By Franklin P. Gumapon
PAGADIAN CITY – To achieve effective and meaningful education for indigenous peoples (IPs) in the region, tribal leaders, national government agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs), education officials and other stakeholders have for the third time converged here to synchronize and coordinate programs and services in support of IP education in the area.
Points of collaboration between and among stakeholders in promoting IP education were identified in a series of workshops during the two-day IPEd forum held on Feb. 20-21 at the Bay Plaza Hotel here.
Dr. Eugene Penales, elementary education chief of the Department of Education (DepED)-9, emphasized that IPEd subscribes to the rights-based approach which is anchored on these three principles: participation, inclusion and empowerment.
Doctor Penales also urged the different NGAs to always include the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) in the implementation of their respective programs and projects.
Representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have presented that their offices have projects and services that cater to IPs.
Dr. Reynaldo Ortiz of the Rotary Club of Pagadian also assured the DepED of the club’s commitment to IPEd saying that supporting education is one of the major programs pursued by the group.
The other five programs of the Rotary Club are promoting peace, fighting diseases, providing clean water, saving mother and child and improving local economy.
It can be recalled that the DepED had issued Department Order No. 62 s. 2011 aimed at recognizing, protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of ICCs and IPs.