ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said, in an online interview over DXDX Radyo Pilipinas Iligan, that the government protects the ancestral domain in the construction of heavy infrastructure projects.
“Sinisiguro ng NCIP [National Commission on Indigenous Peoples] na hindi maaagrabyado ang IPs [Indigenous Peoples]. Hindi tayo basta-basta gagawa ng mga kalye at heavy infrastructures na maapektuhan ang ating ancestral domain,” he said.
[NCIP ensures that the IPs are not affected. We do not construct roads and heavy infrastructures that can affect the ancestral domain.]
Andanar also underscored the importance of respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples as they have culture and tradition that are significant to Filipino identity. He also said that this is also a way for the government in protecting the environment.
“Ang NCIP, si Sec. Allen A. Capuyan, hindi lang siya basta basta gagawa ng go signal para makapagpatayo ng heavy infrastructure sa lugar na questionable at naapektuhan ang IPs,” he said.
[Sec. Allen A. Capuyan of the NCIP, will not just make a go signal to build heavy infrastructure in an area that is questionable and will affect IPs.]
The Duterte administration through the “Build Build Build (BBB) Program has constructed railways, trains, subway, highways, roads, new ports, airports, bridges, and even building classrooms for students. This project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Norte)
