Issues/Problems of Indigenous Communities in the Philippines

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines dwell primarily in the highlands near rivers.
They value the land because it was given to them by their forefathers. However, living in the
highlands and away from the city does not guarantee their freedom. Lands were exploited as
mining concessions by the government and other businesses. It's most likely due to the
abundance of natural resources like as gold, nickel, and chromite and other earth metals on their
territory. Plantations of banana, pineapple, oil palm, rubber, and other crops fill the areas behind
them. As a result, populations in these locations now have limited access to natural resources,
and their food staples aren't expanding as a result of the mining that occurs nearby. In addition,
some of them are being ordered to leave their homes.

IPs are also concerned about extensive illegal logging, which deforests their territory.
Indigenous peoples are also subjected to discrimination and lack of educational
opportunities. Some of the indigenous children no longer attend school not just because of
poverty, but also as a result of discrimination, and instead accompany their parents on their daily
activities.

Finally, there is a lack of data about indigenous groups. "Without data, there is no story."
They lack public representation, and only a small percentage of them have access to essential
amenities. Being recognized by numerous cultural groups is a part of the IP communities'
continuing identity struggle across the Philippines.