16. Furthermore, in Lake Bito, MacArthur, Leyte, eastern part of the Philippines, the deaths of 21,000 kilograms of Tilapia was recorded in 2012. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) established that based on the findings of the triggers of this loss could have been the waste of black sand mining in the area.7 Proposed Question   What measures does the government take to protect the right to food of indigenous women especially in the context of expanding mining activities? What measures is the government taking to investigate and hold accountable the mining sector for environmental damages caused to artisan fisheries? Participation in political and public life of indigenous women 17. The Government of the Philippines enacted The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997. This law guarantee the participation of indigenous women in the decision making process, as stipulated in Section 26 “women shall enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men, as regards the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of life. The participation of indigenous women in the decision-making process in all levels, as well as in the development of society, shall be given due respect and recognition. The State shall provide full access to education, maternal and child care, health and nutrition, and housing services to indigenous women. ….” Following the adoption of the law, the government National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which “envisions genuinely empowered Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) whose rights and multi-dimensional well-being are fully recognized, respected and promoted towards the attainment of national unity and development.” 18. However, the real and concrete participation of indigenous women in the decision making process still remains as a deep concern. As they are not widely recognized as leaders in their communities, even by their own communities, indigenous women often are not informed, nor be given to chance to participate in any consultation or consent-process.8 This is the case of Blaan women in Samlang who are affected by Tampakan Gold-Copper Mine project. While a significant number of Blaan indigenous communities reject the project, Blaan women were not part in any of the project consultations held. Proposed Question  What measures does the government take to remove the obstacles for the participation of indigenous women in the decision making process, especially on decision which directly affect them and their family/communities? 7 Alyansa Tigil Mina . Leyte lake fishing community block mining barges, 2012. Retrieved from http://alyansatigilmina.net/2012/08/30/leyte-lake-fishing-community-block-mining-barges/ 8 Pasimio, Judy. Mining and Violence against Rural and Indigenous Women in the Philippines. P.9 5