillera lies not beneath its mountains but in its living forests, fertile soils, clean rivers, and the people who have sustainably cared for them for generations.
FPIC Concerns and Government Accountability
CDPC is deeply alarmed by reports that exploration permits have proceeded despite serious questions about the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, including the withdrawal of support from community elders and the persistent opposition of affected residents. Equally disturbing is the continued silence of concerned national government agencies despite formal communications and appeals submitted by local leaders seeking justice and accountability.
The voices of Indigenous communities deserve to be heard and respected, not ignored. Their constitutional rights, their collective ownership of ancestral lands, and their right to genuine self-determination must never be undermined by corporate interests or defective consultation processes.
Recognition of Community Courage and Solidarity
We commend the extraordinary courage and unity demonstrated by the residents of Guinaoang and Bulalacao. Their peaceful barricade reflects a profound commitment to protecting not only their own communities but also the future of generations yet unborn. Their struggle is a struggle for food security, environmental integrity, climate resilience, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
We likewise recognize and appreciate all individuals, organizations, advocates, and volunteers who continue to support the communities through fact-finding missions, legal assistance, public education, humanitarian support, and solidarity actions. Every act of support strengthens the people’s collective defense of their land and rights.
Immediate Calls to Government Agencies
CDPC calls upon the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, concerned local government units, and all relevant government agencies to:
- Immediately suspend all exploration activities of Crescent Mining Corporation in the affected areas;
- Conduct an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the FPIC process;
- Respect and uphold the clearly expressed opposition of the affected Indigenous communities;
- Protect the watersheds, agricultural lands, and biodiversity that sustain the people of Mankayan and neighboring communities; and
- Advance development strategies centered on sustainable agriculture, ecological stewardship, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and community-led economic development rather than extractive industries.
Public Call to Stand with Mankayan
The defense of Guinaoang and Bulalacao is the defense of water, agriculture, ancestral lands, and our collective future.
As the people remind us, “Guinaoang” means “River.” A river is water. Water is life.
CDPC calls on churches, civil society organizations, academic institutions, farmers’ organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, youth groups, environmental defenders, and all people of goodwill to stand with the people of Mankayan.
Let us protect the mountains that feed us, defend the rivers that give us life, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
No to destructive mining.
Yes to food security, ancestral land, environmental justice, and genuine sustainable development.
Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC)