The Filipino Minorities

Student leaders from different Univeristies attend LAKBAYAN 2017, a nationwide protest caravan that forwards the plight of the national minorities exacerbated by cases of militarization and destructive mining operations near their communities. at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City, September 20, 2017.
 Bulacan state Universities and other organization student leaders attended the year 3 of Lakbayan 2017  to support Lakbayanis’ call for peace, self-determination and rights over ancestral lands.
The indigenous minorities like the Manobos from Mindanao, Aetas from Pampanga and Panay joined hand-in-hand to campaign their struggles and demands to return on their communities.
According to the Lumad Chieftain from Caraga region of Mindanao, Datu Lito Galampay, who was with his 300 tribesmen, “Kinukuha nila ang aming lupa, at pinapatay ang mga ibang miyembro namin gaya ng nakaraan pati mga eskuwelahan ay sinunog ng mga militar at pinatay ang mga guro na kasamahan naming mga lumad, nandito kami para iparating sa gobyerno ang aming kalagayan.”
The indigenous minorities are hoping to be heard as they laid reforms to the Government: (1) Respect of the right to self-determination; (2) Unconditional recognition of ancestral lands and territories; (3) Recognition of the national minorities’ participation in economic development; (4) End to all institutional forms of discrimination; (5) Ensure the social services for national minorities.

student leaders coming from different parts of the country in donating school supplies, canned goods , and clothes to the Lakbayanis.

A cultural night was held where the various indigenous tribes showcased presentations which depicted their traditions and situations on how they are being treated  by the military forces.