Abra boundary disputes to be fixed with 3B maps

TUBO, Abra  -  A three-dimensional map will settle boundary disputes going on for decades among tribes in upland Abra.

The Maeng tribe of Tubo and the Balatoc, Belwang and Masadiit tribes of Boliney in Abra can come to terms with mediation underway with the use of the 3D map after the tribes agreed on May 2011 to jointly construct it as a visual guide in facilitating discussions among them.

The 3D map will be used as a tool to steer tribal mediation process in Abra, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson ZenaidaPawid said.

The 3D map was launched on Sept. 12, at the NCIP Provincial Office in Bangued, Abra.

Present during the launch were elders and Bodong (peace pact) holders or those who are keepers of the history and indigenous knowledge of the tribes.

With strong affinity to their land and natural resources, the indigenous peoples consider rivers, forests, mountains, ritual sites and sacred burial grounds as part of their traditional boundaries and territories.

The 3D map, the NCIP said, strengthens traditional conflict mechanisms where the negotiation is left in the hands of the elders and will maintain the Bodong as integral component of the final settlement.

Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. Chair of the House Committee on Cultural Communities who has led mediation meetings in upland Abra hopes that the tribal communities will finally reach an accord towards respect for traditions, rights, boundaries and resource use. 

Also instrumental in making the negotiation process possible are the Office of the Presidential Adviser for on the Peace Process (OPAPP), NCIP, Philippine Association for Intercultural Development (PAFID) and the Foundation from the Philippine Environment (FPE).