SBMA remits P14.8 M to tribal group

MANILA, Philippines - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has remitted P14.791 million worth of rental payments to an indigenous group for the use of their ancestral land in the free port.

According to the SBMA, the funds were remitted to the indigenous group last week.

The amount represents payments made by companies located in the ancestral land for the period of May 2009 to December 2013.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the funds were remitted as part of the agency’s commitment under a joint management agreement (JMA) signed with the Ayta Ambala group.

The Ayta Ambala tribe holds a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) representing ownership of more than 4,280 hectares of land covering the Kalayaan and the Binictican housing areas in the free port.

The title also covers the tourism areas of Apaliin, Pamulaklakin, and El Kabayo, among others.

Under the JMA, the SBMA is authorized to manage and develop parts of the ancestral land to help uplift the economic, cultural and social life of the group.

As part of the agreement, the group would receive five percent of the gross income paid by the investors for rent of the land starting May 12, 2009 or the date when the CADT was registered.

In addition, each family part of the indigenous group would receive P20,000 a year.