Kara David, masakit na inilantad ang umalingasaw na realidad sa lupain ng mga Ayta
- Kara David's latest I-Witness documentary, Ibinasurang Paraiso, quickly drew hundreds of thousands of views for exposing the condition of an Ayta ancestral land in Subic, Zambales
- Indigenous residents claimed part of their ancestral domain was turned into a dumpsite in 2019, leaving tons of garbage that remain in the area
- Community members said the dumping contaminated their water source and forced them to rely on filtered rainwater for drinking and daily use
- Subic LGU officials admitted some environmental safeguards were not implemented and said rehabilitation of the site is estimated to cost ₱78 million
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Kara David's latest I-Witness documentary has sparked widespread discussion online after highlighting the condition of an Ayta ancestral domain in Subic, Zambales that residents say was turned into a dumpsite years ago.
Source: Facebook
The documentary, titled Ibinasurang Paraiso, quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views after its release, drawing attention to the environmental issues affecting the indigenous community.
According to the I-Witness team, the Ayta community in Sitio Tibag has long depended on the surrounding forest for food, water, farming, and their daily livelihood.
"Matagal nang tahanan ng mga katutubong Ayta ang kagubatan ng Sitio Tibag sa Subic, Zambales. Dito sila nagtatanim, kumukuha ng pagkain at tubig, at namumuhay nang nakaasa sa kalikasan."
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The program added that part of the community's ancestral land was converted into a dumpsite in 2019, with large amounts of waste still remaining today.
"Pero noong 2019, ang bahagi ng kanilang lupang ninuno ay ginawang tambakan ng basura. At hanggang ngayon, nananatili pa rin ang tone-toneladang basura sa kanilang komunidad."
During the documentary, David visited the site and expressed disappointment after seeing piles of garbage scattered throughout the area, many already attracting flies and emitting a foul odor.
Resident Erlinda Capistrano recalled how clean the area once was before trucks began unloading waste there.
"Parang nagagalit po na hindi ko po maintindihan ang sarili ko po. Naawa din po ako sa lugar. Bakit ginanito po nila?"
"Masakit po sa damdamin."
"Napakasakit po."
Capistrano also pointed to an area that she said used to be a ravine covered with trees before it was gradually filled with garbage.
"Itong lugar na ito, bangin daw ito dati. Pero ngayon halos napatag na 'yung lupa kasi tinambakan nila nang tinambakan nang tinambakan ng basura."
Members of the indigenous community also shared that they were initially told the land would simply be improved after heavy equipment arrived. However, they later witnessed trucks carrying garbage entering the area.
They further claimed that they were informed by local officials that the dumpsite would only be temporary.
The documentary also showed concerns about possible medical waste among the trash, with residents believing some of the discarded materials may have come from hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the community, a nearby stream that once supplied clean water has since become contaminated, forcing families to collect rainwater, filter it, and use it for drinking and other daily needs.
David also interviewed officials from the Subic local government regarding the decision to use the area as a dumpsite.
Municipal Engineer Marian Del Castillo said the LGU had been searching for an isolated location to dispose of waste and claimed they were unaware that an indigenous community lived in the area. She added that the site would not have been chosen had they known residents were living there.
She added that engineering estimates place the rehabilitation cost at around ₱78 million, while the local government has already requested ₱60 million in funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to help restore the affected area.
Kara David is an acclaimed Filipino broadcast journalist, television host, and educator known for her impactful documentary storytelling on GMA Network's long-running program i-Witness. Beyond her prominent media career hosting shows like Pinas Sarap and the podcast I-Listen, she actively advocates for marginalized communities through her foundation, Project Malasakit, and serves as the chairperson of the journalism department at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
In another report, Kara David announced on Facebook the passing of her beloved dog, Kulog, after a long battle with chronic kidney disease. The veteran journalist shared that Kulog's creatinine level had reached 18mg, indicating severe kidney failure. She reflected on the seven memorable years they spent together and the happiness her pet brought into her life. Many netizens offered their condolences, with several also sharing their own stories of losing beloved pets.
Meanwhile, Kara David warned the public about a fake social media account that has been impersonating her online. She said the bogus account has been circulating a fabricated post involving kidney failure and a supposed personal family story. The misleading content also includes an emotional narrative about LM Cancio and an alleged medical emergency. Kara urged netizens to report the fake page and refrain from sharing false information.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
