Victory for Nature, Victory for People
(Panalo ng Kalikasan, Panalo ng Sangkatauhan)

NTFP-EP Philippines (Non-Timber Forest Products-Exchange Programme) celebrates Palawan’s historic victory on March 5, 2025! 

We congratulate the indigenous peoples, women, and youth, together with local communities and environmental defenders, who have long stood at the forefront of this fight. This milestone is a step forward in safeguarding Palawan’s rich biodiversity and securing a sustainable future for the next generations. The approval of the Palawan mining moratorium marks a monumental win for environmental justice, indigenous rights, and sustainable development.  

"Pasasalamat sa ating Panginoong Diyos na tinugunan ang ating hangarin na ma-apruba ang 50-yr Moratorium. Maraming salamat din sa mga Board Member na nag-indorso, sa lahat ng kaparian sa buong Palawan na sumuporta, sa lahat ng mga NGOs, at sa ilang municipalities na talagang sinuportahan ang nabuong ordinance para sa 50-yr Moratorium, kina Atty. Anda at iba pa pong abogado na tumaya dito sa Save Palawan Movement. Sa ikalawang pagkakataon na maipanalo muli, ang una ay ang NO To 3in1 Palawan, ang pangalawa ay 50-yr Moratorium, na walang nag-tinag, walang nagpa-suhol at kahit kailan hindi masusuhulan ang hangarin ng lahat. May pagkakaisang ipinaglaban ang karapatan. Katutubong kababaihan, may say ka!,” said Norima Mablon of Mga Kalebunan et Barong-barong, Ipilan, Calasuguen, Aribungos  Mambalot, Maasin (MKE BICAMM), an NTFP-EP PH partner. 

As an organization committed to the protection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and the safeguarding of our forests, NTFP-EP Philippines applauds this landmark decision that reinforces the vital link between healthy ecosystems and resilient communities. This success is also a testament to the strength of collaboration through the Green Livelihoods Alliance, whose partnerships have bolstered community resilience, promoted sustainable livelihoods, and amplified the voices of indigenous and local communities. 

“Bilang isang katutubong kabataan, mahalaga ang pag-apruba sa 50-year Mining Moratorium sa Palawan. Naniniwala tayo na ang kagubatan man din ay may karapatang magpahinga at maghilom sa mga sugat nito dulot ng mga maling aksyon nating mga tao. Bilang mga lider ng susunod na henerasyon, nais nating ma-preserba ang natural na gubat ng Palawan para sa susunod pang salinlahi, dahil naniniwala po ako na kaming mga katutubo ay naka-ugat ang aming kultura at tradisyon sa kagubatan. Kapag pinatay mo ang gubat pinapatay mo na rin ang mga katutubo hanggang sa kahuli- hulihang henerasyon nito,” said Mamilmar Dubria Jr., Chairperson of Ugnayin National Indigenous Youth Network Philippines (UGNAYIN PH). 

From Almaciga to Wild Honey, Buri, and Pandan, Palawan's forests are a source of rich NTFPs which support local livelihoods and cultural traditions. Protecting these forests from the irreversible impacts of mining means safeguarding these vital commons/resources and upholding the rights of indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations. 

NTFP-EP Philippines stands in solidarity with indigenous women, youth and communities, and civil society in the ongoing fight against destructive industries. We will continue to work alongside our partners in defending the rights of communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring that Palawan remains mining-free and ecologically protected. 

"Isang malaking hakbang ang pagpasa ng Mining Moratorium sa Palawan upang makapagpahinga ang ating kagubatan mula sa patuloy na pagkasira nito. Ang Palawan ay tinaguriang last ecological frontier of the Philippines kaya nararapat lamang na ito ay maprotektahan sa mga posibleng banta, lalo na kung maraming minahan ang magnanaid na mag-okupa sa lalawigan," said Monitte Lantas of Nagkakaisang Kabataang Katutubo ng Narra (NKKN). 

We call on all Filipinos to stand with Palawan by supporting forest-based local communities and indigenous peoples and advocating for policies and a government that prioritize our environment. Together, we can build a future where we live #NotByTimberAlone and where both forests and people thrive. 

This is a win for the people, a win for the environment, and a win for the future of our planet!