MANILA, Sept. 9 (PNA) — As part of its commitment to increase access to education and to promote Indigenous Peoples’ education (IPed), the Department of Education (DepEd) has officially recognized the first batch of private schools serving indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities in 49 sites in the country.
“DepEd recognizes the important contribution of Indigenous Peoples education programs being implemented by non-government and community-led institutions in improving access to culture-based basic education services,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said. He added that the recognition of these learning institutions is in line with DepEd’s continuing thrust in providing inclusive and culture-based education.
Luistro mentioned the importance of recognizing different types of learning. “Ang sistema, kapag naayos ay nagiging parang kahon, ngunit minsan ang kahong ito ay dapat lagyan ng puwang, ng bintana para pumasok ang hangin.” [A system, when it matures, becomes like a box. But sometimes you need a gap; you need to place windows on that box to let the air in.]
Ramcy Astoveza of the Sentrong Paaralan ng mga Agta (SPA), which operates in Quezon and Aurora, was in tears as he delivered his message of gratitude. “Sa wakas nangyari na itong recognition; mahigit 30 taon na namin inaabangan ito,” adding that on the 1970s they were often accused of running a training ground for New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Wilma Tero of Midsalip Subanen Ministry preschool program said that their kids can identify over 100 species of plants in their ancestral domains. “Ang mga kabataan namin nakakakilala ng nasa loob ng kapaligiran namin kahit wala kaming libro sa science.”
Luistro said that by opening the doors to schools steeped in indigenous traditions, the DepEd would also learn. “Ito’y isang panibagong umaga para sa Kagawaran, sa mga sanay sa nakakahong kaalaman.” [This is a new dawn for the Department, for those who are used to regimented knowledge.]
Offering Kinder to Grade 6 programs, the accredited schools are run by the IP communities themselves or with the help of charitable institutions.
Through DepEd Order 21 s. 2014 released last April, and in line with DepEd’s National Indigenous Peoples Education Policy Framework, the Department has published the guidelines for the recognition of private learning institutions serving IP learners. Together with these guidelines is a commitment to provide technical assistance to those seeking recognition. (PNA)