Local Patrol, a photo from Palawan, Southern Tagalog

Photographer's Note

The Tagbanua, one of the oldest indigenous ethnic groups in the Philippines live in remote islands in the central and northern Palawan. They are believed to be one of the original inhabitants of the country. Indigenous people are usually referred as IPs in the Philippines.

The pristine aqua green and blue waters in this unspoiled paradise with the towering limestone cliffs and white sand beaches are the site of the 22,000 hectares of land and sea awarded to the Tagbanuas in 1998 thru the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). It is said to be the first-ever claim on ancestral water by an indigenous group in the country. The CADT is the title to the land and sea that have sustained the community for centuries. The title gave the Tagbanuans the right to manage, protect and preserve its marine and land resources. The Indigenous People𠏋 Rights Act (IPRA) upholds the pursuit of ethnic groups on ancestral domain rights.

I took a photo of this Tagbanua patrolling the area at the Skeleton Wreck dive site in Coron, Palawan while local and foreign tourists either snorkelled or wreck dived. I was one of the local tourists who went on a solo backpacker trip to this paradise.

This image is for Lisa (delpeoples) whom I have an impression to be a strong advocate of indigenous peoples rights in Australia as well as related environmental issues in her home country.

PS: Hi Lisa, kindly correct if I am wrong on my impression of you.

cornejo, Miguel82, macjake, delpeoples, ChrisJ, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lousat (130033) 2015-06-05 4:09

Hi Mics,this is a dream! What a magnificent natural corner of Palawan,the colors of the water and the impressive rocks full of green are the best ingredients for a great composition,interesting note too about the people living there,i like it! Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

Matyas (0) 2015-06-05 8:34

Hello Mics! Fine boat. Fine scene and scenery. Nice lightness and colours. Good contrast. Superb effect. Good luck!

cornejo (61504) 2015-06-05 10:31

Mics Hello, very good view of this interesting and beautiful composition with solo sailor and beautiful place, very well captured in this good and beautiful photography. An interesting image with good sharpness, nice light, color and quality. Great and beautiful work well done, congratulations my friend. Thank you for sharing this interesting work.

Good morning and happy weekend.
All the best from southern Spain.
Angel.

Miguel82 (47108) 2015-06-05 12:00

The seawater doesn't look contaminated in that dreamy spot, the rainfalls help the vegetation growing, only few soil is available in each interstices located inside of the rocks, that local guy was paddling on his traditional boat, thanks Michelle

macjake (96157) 2015-06-11 7:29

Hi Michelle
yes, I think Lisa will like and appreciate this photo and history of the aboriginal people.
I wonder how these Tagbanuans are treated by the locals, are they respected? or do they face unfair treatment?

your photo is a perfect post for TE.
it has culture, history, a beautiful setting and I have learned a lot from it, what more could you ask for.
excellent post
cheers
craig

delpeoples (60326) 2015-06-12 17:17

Dear Mics

This is a beautiful photo first and foremost, but it's your note about the indigenous peoples and the laws of your country that acknowledge their land and their rights that intrigue me.

I do not know a lot of the Tagbanuan, although have read a little. Your note has prompted me to learn more of this ancient and fascinating people. If only we could all look after the land and have that same connection that our First Nations Peoples do. I truly hope your government is doing more to recognise their importance and their rights than my own government is.

Thank you so much for the dedication, you are so kind. I wish I could do more. But I truly feel that our destiny (and our survival) is inextricably linked to the fate of our First Nations Peoples. Until we acknowledge the wrongs done to them, acknowledge their link to Country and their right to self-determination, we can never advance as a civilisation.

Thanks once again...ahh that emerald water, what a paradise!

Warmest hugs and cuddles
Lisa

ChrisJ (160104) 2015-07-31 9:51

Hi Mics,

I've been to Palawan (El Nido) but not Coron, which I only flew over on a flight back to Manilla. Loved El Nido and the same inviting turquoise color of the water and eroded limestone can be seen here. A nice tribute to Lisa and yes she is passionate about equal rights for indigenous peoples. Tfs.

Karolina999 (0) 2015-09-24 4:25

Dear Mics,
amazing man, wonderful boat, fine colors, good contrast and sharpness.
Cheers!
Thanx for sharing!

serp2000 (47063) 2016-08-11 1:25

Hi, Mics,
I have plane to visit Palawan in October. Outstanding view on the background! Excellent composition, marvelous colors! Well done! Are you living in Manila?

Best!
Serghei

ikeharel (105953) 2021-01-03 22:16

Hello Mics,
taken a short stroll through your gallery, found this photo which is attractive by the nature scenery and intriguing with the rower in action.
Wonderful turquise water, contrast well with the grey cliff and vegetation grew upon, nicely combined.
Have a nice new week and happy new year,
Ike