Children and young people have a right to benefit from a just, equitable and quality education.
While governments and public authorities are responsible as duty bearers for promoting and fulfilling the child’s right to education, it is the duty of the parents to support their children to participate more fully in the process.
In line with the country’s commitment to achieve its goals and in pursuit of the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda (BESRA), the Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted the National Indigenous Peoples Education Policy Framework in line with the provisions of DepEd Order No. 62, s. 2011.
To attain this goal of providing culture-responsive and culture-sensitive education, the Department of Education through Region X- Northern Mindanao has released the list of final names and location of the new public schools for the indigenous people to be established per the consultation with the community this calendar year 2016.
In the list, are the 23 new schools in the Division of Bukidnon, five in the Division of Gingoog City, four in the Division of Iligan City, two in the Division of Misamis Oriental, three in the Division of Valencia City, and two in the Division of Malaybalay City which will be offering the Basic Education Program for IP children.
The new schools will serve the ICCs of Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Matigsalog, Tigwahanon, Manobo and Umayamnon tribes.
An estimated number of 2954 enrollees will occupy the 82 classrooms allocated for the region according to the list provided by Indigenous Peoples Executive Office (IPsEO).
The two new elementary schools for the IPs in the Division of Malaybalay City are
Pighalugan Elementary School located at Sitio Nalumusan, Barangay Silae with two teachers and two classrooms for 80 prospective enrollees and Yandang Elementary School located at Sitio Balaodo, Barangay St. Peter with three teachers and three classrooms for 100 prospective enrollees.
The schools will offer basic education program from Kindergarten, Grade 1 to 6. Both schools are geographically situated at District X, Malaybalay City Division.
March 21, 2016 marked a significant milestone of the Higaonon tribe in Pighalugan, Sitio Nalumusan when officials of DepEd, NCIP, and the LGU together with the tribal datus sealed the bond of unity for establishment of the schools.
Social preparation for Yandang ES at Sitio Balaodo has started.
The district and division offices are now preparing for the opening of the said schools on June 13. Since the construction of classrooms is set on July, the enrolled pupils will hold classes in the Purok centers.
Plans have been initiated, the construction of classrooms will pursue though delayed as sites have been negotiated for the school buildings. Soon, dreams will turn to reality because extra effort by all concerned is pledged for this project.
By: Dr. Manny B. Pimentel
School Principal II
Zamboanguita CS,
Kulaman ES & Caburacanan ES