TUBA, Benguet – Residents of Kabuyao, Mt. Sto. Tomas, who are mostly indigenous peoples, have formed a group that aims to partner with the municipal government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the protection, preservation, and management of the forest reservation.
Members of the United Community Management of Sto. Tomas, Inc (Uccmi) led by their board of trustees launched on Oct. 5 their planned partnership with the government, as they also aired the issues and concerns affecting their economic and socio-cultural activities and as long-time residents.
Their foremost concern is the snail-paced formulation by the DENR of the development plan for the forest reservation following the issuance of the Writ of Kalikasan and permanent protection order (PEPO) by the Supreme Court and implemented by the Court of Appeals.
The PEPO issued in 2015 has barred residents from implementing activities such as earth moving, tree cutting, expansion of existing farms, construction and expansion of any existing structures, including tourism-related activities.
Before any development for Mt. Sto. Tomas is implemented by the government, it has to be endorsed by the community through free prior and informed consent process. Up to now, no FPIC activity has been carried out.
In last week’s gathering of members which was graced by town officials led by Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, the members appealed for humanitarian consideration for electricity connection from Benguet Electric Cooperative since their children need electricity for their studies and those who are employed need it for their work-from-home scheme.
Residents also shared they could not implement repair on damaged sections of their houses since they are not allowed to bring in construction materials to Mt. Sto. Tomas by those manning the checkpoint in compliance to the PEPO.
The group, meanwhile, assured its members will support the government’s efforts in protecting and preserving Mt. Sto. Tomas.
Assorted tree saplings were planted by the residents within the forest reserve while more saplings were distributed to representatives of each household for planting at their respective compound.
The residents also expressed support to the government’s regulation of tourism-related activities within the forest reservation. – Harley F. Palangchao
