Abstract:
The study focused on the Ayangan people’s perceptions and participation in the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) in relation to the Alimit Hydropower Complex project. Specifically, the study described the socio-demographic profile of the respondents; determined the respondents’ perception on their community; determined the respondents’ perception of the hydropower project and its effects; determined the respondents’ awareness level on the FPIC; documented the activities conducted; determined the respondents’ participation in the activities; and determined the issues, challenges and recommended solutions.
The study was conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 in four barangays of Lagawe and two barangays of Lamut, all in Ifugao province. There were a total of 61 respondents, categorized into community and key informant respondents, and selected through purposive, accidental and snowball sampling. Interview schedule and focus group discussions were utilized in the study.
Based on the results, majority of the respondents were not able to reach tertiary level of education, are farmers, and are capable of speaking Tuwali and Ayangan. The level of education has implications in their awareness and participation in the FPIC process.
The results show that the respondents have a common perception towards their land and resources, as well as its management and utilization, which is indicative of the persistence of the indigenous peoples’ worldview that land is life.
The results also show that the respondents are aware of the negative impacts of hydropower in their community, thus, majority of the respondents disagreed that the project will bring development to their community.
The respondents also recorded a very low awareness level on the FPIC process, but perceived that knowing the FPIC process was very important. In terms of activities conducted, the results show that the proponent had prepared and had full intentions for the project through the conduct of activities with the LGUs.
The results also showed that respondents did not actively participate in the activities in relation to the FPIC process. The respondents also perceived several issues/challenges in the conduct of the FPIC such as lack of information about the FPIC process and lack of proper consultations. The respondents also recommended the building of network with other affected communities, community consultations and meetings, information drives and lobbying for support from LGUs as measures to address the identified issues and challenges.
It is therefore recommended that comprehensive and concerted efforts are needed in order to raise the awareness of the people on IP rights and the FPIC process, which may lead to more effective participation. A comprehensive assessment and/or review of the FPIC implementation in the region is likewise recommended.
