Natural Resource Management – 1996
1996
A widely acknowledged juxtaposition in the conflict literature on Mindanao is that the area is extremely rich in natural resources, yet the area is the single poorest in all of the Philippines. Articles 134, 143, and 147 are means of putting a greater amount of control over the area’s natural resources in the hands of the inhabitants of the region (ARMM) and, consequently, to increase the benefits enjoyed by ARMM residents from the utilization of these resources by firms. As outlined in article 146 and 147, MNLF leaders and GRP leaders will meet and define strategic minerals at a later date. The peace agreement does not indicate that the GRP retains full control over strategic minerals and all revenues from strategic minerals. The accord states that the ARMM has 100% control over all minerals, except strategic minerals.
To evaluate the degree of implementation for this provision, two streams of information can be used. First, did the GRP and Regional Government meet and collectively agree upon strategic minerals and how to allocate revenues from strategic minerals? Second, does the ARMM budget in its revenue inlays reflect increasing revenue flows from control over natural resources? No developments along these lines were observed this year.