Coloso, Esguerra, Macalintal March 13, 2023

SocSci 14 - E

Problem Tree Essay

 Forced displacement of indigenous people in Mindanao has been an ongoing issue in
the Philippines, with a variety of causes and significant impacts on indigenous communities.
One of the key causes of forced displacement of indigenous people in Mindanao is the ongoing
conflict between the government and various armed groups, including those advocating for an
independent Muslim state (Alave, 2021). This conflict has led to a number of human rights
abuses, including forced displacement of indigenous communities as a result of military
operations, particularly in the context of the government's counter-terrorism efforts. Another
major cause of forced displacement is the development of large-scale mining, plantation, and
infrastructure projects, which often involve the appropriation of indigenous lands without their
consent or compensation (United Nations, 2021). This has been particularly true for indigenous
communities in resource-rich areas, such as the southern region of Mindanao.

Other factors that contribute to forced displacement of indigenous people in Mindanao

include land grabbing by powerful elites, and the displacement of communities due to natural
disasters and climate change impacts. Many indigenous people in Mindanao have lived on their
ancestral lands for generations. However, as the demand for land and natural resources
increases, powerful corporations and individuals are taking over these lands and exploiting them
for profit. This tends to happen because most of the elders of these indigenous tribes lack the
necessary education to secure their rights to their land (Fairfood International, 2014). This is an
effect of an ongoing discrimination and marginalization of the indigenous communities in
Mindanao. They often face discrimination and marginalization, which can make them more
vulnerable to forced displacement. This includes lack of access to education, healthcare, and
other basic services (International Labor Organization, 2010). Meanwhile, the effects of climate
change such as droughts and floods, can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of
indigenous people in Mindanao who rely on their lands for subsistence. This can lead to
displacement as communities are forced to seek alternative sources of income and resources.

The impacts of forced displacement on indigenous communities in Mindanao are

significant and wide-ranging. One of the most significant effects is the loss of access to
traditional lands, which can have a range of economic, social, and cultural impacts (Ty, 2010).
Indigenous communities often rely on their lands for subsistence and livelihoods, and
displacement can lead to economic hardship, as well as the loss of cultural practices and
traditions that are closely tied to the land. According to Lara (2011), the total GDP of ARMM
compared to Mindanao and the Philippines as a whole has been consistently underwhelming.
According to Fairview International (2014), the wages of agricultural workers in Mindanao has
been in decline in recent years. As the indigenous people of Mindanao primarily rely on
agriculture to make a living, and the fact that 61% of the total population of indigenous people in
the Philippines are found in Mindanao (International Fund for Agricultural Development, 2012),
there’s an argument to be made that this is a driving factor as to why that is. The loss of access
to traditional lands can also lead to a loss of traditional knowledge and practices related to
agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management.

Forced displacement can also have significant health impacts on indigenous

communities in Mindanao. Displacement can lead to a range of health risks, including exposure
to new diseases and lack of access to healthcare, as well as mental health issues such as
trauma and depression (Fairview International, 2014). This is on top of the health risks and
hazards of being caught in the crossfire of military disputes.

Forced displacement of indigenous people in Mindanao is a complex and multifaceted

issue with significant impacts on indigenous communities. The causes of forced displacement
include conflict, development projects, land grabbing, and natural disasters, among others. The
impacts of forced displacement include loss of access to traditional lands, economic hardship,
health risks, social disruption, and long-term impacts on children. Addressing the root causes of
forced displacement and protecting the rights of indigenous communities in Mindanao will
require a concerted effort by policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector. It
is important to recognize the unique cultural and historical context of the region and engage in
meaningful dialogue with affected communities to develop sustainable solutions that respect
their rights and prioritize their well-being. Moreover, a human rights-based approach that
emphasizes the principles of participation, accountability, and non-discrimination must be
adopted to ensure that the voices of indigenous peoples are heard and their rights are
respected. Finally, it is crucial to recognize the interconnection between the displacement of
indigenous peoples and broader issues of social and economic inequality, political
marginalization, and environmental degradation in Mindanao. Addressing these underlying
issues is essential for promoting a more just and sustainable society that respects the rights and
dignity of all its citizens.
References:

Alave, D. 2021. UPPER RIGHT HAND: Vulnerabilities of Lumad Communities in Mindanao.

Retrieved from: https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2021/01/upper-right-hand-
vulnerabilities-of-lumad-communities-in-mindanao/#:~:text=They%20often%20face
%20exclusion%2C%20loss,has%20erupted%20into%20armed%20conflict.
%E2%80%9D

Fairfood International. 2014. Mindanao: The Land of Promise? Retrieved from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvJSDt8BI4c

International Fund for Agricultural Development. 2012. Country Technical Note on Indigenous
Peoples’ Issues. Retrieved from:
https://www.ifad.org/documents/38714170/40224860/philippines_ctn.pdf/ae0faa4a-
2b65-4026-8d42-219db776c50d#:~:text=Indigenous%20peoples%20roughly
%20constitute%2010,in%20Visayas%20(NCIP%202009).

International Labor Organization. 2010. ILO in Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in the Philippines.
Retrieved from:
https://www.ilo.org/manila/areasofwork/WCMS_402361/lang--en/index.htm

International POPs Elimination Network. 2006. POPs pesticides in a watershed area: Focus on
Endosulfan. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276280143_Pesticide_use_among_farmers_in
_Mindanao_Southern_Philippines

Lara, F. (2011). Insurgents, clans, and states: political legitimacy and resurgent conflict in
Muslim Mindanao, Philippines (Doctoral dissertation, London School of Economics and
Political Science (University of London). Retrieved from: Ateneo de Manila University
Press

Ty, R. 2010. Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines: Continuing Struggle. Retrieved from:
https://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2010/12/indigenous-peoples-in-the-
philippines-continuing-struggle.html

United Nations. 2021. Challenges and Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples’ Sustainability.
Retrieved from: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2021/04/indigenous-
peoples-sustainability/