Macli-ing Dulag, an influential figure in Philippine history, was a revered Igorot pangat from the Butbut tribe in Kalinga province. He is best known for his fierce opposition to the Chico River Dam Project, a development initiative that threatened to displace thousands of indigenous people and destroy their ancestral lands.
Early Life and Community Leadership
Born in the highland village of Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga, on April 13, 1930, Macli-ing Dulag grew up amid the rich cultural heritage of the Igorot people. Although he did not receive formal education, he earned respect within his community for his wisdom and leadership. He became a recognized pangat, a term that refers to a respected leader, and was elected barrio captain of Bugnay, serving three terms since 1966. His life revolved around farming, but he also took on labor-intensive jobs, such as road maintenance, earning a modest income of around P405 in today's peso each month.
The Chico River Dam Project: A Threat to Indigenous Lives
In 1974, the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, announced the Chico River Dam Project. The initiative aimed to construct four hydroelectric dams along the Chico River, significantly impacting the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. The indigenous Kalinga and Bontoc peoples were not consulted during the planning stages, raising concerns about their rights and the preservation of their lands.
As news of the project spread, it became clear that the dam would flood rice fields, homes, communal forests, and sacred burial grounds, potentially displacing as many as 100,000 people. Macli-ing quickly emerged as a leading voice against this development, organizing a bodong, or peace council, in Barrio Tanglag to unite community members against the project.
Uniting Indigenous Communities
Macli-ing's leadership was instrumental in galvanizing opposition to the dam. In May 1975, with the support of the Episcopal Commission on Tribal Filipinos, he helped organize a large bodong involving 150 Kalinga and Bontoc leaders. This gathering solidified their commitment to resist the dam project and advocate for their rights.
Despite increasing militarization and government intimidation, Macli-ing remained steadfast. He famously remarked, "If you destroy life in your search for what you say is the good life, we question it." His words echoed the sentiments of many indigenous people who felt their lives and culture were at risk for the sake of development.
Repression and Bribery Attempts
The Marcos administration employed various tactics to suppress opposition to the dam project. Militarization escalated in the Chico IV area, with armed forces arresting over 150 locals, including tribal leaders and ordinary citizens, on charges of subversion and obstructing government initiatives. Macli-ing himself faced imprisonment for two months in 1977, but this only fueled his resolve and that of his community.
Government officials attempted to bribe Macli-ing with offers of lucrative positions and monetary incentives to persuade him to abandon the cause.
In one notable encounter, he famously rejected an envelope handed to him, stating, "There can be one of two things in an envelope: letter or money. Since I am illiterate, this is hardly a letter. As for money, it is only given to someone who has something to sell. I have nothing to sell."
The Assassination and Its Aftermath
On April 24, 1980, Macli-ing Dulag was assassinated by soldiers under the command of the Marcos regime. Armed men surrounded his home in Bugnay, firing indiscriminately and killing him instantly. This tragic event marked a turning point in the struggle against the dam project. His murder united various indigenous groups in the Cordillera region, igniting a fierce opposition movement.
International outrage over Macli-ing's assassination forced the World Bank to withdraw its funding for the dam project, leading to the eventual abandonment of the Chico River Dam initiative. His death served as a rallying point for activists and became a symbol of resistance against oppression and environmental degradation.
Honoring a Legacy
Macli-ing Dulag's contributions to the fight for indigenous rights and environmental justice have left an indelible mark on Philippine history. His name is inscribed on the Bantayog ng mga Bayani's Wall of Remembrance in Quezon City, commemorating his sacrifice and the struggle of many others who suffered under martial law.
April 24 is now observed as "Cordillera Day," a tribute to the legacy of Macli-ing and the ongoing fight for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
His powerful words continue to resonate: "Such arrogance to say that you own the land, when you are owned by it! How can you own that which outlives you? Only the people own the land because only the people live forever."
The enduring spirit of Macli-ing Dulag inspires current and future generations to advocate for environmental preservation and the rights of indigenous communities, reminding us that the fight for justice is an ongoing journey.
