Davao del Norte, March 6, 2015 – Literacy has empowered the Indigenous People
in the province to share and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Datu Fernando Mantog, Tribal Chieftain of Barangay Florida in
Kapalong, this province, said that basic literacy skills has allowed his people
to release the deep-seated feeling of shame and low self-esteem.
He heralded the government’s literacy program has helped the
Lumads build self-confidence and improve their well-being.
“Dili na mi maulaw kay kabalo na mi mubasa, mosulat ug mo-ihap
(we are not ashamed anymore since we are now able to read, write and count),”
he said.
Mantog is among the 132 Lumads, who completed the Alternative
Learning System for Indigenous People (ALS-IP) implemented by the Provincial
Government, in coordination with the Department of Education.
The program includes livelihood trainings to widen the
economic opportunities of the IPs.
Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, who led the distribution of their
certificates of completion, lauded the IPs for their enthusiasm in learning basic
literacy and numeracy.
Aside from allowing the Lumads to attain their goals and
participate meaningfully in society, the governor said education is the key to
preserving their cultural heritage.
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