The Uneven Distribution of Resources and Power of the State: The Context of Poverty of a Lumads in Mindanao

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Antonio D. Fontanilla, Jr. 4-AB Political Science
The Uneven Distribution of Resources and Power of the State: The Context of Poverty of a Lumads in Mindanao
The situation in Mindanao for the past decades has been varying from the issues of conflict to the achievement of apparent peace in the eyes of many Filipinos. We can always hear the news of war, bombing, kidnappings and the most affected by these are the displaced people living in the affected areas. This reality that still continues and hinders the development for a more progressive Mindanao has a greater impact on the lives of the indigenous people. The Asian Development Bank defined indigenous people as “should be regarded as those with a social or cultural identity distinct from the dominant or mainstream society, which makes them vulnerable to being disadvantage in the process of development” (ADB, 2002). According to the research conducted by the Asian Development Bank the result shows that those indigenous communities that have been displaced from their original communities where their properties are lost, their source of livelihood and their land they are likely to experience the burden of material poverty as well as sociocultural deprivation.
Today poverty is recognized worldwide as an “unacceptable human condition”. It means that it is the right of each individual that he can provide and take care of his basic needs for him and give enough sustenance for his family. As a matter of fact, it is considered that poverty is one of the major causes that hinder peace not only here in Mindanao but also in the whole world. As a result of this it created structures of inequality and social injustice because resources in the society are not properly distributed among the ...

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...digenous people wanted to govern their own domain in such a way that it should be in line with their own system of beliefs and norms. They have the right to get rid of influences from others that they believe that it is harmful to their culture, traditions and values. With this they wanted to have a revival of their own culture so that it will raise awareness to other and respect their rights. Recognizing the role of the indigenous people by our state and allocating what is due to them is very essential for the genuine development here in Mindanao.

References:
Asian Development Bank. (2002). Indigenous Peoples/Ethnic Minorities and Poverty Reduction: Philippines. Manila, Philippines.
Mercado, Jun. (2008). Realities in Mindanao. Retrieved from GMA News Online on Nov. 21, 2013 at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/92908/opinion/blogs/realities-in-mindanao

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