By Ercel Maandig
Photo by Mark Francisco
Cagayan de Oro,March 17– Chieftains from the village of Dansolihon have reached out to former Mayor Oscar Moreno regarding a longstanding conflict within their Indigenous Peoples (IP) organization. They lament that even the original chieftains are not recognized by the current city administration, led by Mayor Rolando Uy, and the representative of the tribal community in the City Council.
Fidel Usoy, also known as Datu Ontong of Dansolihon’s tribal council, expressed frustration over the political interference affecting Lumad organizations across the city’s 18 hinterland villages. He also raised concerns that portions of their ancestral domain have allegedly been sold to private companies.
Usoy stressed that the fundamental principles of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which emphasize self-governance, are being disregarded due to vested interests.
Last Sunday (March 16), they invited former Mayor Oscar Moreno and 1st District Representative Lordan Suan to voice their grievances regarding the challenges they face as IP leaders. One of their key concerns is the renewal of their Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) program, which they have been unable to process due to their lack of official recognition.
“The self-governance of the Lumad is no longer functioning,” Datu Ontong said.
Infrastructure and Development Issues
The tribal leaders also appealed for improved infrastructure, particularly a Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) to enhance access to their farmland. According to Usoy, while the city government has constructed pathways, these do not adequately support the transportation of their agricultural goods to the mainland.
Additionally, they raised concerns about the unfinished Tribal Hall building, a project initiated during the last term of Mayor Moreno. The structure is only 50% complete, and Mayor Uy reportedly stated that the city government lacks the budget to finish it. A structural engineer estimated the remaining cost at Php 2.8 million—a feasible amount for a city as prosperous as Cagayan de Oro, according to Usoy.
Government Officials’ Response
During a meeting attended by around 50 Lumad representatives, Congressman Lordan Suan committed to prioritizing the construction of Farm-to-Market Roads—not just for Dansolihon but for all 18 hinterland villages within his district.
Meanwhile, former Mayor Oscar Moreno raised concerns over reports that ancestral lands have been sold to private companies, questioning how such transactions could occur when ancestral domains cannot be issued land titles. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Moreno also recommended renewing the CBFM agreements and assured the tribal leaders that, as lawyers, both he and Suan could assist in the legal processes necessary for renewal.
