‘Promised land’ eludes Filipino tribe in Boracay

A TRIBAL group on the island of Boracay, central Philippines, continues to wait for land promised to them by the government.

“We expect a formal turnover of the (land) title,” said Sister Victoria Ustan of the Missionaries of Charity, who has been helping the Ati tribe claim their ancestral land.

The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) announced on Aug. 3 that that a Certificate of Ancestral Domain has been issued to the Ati tribe, 10 years after they filed a petition to claim land in the village of Manoc-Manoc on Boracay island.

Sister Ustan said the Atis were happy upon hearing the good news but they are now planning to write a letter to President Benigno Aquino III because the land title has not been released.

“If we are just near Manila we would have visited the NCIP office to ask about the delay,” said Ati chieftain Delsa Justo.

Since 2000, the Atis, who number about 2,000, have been legally claiming ownership over Boracay Island, which they regard as their ancestral domain. The island has become a famous tourist destination for its white sands and scenic sunset.

The Supreme Court earlier declared Boracay Island a government land, affirming a presidential proclamation that classifies more than half of the island as “disposable.”

“It is difficult to teach the Atis values about life without them having permanent land,” Sister Ustan added.

Report from ucanews.com