Consultation Meeting with SADIK Stakeholders

A follow-up stakeholders consultation meeting was held in relation to the proposed Siburan-Aruyan-Dangari-Iyason-Kinarawan (SADIK) Critical Habitat (CH) in Sablayan. This activity builds on the outcomes of the November 18 Partners Convention and subsequent individual consultations with key actors from DENR, NCIP, MENRO, IPOs, and Indigenous Political Structures (IPS). The initiative is part of the collaborative conservation efforts under the Thriving Together with Tamaraw Consortium.

The consultation aimed to level off with stakeholders, particularly the Taobuid communities residing within the proposed SADIK CH, and to seek permission for regular coordination meetings that would support conservation, ancestral domain planning, and co-management of the area.

Among the topics discussed during the meeting included biodiversity assessment and ADSDPP, support to CADT process, proposal for a Balay Pulungan (Community Center), strengthening the roles of IP as forest guards, expansion of camera trapping and monitoring activities, and permission for continued consultations with IP leaders. 

During the consultation meeting, key stakeholders also shared important messages that underscored both support and concerns regarding the proposed SADIK Critical Habitat. Charlou Ormega of MENRO Sablayan reaffirmed the LGU’s commitment to the declaration and emphasized the need to act urgently in protecting local biodiversity, citing past species losses. Juanito Lumawig Sr. of Sitio Balangabong highlighted the importance of unity and strong communication between Taobuid and Alangan communities, despite historical leadership complexities. Meanwhile, local leader Peping Poyngon raised concerns about long-standing delays in the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titling (CADT) process and unfulfilled development promises, insisting that land title recognition must come before any further planning. The NCIP responded by assuring the group that the CADT process is progressing, though transitions in national leadership may result in minor delays. FAMATODI Chairman Roberto Perez called on fellow leaders to clarify their positions on the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) to avoid confusion during implementation. Finally, Juanito Lumawig Sr. appealed for patience and emphasized that both the CADT and ADSDPP are essential for asserting Indigenous rights and securing government support.

The stakeholders agreed to hold regular meetings every first Tuesday of the month starting March 4, 2025, to continue discussions on the proposed SADIK Critical Habitat, biodiversity assessment, CADT, and ADSDPP. Plans to form a volunteer Indigenous ranger group will be further explored with LGU and DENR. IPS leaders expressed support for Tamaraw monitoring efforts and committed to guiding future activities. A separate community meeting will be held by IPS leaders to discuss key concerns. 

This activity is a key step in advancing collaborative conservation within the Tamaraw landscape and ensuring that Indigenous Peoples play a central role in protecting their ancestral domain and the unique biodiversity of Mindoro.