Aytas coming to Sydney

May 6, 1992
Issue 

Aytas coming to Sydney

By Emlyn Jones

SYDNEY — Representatives of the Aytas, an indigenous Philippines tribe who were removed from their ancestral land to make way for the US military bases, will arrive here on May 8.

The two, Ben Jugatan and Palawig Cabalic, have so far visited Brisbane, Alice Springs, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart.

Sister Minggay Balazo of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary has been working with the Aytas for a decade, teaching them literacy and numeracy, and helping them to organise.

During colonial times, a law was passed requiring the registration of land at an office in Manila. All unregistered land became the property of the state. Tribal people were not informed of this law, and the government thus acquired and was able to dispose of tribal lands as it wished.

The land on which the US Clark and Subic Bay bases stood were acquired in this way. They were part of Ayta ancestral lands.

When the Ayta lost their land to the bases, they moved further up the slopes of Mount Pinatubo, which had been largely denuded of forests by timber companies. Aytas plant trees and food plants wherever they go.

When Pinatubo erupted, their 12 villages were covered. Their land is uninhabitable and they were forced to move nine times, living in makeshift tents and whatever shelter they could find. Overcrowding and shortages of food meant that children and old people died.

A welcoming party for Ben and Palawig will be held at the Bondi Pavilion on Sunday, May 10, from 5 to 11 p.m. Indigenous groups will welcome them with songs and dances. Peter Hicks and other sympathisers will also sing for them. Refreshments will be available. Tickets are $10/$7 concession.

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