In the Philippines, the government is advancing plans for a multibillion-dollar “smart city” on the site of the former Clark Air Base, threatening the livelihood of the Indigenous Aeta community in Sapang Kawayan. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. envisions the New Clark City as a future hub for tourism and investment, aiming to alleviate congestion in Metro Manila, which houses nearly 15 million residents.
Spanning over 9,450 hectares, the New Clark City development includes substantial infrastructure improvements, such as expanded airport facilities and a state-of-the-art stadium expected to attract international artists like Taylor Swift. However, this ambitious project poses significant risks to the Aeta tribe, estimated to comprise around 20,000 people across the Clark area, many of whom have lived in the region for generations.
Historical Context and Current Struggles
The Aetas, a seminomadic group believed to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, have faced displacement since American colonizers took over the land in the 1920s. Petronila Capiz, chieftain of the Aeta Hungey tribe, expressed her community’s concerns: “We were here before the Americans, even before the Spanish. And the land continues to be taken from us.”
Historically, the Aetas were forced to move deeper into the jungle as their ancestral lands were repurposed for military use. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the base in 1991, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) took over management, but many Aeta land claims remain unrecognized by the government.
Today, the community in Sapang Kawayan is urgently seeking a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) to assert their rights. This title is the only legal means through which they can claim ownership of their territory and its resources. Working with researchers from the University of the Philippines, residents have gathered extensive documentation to support their claim, which overlaps significantly with the designated areas for New Clark City.
Development Plans and Impacts on the Aeta Community
Construction of New Clark City began in 2018, with a vision to accommodate 1.2 million people over the next 30 years. The BCDA describes it as a “green, smart and disaster-resilient metropolis.” However, the rapid pace of development has led to the displacement of several Aeta families, many of whom received minimal notice to vacate their homes. Reports suggest that the BCDA has offered compensation of just $0.51 per square meter to affected families, a figure many consider insufficient.
In a recent statement, the BCDA asserted that it respects the rights of Indigenous peoples and is committed to upholding their welfare. However, they also stated that claims by the Aeta community are not recognized due to a lack of formal land titles. This situation places the Aeta at a disadvantage, as their CADT application has been stalled since 1986.
Marcial Lengao, head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) office in Tarlac, highlighted the stringent requirements for CADT approval. The Aetas must provide extensive genealogical records and evidence of their long-standing presence in the area, with the burden of proof resting heavily on them. “They must prove that they have been there since time immemorial,” he stated.
With the ongoing development of New Clark City and the airport complex, the Aeta community faces an uncertain future. Experts warn that if their land claims remain unrecognized, they risk further displacement and loss of cultural heritage. “There’s no safety net,” said Jeremiah Silvestre, an Indigenous psychology expert who has worked with the Aeta. “We may see more Aetas begging on the street if this continues.”
As the BCDA and government officials push ahead with ambitious development projects, many Aetas feel their voices are being ignored. Activists argue that systemic poverty could lead to homelessness and a further decline in Aeta culture, as their land continues to be appropriated for commercial and residential developments.
Victor Valantin, an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative for Tarlac Province, expressed deep concerns about the shrinking territory available to the Aetas. “We’ll have to move and move,” he lamented, underscoring a frustration with the rapid advancement of BCDA projects compared to the slow progress of legal recognition for Indigenous land rights.
The fate of the Aeta community in Sapang Kawayan remains precarious as they navigate the complexities of proving their ancestral claims against a backdrop of significant economic and infrastructural development. The outcome of their struggle will likely have lasting implications, not only for their community but for Indigenous rights in the Philippines as a whole.
