Episode 2: The Sacred Root

This episode explores the Philippine state's foundational tension: the Regalian Doctrine. We move beyond viewing it as a mere legal principle and expose it as a systemic tool of the patriarchy.

It is a top-down, centralized framework where a "Father State" claims sole authority to "bestow" or "withhold" land. This doctrine effectively silences the matrifocal, communal, and nurturing relationship indigenous communities have with the Earth. Our goal is to highlight the pivotal shifts—from state-centric control to genuine self-determination—as seen through the eyes of advocates.

Join us as we talk to Rose Ann Paragas, a social worker and law student working with IPs in the Cordillera and Jake Atienza, a PhD student on Global Studies at the University of California in Irvine.