THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a constructive dialogue with leaders of the Pambansang Konseho ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (PKKMP) at the DENR Central Office to discuss concerns involving ancestral lands and ongoing land management processes.
The PKKMP is composed of Indigenous leaders representing tribal communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These communities advocate for the protection of their ancestral domains, the preservation of their cultural heritage, and the recognition of their rights as Indigenous Cultural Communities. Their stewardship traditions are closely linked to sustainable land and natural resource management.
During the dialogue, the indigenous leaders raised matters affecting their respective communities and sought clarification on land-related processes and available administrative or legal remedies.
Representing PKKMP were its president and chaplain Frederick Bincal Berry (Dato Binalan Hanas); director-general-Visayas and chieftain of the Panaybukidnon Boracay Island Cirilo Pelayo Casimero (Dato Babay); and national director general and 16 clan chieftain of the Katutubong Blaan Fraidelyn Samal Dani (Bai Libun Labeh). The DENR was represented by lawyers Anthony Raymond Velicaria, acting director of legal affairs service; Emelyne Talabis, director of the Land Management Bureau; and other legal officers of the Department.
