LAGAWE, Ifugao– Provincial Department of Education (DepEd) officials, principals, teachers and other stakeholders are looking forward to better times across the province that could be complementary to the promotion of indigenous people’s (IPs) education after holding recently an all-important activity in Lagawe.
They also welcomed the institution of the IP education congress which is seen to boost the teaching of IP concerns in the primary and secondary levels.
As mentors strive to instill the vitality of the Ifugao culture in the minds of the young, Education Secretary Leonor Briones asserted the importance of “responding in a sustainable manner to the aspirations of our indigenous communities for culturally rooted education.”
The first division IPED Congress attracted nearly 3,000 participants in various events and activities of the 21-day occasion. The Lagawe Central School gymnasium served primarily as main venue of the highly-successful congress.
Ethnic games and skills competitions highlighted the gathering. Competitors also tried to outmatch their rivals in the baya-making and brewing, cultural parade, Ifugao hymn, traditional ethnic ensemble, solo voice, solo instrumental and story-telling contests.
Overall, Asipulo emerged as champion. Banaue and Kiangan were tied for second. Hingyon was ranked third.
The heightened interest on IPED in this part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) necessitates a big push by the Mayam-o administration for its avowed goal of upgrading the education sector. Implementation of projects geared to improve educational standards in Ifugao is imperative.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Governor Pedro Mayam-o said “our teachers have an important role to fulfill in their respective learning institutions and hopefully this congress will elicit new ideas not only to them but to all other participants as well.”
Saying he hopes for “a very positive action” may be realized soon out of the congress, Governor Mayam-o pointed out that he would follow this matter personally to ensure that IPED advocates work closely with the provincial government “to invigorate the teaching of the Ifugao culture in all towns of the province.” Ifugao has 11 municipalities.
This explains why Governor Mayam-o and the education sector should chart a clear, complete and detailed masterplan in promoting the IPED agenda in the province. Many others opined that Governor Mayam-o and top educators should also let the private sector actively take part in this endeavor-enabling those in non-government organizations (NGOs) or people’s organizations to share their views if not time and resources.
On the other hand, Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw, a conscientious leader of the Sangguniang Bayan, also vowed to support the IPED cause.
“We know now that IPED is so important to the future of our children. As a leader, I realized I’m responsible to advancing this cause. The desire to serve all concerned parties in this capacity is just as intense as ever. “ he quipped in another interview.
All told, the invaluable contributions of Schools Division Superintendent Sally Ullalim, Curriculum Division Chief Marciana Aydinan, Assistant Regional Director Beatriz Torno, School Governance Operations Division Chief Jacqueline Lunag, Public Schools District Supervisor Geraldine Gawi, principals Walter Dumaguing and Claire Aliguyon, Council of Elders members, IPED coordinators and provincial school district supervisors OICs brought forth a memorable congress. The congress likewise recognized best IPED practices for others to emulate. Surely, a mentor can still look back with fondness.
It is hoped that all participants will take their cue that put them in the creative spirit that is the best to ensure that education is culture-sensitive, culture-responsive and learner-centered.
What’s the next best thing for these mentors to do? Plan the next congress.** By Anthony A. Araos
