22/10/2025
STATEMENT OF IKAYO
No to Mining in Our Ancestral Domain
We, the Indigenous youth of the Ikalahan-Kalanguya Ancestral Domain, strongly oppose the entry of mining in our ancestral domain and province. We also strongly support the stand of our local government, headed by Mayor Liwayway Caramat, to oppose mining in Santa Fe.
WE WILL NOT FORGET HOW OUR ANCESTORS FOUGHT FOR OUR LAND ✊
Long before papers and permits existed, our Ikalahan–Kalanguya ancestors already cared for these mountains — planting, harvesting, and protecting the forests of Imugan.
In the 1970s, even though many of them could not read or write, they stood firm and united to defend our ancestral domain when the government tried to take control of our forests. They organized themselves, built the Kalahan Educational Foundation together with our Lolo Pastor Rice, and fought through dialogue and determination — until they won the first recognized community forest reserve in the Philippines in 1974.
Because of their courage, we, their descendants, still have clean rivers, lush forests, and a home to return to. 🌳
Now, mining companies want to enter again — but we say NO. 🚫👎
We will protect what our ancestors fought for.
We will fight not just for our land, but for the generations yet to come. ✊
Our land is our life—it sustains our people, culture, and future. Mining will destroy our forests, rivers, and conserved areas, leaving nothing for the next generations.
We call on government agencies and concerned officials to respect our right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as guaranteed by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).
We stand united to protect our Indigenous territory from destruction.
NO TO MINING, YES TO LIFE! 💚🌳
