Johnny D. Wayet
Background: Indigenous knowledge systems are vital to environmental governance, shaping community stewardship, ecological resilience, and sustainable resource management within ancestral territories. In the Philippines, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is mandated under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act to protect ancestral domains and uphold indigenous self-determination. However, persistent gaps in FPIC implementation continue to threaten indigenous governance, environmental stewardship, and culturally grounded resource management in Kalinga Province. Methods: A qualitative descriptive multiple-case study was conducted among indigenous communities in Balbalan, Pasil, and Tabuk City, Kalinga Province, Philippines. Data were gathered through purposive sampling using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document review, and were analyzed through hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. The study examined the implementation of FPIC by exploring participants’ experiences, perceptions, and practices related to FPIC processes and the factors influencing implementation across ancestral domains. Results: FPIC adoption shows progress, yet barriers persist: erosion of traditional consensus-building, superficial consultations, political interference, opaque benefit-sharing, and unauthorized encroachment on ancestral land. These reflect broader socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts on indigenous autonomy, resource stewardship, and welfare.Conclusion: FPIC in Kalinga functions beyond legal compliance as a culturally embedded mechanism for indigenous self-determination, customary authority, and environmental stewardship.