To Resist is to Survive: Lived Experiences of the Untenured Migrants in the Watershed Protected Areas

Abstract

Many watersheds in the country are being occupied by untenured settlers who are not aware of the danger it will cause to our protected areas. Watershed provides a “well-balanced” system. Healthy watersheds also offer commercially viable natural resources (such as wood and non-wood products) and water for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, well- maintained and balanced watersheds also provide environmental services. Furthermore, watersheds act as homes for different kinds of plants and animals. This study is qualitative research which delved into the experiences and struggles of occupants of informal settlers, within the Olongapo Watershed Forest Reserve, which is reflected in the results and discussion. Results and findings were discussed by forming themes and meanings elicited from informants’ responses. The study revealed that participants chose to stay in the protected area because of the demands of their job, access to basic services, and poverty. People were drawn to occupy the watershed protected areas because they could not afford a decent house to call their own. Furthermore, illegal occupants and DENR representatives face inherent problems due to a lack of knowledge and strict implementation of certain policies, which explains why these tenants continue to stay in the said location. It is also fascinating that, considering the tenants’ anxieties brought by the threat of termination or eviction, they still hope that the government will give them consideration to have a full legal right to own a piece of land from the protected area or give them justifiable relocation sites where they can start anew. On the other hand, while it is difficult for them to grasp the reality of the consequences of living there, they are all open to dialogue and prepared to follow the rule of law. In addition, the government must set the proper conditions and benefits for the informal settlers to have a successful peaceful and humane manner of relocating informal settlers if they want to conserve and protect the OWFR.