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Championing Environmental Justice: ELAC Anabelle Reyes Fight for Transparency and Equity in Palawan
- Dawn Po Quimque
- Jun 29, 2024
- 6 min read
By Dawn Po Quimque, Gov Data Initiative (This article is part of the Good Governance Champions Series by the Gov Data Initiative)
Anabelle “Belle” Reyes of Environmental Legal Assistance Center in Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
Palawan, often hailed as the "Last Frontier" of the Philippines, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and abundant mineral resources. This island paradise is home to various indigenous peoples (IPs) and countless unique species, making it one of the most ecologically significant regions in the country. However, Palawan's natural wealth has also attracted the attention of mining companies, bringing with it economic opportunities, but also posing significant challenges to the environment and local communities.
Mining area of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., in Bataraza, Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
The presence of mining operations in Palawan has sparked heated debates about their impact on the environment and indigenous communities. While proponents argue that mining drives economic development and provides essential infrastructure, critics highlight the potential for environmental degradation and social inequalities. Ensuring that mining activities contribute positively to local communities with the least amount of harm to the environment requires strong governance, transparency, and community participation.
Anabelle “Belle” Reyes of ELAC as GDI's Good Governance Champion for the month of June 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
In celebration of the Philippine Environment Month this June, we are highlighting a strong champion of environmental justice as GDI's Good Governance Champion for the month. Anabelle “Belle” Reyes of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) is one of the most vocal critics of mining in Palawan. Her journey as an environmentalist and human rights defender began several decades ago when she was a young advocate in the early 2000s. Her dedication has only intensified over the years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to protecting Palawan's environment and supporting its indigenous communities.
Currently, Belle serves as the project coordinator for the ELAC Green Livelihood Alliance in the southern part of the island. She works closely with IPs, towards empowering them to assert their rights through paralegal training.
Reyes (right) during the introduction meeting with the GDI team in Bataraza, Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
Established in 1990, ELAC has a long history of mobilizing human rights lawyers to advocate for communities affected by environmental degradation. Initially a special project of the Protestant Lawyers' League of the Philippines, ELAC became a full-fledged organization in 1994, with offices in Palawan, Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol. Despite facing funding challenges that led to the closure of some satellite offices, ELAC remains resolute in its mission.
"We conduct trainings with our partner communities to empower them to assert their rights," explains Reyes. This empowerment is crucial, especially in areas where environmental issues intersect with the livelihoods and health of local populations. She emphasizes the importance of data in ELAC's work, stating, "For ELAC, data is very important because in every step we take as a legal organization, we always need data as evidence of our decisions and policy advocacy."
Reyes (right) in one of their organization's training sessions in the communities in Palawan. (Photo by ELAC)
Data not only supports their legal strategies but also enhances transparency and accountability in governance. "When you have the data, you can assert what you want to be incorporated into laws or policies, and you can lobby at the national level to improve governance and participation," she adds.
Transparency and accountability are recurring themes in Reyes's advocacy. "A transparent government involves the participation of communities and holds duty-bearers accountable. It can improve government services, especially in a country like the Philippines, where we are challenged by low international rankings in good governance." She emphasizes that using data to advocate for transparency can reduce corruption and lead to better social services.
"Data is very powerful. We need government data for social justice and environmental justice advocacy. These data are crucial for public safety and interest, but accessing them can be very challenging." - Anabelle Reyes
Reyes participated in a breakout session during the Palawan leg of Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities (PREDIC) Tool Design and Thinking Workshop and Focused Group Discussion organized by GDI in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 15 May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
However, obtaining data from the government is challenging. "When we request specific data, particularly from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it's quite a challenge. They often tell us it's covered by intellectual property rights," says Reyes. This challenge hampers ELAC's efforts to ensure public safety and environmental justice, especially in areas affected by mining.
Reflecting on the power of data, Reyes shares, "In my work, we always use data to advance our advocacies and assert the rights of local communities. For example, knowing the share of IPs in mining revenues can help ensure they receive appropriate projects that support their livelihoods." She emphasizes the inequities in benefit distribution, often favoring those who support mining operations while neglecting the broader community.
"I hope mining companies fulfill their responsibilities, especially regarding rehabilitation and their obligations to the communities where they operate." - Anabelle Reyes
Reyes has ambitious aspirations for initiatives like the Community Development Agreement Digital Hub and PREDIC Tool, which are funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Powering a Just Energy Transition Green Minerals Challenge (JET Mineral Challenge). "This tool is very helpful for transparency and good governance in the mining sector. It will provide access to relevant data for civil society organizations (CSOs), communities, academia, and government agencies. It can encourage mining companies to share their data with other stakeholders."
Belle Reyes (right) during the Palawan leg of PREDICT Tool Design and Thinking Workshop and Focused Group Discussion organized by GDI in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 15 May 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
Expressing gratitude and optimism towards the people behind the project, she states, "For USAID, this is a tool where your investment will be put to good use. And to the team at Ateneo Manila Observatory and the Gov Data Initiative, your strategies are effective because you consult all stakeholders. This multi-sectoral approach is crucial for gathering and utilizing data that supports sustainable development."
She perfectly summarizes her commitment to data transparency and empowering communities in her own words: "Informed communities are empowered communities. By ensuring access to accurate data, we enable citizens to actively participate in governance and effectively protect their environment." Her work with ELAC exemplifies the profound impact of leveraging data for good governance, solidifying her position as a true champion in the fight for environmental justice and indigenous rights.
Belle Reyes (second from the left) meets with the GDI team to discuss the PREDIC Tool in Bataraza, Palawan. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque of Gov Data Initiative for USAID’s JET Minerals Challenge)
Belle’s insights and experiences highlight the crucial intersection of environmental advocacy, indigenous rights, and the essential role of quality data in cultivating transparency and accountability. Her commitment and work at ELAC continue to empower communities and advocate for environmental justice. Through education, advocacy, and the strategic use of data, ELAC helps communities defend their right to a balanced and healthy environment.
The PREDIC Tool (Projecting Revenues from the Extractives for the Development and Investment in Communities Tool) was developed by the Gov Data Initiative. The tool is currently being piloted in Cebu and Palawan in partnership with the Manila Observatory and the Sustainable Development Strategies Group under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) Digital Innovation Hub.
The PREDIC Tool helps estimate and visualize production, sales, and revenue from mining operations, enabling informed decision-making and discussions related to local mining governance. Funded by the American people through USAID's JET Minerals Challenge, this 15-month project aims to enhance transparency and accountability in natural resource governance, empower local stakeholders, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits from extractive industries.
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