Story perspectives

Aetas Fight for Ancestral Land Amid Smart City Development

12/31/2025

44 3

Summary

Story summary

The Aeta indigenous group in Sapang Kawayan, Philippines, is fighting to prove ancestral land claims as the government develops a multibillion-dollar smart city and stadium.
The New Clark City project, started under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, overlaps the Aetas’ 17,000-hectare claim and could displace parts of their territory.
BCDA says no displacement has occurred, while activists argue that the lengthy CADT process deepens the tribe’s vulnerability.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Aeta indigenous group in Sapang Kawayan, Philippines, is fighting to prove ancestral land claims as the government develops a multibillion-dollar smart city and stadium.
The New Clark City project, started under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, overlaps the Aetas’ 17,000-hectare claim and could displace parts of their territory.
BCDA says no displacement has occurred, while activists argue that the lengthy CADT process deepens the tribe’s vulnerability.