Philippine tribe vows to stand ground against US-led Pax Silica: ‘listen to us’
Tribal leader Petronila Munoz walked across the sweeping Philippine grasslands she has called home for generations, uncertain about its future, as a sprawling tech hub for a US-led initiative takes shape. With little information and no prior consultation, the indigenous chieftain said her Aeta Hungey tribe was uncertain how much of their land could be affected or what would become of the…
Aeta Hungey tribe leader Petronila Munoz walked across the Philippine grasslands she has lived in for generations, uncertain about the future of her ancestral land. A US-led initiative, Pax Silica, has begun constructing a tech hub on 1,620-hectare (4,000-acre) site in New Clark City, Tarlac province, north of Manila. Munoz and her tribe are unsure how much of their land could be affected and what the impact on their livelihood would be.
With little information, they were informed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) they must vacate by December and relocate 16km (10 miles) away, without a master plan on which parts of their territory would be affected. The BCDA provided them with a minimal compensation of 30 pesos (50 US cents) per square metre (10 square feet) for their lands, an offer that was declined.
Munoz emphasized that land is more important than money. Environmental groups have also expressed concerns about the project's impact, particularly its demand for water and electricity. The US State Department stated that environmental, water, energy, and community impact studies would guide the project's design. Despite the power concerns, local investors are encouraged to build their own power and water systems.
The BCDA has conducted public consultations in Tarlac and nearby provinces but has not held talks with the Aeta tribe. The tribe remains uncertain about receiving assistance to build new homes or cultivate land if displaced. Munoz expressed concern that her tribe would not be qualified for the new jobs Pax Silica promised. While acknowledging the benefits of the initiative, political economist Calixto Chikiamco urged the government to be transparent about the benefits and trade-offs of development.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
