Helpless in Paradise
Decades ago, a couple settled on the uninhabited Magsaysay Island (now known as Mantigue Island). They had no electricity so they made do with candles or gas lamps. There was no fresh water so they had to get their supply from the main island daily by boat. There were no school, chapel or store on the island.
Today, there are around 42 families residing in the four-hectare island, all descendants of the original couple. They have power generated by solar energy panels in the island. There are several boats that ferry visitors and residents so getting fresh water is no longer a major problem. They have a chapel where a priest holds Mass once a month. They have a small library. They have a school where Roger Saturos teaches his nieces and nephews.
Roger Saturos was our tour guide in Camiguin. He is a full-time teacher and a part-time tourist guide on weekends and during summer. His relatives are simple fisher folks. They get their living from the waters around the island. Since the place is surrounded by coral reefs, they also get tourists and divers. The 300+ residents of Mantigue Island are not rich but they are contented and happy with their honest and simple lives for they are self-reliant.
However, their ordinary but idyllic existence is allegedly being threatened by the rich and powerful local executives who cannot, it seems, moderate their greed. They are being evicted from the island so that it can be developed as a resort for the rich…earn revenue for the province but displace the helpless residents.
The folks of Mantigue are not against the construction of a resort in the area. In fact, they even built a small nipa hut where tourists can stay overnight. They welcome the island’s development as a tourist attraction for it would sure generate livelihood for them. What they cannot understand is why they have to be physically removed from the island. They are willing as it is to be relocated to a portion of the island to pave the way for the resort. Why do they have to leave the place where they grew up? They have taken care of the island and its surrounding waters and coral reefs.
I do not know the legal procedures involved. I do not have an idea if they have a legitimate claim to the land they occupy. So, this is an appeal for help for the residents of Mantigue Island. If anybody out there can assist them, please contact Roger Saturos at the following:
land line: 088-387-2200
mobile: 0920-230-6407
email: roger.mantigue@yahoo.com
i admire you who posted this message about the island.i am not from camiguin but really stand in awe at the beauty of God’s creation. i am saddened by the arrest of the residents of mantigue, and tomorrow january 8 is the court hearing. i hope justice will prevail, and that the unity of the people will continue and be sustained in the legal struggle.carry on…
Nellie…That is really an unfortunate development. I had hoped that Mantigue Island can be developed into an ecological tourist site so that the present residents like Roger Saturos will be actively involved in maintaining the island’s pristine beauty instead of being evicted. The local executives should have exerted more effort to reach a settlement that would not displace the whole community. I will be praying for them. Please don’t hesitate to provide me updates regarding their court case. Thanks!
the political dynasty in the island of camiguin is hell bent to evict the people of mantigue as the governor is always present in the court hearings..seemingly intimidating the poor fisherfolks from mantigue..also expressed in a speech … that despite the opposition of the clergy and religious in the island, the project will continue… including the operation of the casino in camiguin….. there is an increasing number of prostitutes in the island, it is time for them to clean up…what a statement from a government official!