Keeping hopes alive
Donal O'Dea
The eruption of Mt Pinatubo in June 1991 was a major volcanic eruption in recent times. It is estimated that 6.6 million cubic metres of volcanic material were deposited on its slopes. In August 1991 and years following this was washed into the surrounding rivers and valleys, causing massive destruction of farmlands and infrastructures.
Over 6,500 Aetas of Central Luzon, who lived around Pinatubo, were forced into tent cities, and later resettlement camps in the lowlands, where they are still to this day. However, many are returning to the mountains, while maintaining a base in the camps.
The Indigenous Peoples Apostolate (IPA) of Iba diocese was already active near Pinatubo before the eruption.
The IPA was an active participant in the post-eruption rehabilitation and since 1993 has spearheaded and co-ordinated both programmes and meetings to bring the plight of the ‘IP's' to the notice of Government agencies and the Church.
Two main issues surfaced: their need for land to survive as a people - their "ancestral domain" and the lack of a relevant educational programme. Both issues are vital to all Indigenous Peoples nationwide.
Meanwhile, ongoing programmes continue, eg, scholarships, medical/dental, and herbal medicine programmes, carabao dispersal, advocacy and the initial efforts at alternative systems of education.
The issue of land was tackled through a long series of consultations to get Congress to pass a law recognising their rights to their "ancestral domain." The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act is now a law. It is more honoured in the breach than the observance. It recognizes their right to a system of education based on their culture and traditions.
The Indigenous Peoples Apostolate has the task to develop this, the Diocese of Iba is a pilot area; programs are being developed and tested in Botolan by the FMM sisters, the SFIC sisters and others. We hope in the near future to present a programme to the Department of Education in their language, based on their culture and traditions.
However, the rush to develop mining, illegal logging, and large agro-industrial projects is causing serious problems for the Indigenous Peoples, bringing with it harassment and killing since they are caught between the Army and the New People's Army. Seldom are killings solved, one side blaming the other.
It's a challenge to keep our hopes alive. In the past many hoped for a better future; disappointment leads to apathy and division. When one hears of killings in other countries one can easily forget them but when you know those killed or missing, and see the trauma caused to the children and families, then it asks for a response. Like George & Maricel Vigo, parents and dedicated human rights workers, gunned down as they rode their motorbike, in daylight.
We thank you for your constant prayers and support since 1991; it has been a vital part of the apostolate. Please continue to pray for us.
