LUMADS IN KORONADAL PARK. An estimate of 5,000 Lumads from Region 12 prepare for their “kampuhan” (camp-in) at the Rizal Park in Koronadal City to protest against the injustices against the indigenous peoples coinciding the commemoration of the Indigenous People’s month. The activity will end on Saturday, August 27. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)
KORONADAL CITY — An estimate of 5,000 indigenous people’s from four provinces in Region 12 gathered at the Rizal Park here Monday, August 22 to protest the continuing injustices towards the Lumads including the issue of environmental destruction.
Minda Dalinan, secretary general of Kaluhamin or Kahugpongan sa mga Lumad sa Halayong Habagatang Mindanao (United Lumads in Far Southern Mindanao) said that they set up camps to present the situation of the Lumad population in the region.
“There are a lot of companies entering our region that brought damage to the environment,” said Dalinan.
Dalinan cited the existing logging operations in Sultan Kudarat, banana plantation in North Cotabato, and the mining operations in Tampakan.
“The effect to the people is loss of livelihood. If there will be available jobs, Lumads only receive minimal (pay), and will be killed if they will protest,” she told Davao Today in an interview.
She said they are expecting the arrivals of different government officials, both from the local and the national.
Series of activities, such as protest rallies, dialogues, and press conference will be part of their week-long activity until August 27, 2016. (davaotoday.com)
