Youth life and landscape: how indigenous youth in the Philippines perceive their participation and experience in the process of pursuing the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title

This paper provided a glimpse of the agency of indigenous young people in relation to ancestral domain. This paper sought to make visible the perception of youth on the significance of ancestral domain to their lives and their experience in the process of pursuing their CADT. Using qualitative method and the Bukidnon tribe of Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Malaybalay City, as the case, this study illustrates that, the participation of indigenous youth in the application of CADT is motivated by the importance of preservation of their culture and tradition. Their participation benefitted and open new opportunities for them. It enable them to deeply grasp the meaning of their ethnic identity and build their confidence to fully assume as Bukidnon young people. With culture as their foundation and outside knowledge as their gain, IP youth can find balance and bridge the gap between tradition and modern ways. Thus, given the confidence to a secured land tenure, youth utilizes ancestral domain as a space where they exercise their identity and agency, thus, found themselves to fully develop their capacities and have the full control of their own lives.