The politics of indigeneity: The responses of Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an and Brgy. Igsoro, Bugasong in Antique following their response to indigenous identification

Abstract

Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an and Brgy. Igsoro, Bugasong in Antique were found to be indigenous communities in 2008 through a Field-based Investigation conducted by the Philippine National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). These findings were prompted by a proposed Hydro-power project in both localities that cannot be pursued unless the Commission certifies that the areas involved do not come within ancestral domain. As a response to external identification, changes occurred in community dynamics when Brgy. Latazon accepted the indigenous identity, while Brgy. Igsoro resisted. This study explores the differential responses of the two barangays and the changes that followed. Through structured key-informant interviews, findings revealed that the community’s acceptance or resistance to indigenous identification was due to external ascription and their knowledge of the benefits or disadvantages of the power plant project.