“Being an elder does not mean limiting your participation in the fight for our human rights, especially the right to our lands”, claimed a Lias elder on the launching of the Movement for the Advancement of Inter-Tribal Unity and Democracy (MAITUD) in the remote village of Dallic, Bontoc, Mt. Province from October 19 to 20. Over 100 delegates from other Cordillera tribes, plus members of the Dallic tribe the MAITUD launching.

The elders of Mt. Province and Kalinga originally forged unity and strengthened their ranks in the 1970s during the Chico dams struggle through the Kalinga-Bontoc Peacepact Holders Association (KBPHA). After more than two decades, the elders from Mt. Province moved to build a movement similar to the KBPHA for the continuing defense of their ancestral land. The vital role of those elders from Kalinga and Bontoc who stood against the Chico dam were remembered and honored during the activity, as it was because of their efforts to promote inter-tribal unity why the Chico river continues to flow, especially for the new generations.

“We owe our lives to those who sacrificed theirs, like Macliing Dulag and many more who fought for our ancestral land. Without them, our places would now be submerged and permanently effaced. We must continue the struggle for our lands and resources, especially that our region faces the threats of corporate mining”, articulated a Betwagan elder.

One of the objectives of the MAITUD is to unite the tribes of the province and to gradually end the practices of the tribal war, this being an unconstructive means to resolve tribal conflict.

Bontoc Vice Mayor Franklin Odsey stressed in his opening remarks degradation of the Cordillera environment due to entry of destructive projects. According to him, projects like mega dams are not necessary because there are always alternative ways of generating energy, such as Micro Hydro Power which was installed this year in Sitio Chapyusen by the Montañosa Research and Development Center. He added that since time immemorial, indigenous peoples have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the environment, and that this must continue with these generations indigenous peoples.

In his keynote address, Congressman Satur Ocampo of the Bayan Muna partylist recognized the elders’ unwavering role in the defense of ancestral lands. He gave an over view of the current political crisis and the national situation. Ocampo slammed the Arroyo government for maneuvering the constitutionality of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 that had allowed the entrance of many foreign mining companies in the country. With these issues, he encouraged the members of the MAITUD to call for the ouster of Arroyo. A resolution was later passed for the ouster of GMA The MAITUD believes that GMA did not win the national elections and that her position is still under question. The MAITUD then joins the nationwide call for GMA’s ouster.

Regional and provincial situations were discussed to give participants an overview and understanding of the different situations concerning them.

The said launching was well represented by the different municipalities and tribes of the province. Other elders’ organizations present included the Metro Baguio Tribal Elders-Leaders Assembly (MBTELA).

The elected officers of the MAITUD include Jaime Dogao (chairperson), the Barangay Captain of Amkileng, Sagada; Dionisio Corse of Lias, Barlig (vice Chairperson for Eastern Mt. Province); Martin Bacgalang of Bogang, Sagada (vice Chairperson for Western Mt. Province); George Almeda of Lias, Barlig (secretary general) and Benjamin Lapaan, Barangay Captain of Dallic, Bontoc (treasurer). *** Sam Anongos