Katinnulong Daguiti Umili Iti Amianan-Peoples Partner in Northern Luzon, Inc., (KADUAMI)
KADUAMI stands for Katinnulong Daguiti Umili Iti Amianan-Peoples Partner in Northern Luzon, Inc., an Ilocano phrase that literally means “Assisting the peoples of the north”, while the acronym KADUAMI is also an Ilocano word meaning "partner" or "companion. It is a non-stock, non-profit and non-government organization (NGO) supporting communities in the regions of Northern Luzon. It was founded in October 4, 1983 with a mission statement as:
"KADUAMI is a development service institution that commits to contribute to the development of self-determining, self-reliant and inter-dependent communities in Northern Luzon through partnership, capability building, networking and socio economic work. It works in partnership with People’s Organizations and NGOs of the marginalized sectors to uphold human rights, to protect environment and to address food security in Northern Luzon."
For 41 years now, KADUAMI has a wide-range and long-term experiences in implementing projects in Northern Luzon, Philippines. It has supported and facilitated development initiatives of communities, indigenous peoples, POs and NGOs in Northern Luzon (Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley Region). Major services are Training and Organizing, Project assistance (technical and financial), Research, Human resource development, Networking and Advocacy. It operates in 3-year project phases.
From 2013 to 2019, at least 28,7000 households or roughly 143,592 individuals have become the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the services of KADUAMI. They are from 36 farmers and workers communities in 13 provinces of the 3 regions in NL. They have accessed services for clean and safe water for domestic use, climate-smart livelihood, infrastructure, sustainable agricultural technology, emergency assistance for their socio-economic needs, and, legal assistance. These brought changes in their living condition as: improved sanitation, health and hygiene; increased household income; increased potentials to access livelihood funds; restored marine bio-diversity/ increased marine food source/ increased coastal protection and increased adaptive capacity through community mangrove project; improved security through solar electrification; sustained lives and increased nourishment through emergency relief missions; increased agricultural productivity; improved mental and emotional stability; and, increased confidence of human rights defenders.
KADUAMI supported farmers’ advocacy and campaigns related to social protection, environmental protection and human rights protection. Municipal governments supported the farmers demand for the non-payment of interests in agricultural loans during calamities in Cagayan Valley. National Irrigration Administration issued a memorandum order condoning penalties for late payment of irrigation fees by farmers all over the country. Tobacco farmers got cash incentives from the tobacco excise tax from the negotiations with municipal government of Amulung, Cagayan. The Provincial Governments of Ilocos Norte and La Union; the Municipal Governments of Bauang, La Union & Bantay, Ilocos Sur and the Ilocos Regional Mines & Geo-sciences Bureau issued policies banning magnetite mining to protect their environment. Australian churches issued statement of support to the mining-affected people of Nueva Viscaya after the Australian People’s Inquiry on Mining. The International Tribunal on Human Rights held in USA have condemned the continuing human rights violations in the Philippines and the government’s culture of impunity on the case of extra-judicial killings in Abra.
The case of Petronila Guzman and Lenville Salvador
On October 17 and 28, 2024, two dedicated members of Katinnulong Daguiti Umili Iti Amianan-People’s Partner in Northern Luzon, Inc. (KADUAMI), Petronila G. Guzman and Lenville Salvador, received subpoenas from the Department of Justice regarding charges of terrorism financing. These allegations are linked to their longstanding commitment to development work in marginalized communities.
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Guzman and Salvador have devoted their careers to improving the lives of those in need, participating in various projects that uplift vulnerable populations. The charges against them are perceived as baseless and part of a broader trend that threatens the ability of development workers and organizations to operate effectively.
Guzman and Salvador appeared before the Department of Justice on November 7, to respond to these summons. In solidarity with their members, KADUAMI staged a mobilization demanding accountability and justice against what they deem as unfounded charges that hinder vital community work. They are joined by DefendNGOs.
On November 25, 2024, KADUAMI, lobbied the House of Representatives (HOR) and the House Committee on Human Rights to discuss the complaints and seek assistance in investigating a so-called Project "Exit the Greylist" of the government.
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