This is the third of four video journals produced by ADB and Dumagat in the Kabayunan ancestral domain to enable the participation of indigenous peoples to the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) Review and Update process.
This video journal shows the benefits of livelihood support negotiated by the Dumagat with the Philippine government as part of a years-long Free, Prior and Informed Consent process. It also shows the continuing challenges in implementing safeguards in the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project Tunnel 4 (AWTIP).
ADB used video journals as innovative development communication and consultation methodology to generate lessons, including issues, in SPS implementation.
The entire process of storymaking and storytelling to produce the video journals was participatory. The Dumagat chose their own storytellers and stories, and signed consent forms detailing the video journaling process and conditions of video production and public dissemination.
Once the video journals were edited, ADB conducted a screening consultation with the Dumagat to validate the accuracy of the stories and messages, and generate insights on the video journaling process prior to videos’ finalization and public showing. The government agencies involved in the FPIC process— the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)— supported the video journaling process.
Watch the other video journals:
Dumagat Tell Their Stories: Lessons on Safeguarding IP Rights
Dumagat Stories 1: From Agreements to Implementation
Dumagat Stories 3: Youth Inherit the Journey to Empowerment
Transcript
Rogelio Cruz
Chieftain, Sitio Anginan-Paco-Santol
There! I caught one!
Narrator
Rogelio Cruz is an indigenous Dumagat. Angat is their Kabayunan ancestral domain.
Metro Manila gets its drinking water solely from Angat dam.
To ensure the supply of safe water, ADB supported the rehabilitation of Angat’s old tunnels and transmission systems.
Angat is more than just a critical infrastructure. ADB recognized the Dumagat’s physical and spiritual attachment to Angat’s land and waters.
The Dumagat negotiated the conditions for their Free, Prior and Informed Consent for the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project.
After a years-long process, leaders signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine government outlining their conditions.
The Dumagat successfully negotiated for livelihood support, ambulances, kolong-kolong or tricycles, solar panels, and others.
ADB worked with Rogelio to tell his story.
Rogelio Cruz
Chieftain, Sitio Anginan-Paco-Santol
When we had the MOA, part of our requests was for livelihood support. We thought of fingerlings.
Even during the time of ancestors, we fished for livelihood and food.
But we were catching fewer and fewer fish.
There was also fishkill before.
The river ebbed, and turned milky. We were surprised one morning when many kanduli (traditional fish) floated dead.
With MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System), our request was implemented. We released fingerlings thrice.
Narrator
When indigenous peoples are involved in planning for their own socio-economic development, they focus on critical needs, their culture and environment are protected, and the benefits are felt beyond project life.
Rogelio Cruz:
Our catch got better.
Those who went spear fishing last night caught these. Tilapia, dalag. I recommended that they release common fish like Tilapia, and those were the fingerlings released.
To protect the waters, we don’t allow fishing that violates the river.
This is where we get our livelihood.
