Climate warning
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Department of Agrarian Reform

Climate warning

Fighting for their land: Philippines' Boracay Island indigenous Ati Tribe faces eviction threat.

Boracay, a renowned tourist destination in the Philippines, has long attracted visitors to its pristine beaches, providing livelihoods for many locals. However, the indigenous Ati people, the island's original inhabitants, have been marginalized amid its tourism boom. Despite being granted 3.2 hectares of land by President Duterte in 2018, representing a small fraction of the island's total area, the Ati continue to face challenges. The land titles, known as Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs), were intended to empower the Boracay Ati Tribal Organisation. President Duterte's land reform initiative aimed to address issues of land ownership and pollution caused by overtourism. He urged the Ati community to cultivate the land for future prosperity. However, wealthy hotel owners, influential land developers, have contested the Ati's land claims in court, supported by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). This opposition threatens the Ati's access to their rightful land and perpetuates their marginalization.
Despite initial hope for land ownership, the Ati's struggle for recognition and justice continues, highlighting broader issues of indigenous rights and the clash between economic interests and social justice in the context of tourism development.



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  • Sarah Chabane

    15 w

    This is very concerning and should be addressed by the international community

    • Ann Nyambura

      28 w

      Their ancestral land is not up for grabs, and we must hold accountable those who seek to displace them for their own gain.

      1
      • We Don't Have Time

        29 w

        Dear Princess Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Department of Agrarian Reform by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time

        2
        • Rashid Kamau

          30 w

          Indigenous peoples are critical guardians of biodiversity,they should instead be protected.

          3
          • Annett Michuki..

            30 w

            the government needs to protect these people at all cost, it's sad seeing them evicted

            3
            • Elizabeth Gathigia

              30 w

              It's sad to see indigenous people go through such challenges in their own land, their rights should be respected

              6
              • Matin Ahrimankosh

                30 w

                The situation facing Boracay's Ati tribe is deeply concerning

                4
                • Saustine Lusanzu

                  30 w

                  This is not acceptable at all, indigenous people must be given their land right

                  6
                  • George Kariuki

                    30 w

                    It's disheartening to see the indigenous Ati people facing such challenges in their own homeland, especially amidst the bustling tourism industry on Boracay Island.

                    10
                    • Rukia Ahmed Abdi

                      30 w

                      Indigenous people play a critical role in conserving the environment. They deserve to be recognized locally and internationally

                      11

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