Lawmaker asks DepEd to prevent closure of 3 Lumad schools in Davao Norte
TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Gabriela Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan called on Education Secretary Armin Luistro to intervene and prevent the closure of at least three schools for the lumad (indigenous people) in Davao del Norte.
The closure of the lumad schools in Talaingod town, which are operated by the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center (STTICLC), was recommended by Davao del Norte Schools Division Superintendent Josephine Fadul.
In her May 12 letter to Alberto Escobarte, the director of the Department of Education in Southern Mindanao, Fadul said the temporary closure of the schools had the backing of the Talaingod Tribal Council of Elders.
The Salugpungan said Fadul’s order strengthened its belief that the military wanted the schools closed on suspicion these were being used as fronts by the New People’s Army.
The group said this was also evident in Fadul’s letter, which recommended the opening of a public school in Barangay Butay – which would be run by “para-teachers” from the military.
Ilagan said closing the schools would put the education of the lumad children in jeopardy.
“Classes are about to open a few days from now. There are shortages in classrooms, facilities and teachers and there remains an obvious lack of schools in Lumad communities yet a local initiative to put up a tribal school is being attacked no less by officials of the DepEd like Dr. Fadul. Whatever happened to upholding the right to education?” she asked.
Fadul said temporary schools manned by locally paid and DepEd-recognized instructors would be set up near the tribal schools.
“These temporary schools would be under the supervision of the principal of the nearest public elementary or high school,” Fadul told Philippine Daily Inquirer by mobile phone.
As hiring and training of new teachers who would be paid by the municipal local school board (LSB) would take time, Fadul said classes in these temporary schools would start late, most probably by late June or mid-July.
Fadul also clarified it was the DepEd Central Office under Secretary Armin Luistro that ordered the closing down of the three schools in
Palma Gil village.
“Mine was only recommendatory based also on the written request signed by the tribal leaders and parents, a request which DepEd finds anchored on a valid ground,” Fadul said, adding the concerned schools also failed to file on time the application for the renewal of their permit to operate for school year 2015-2016.
Fadul said the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) also submitted a written manifestation alleging a “failure on the part of the schools’ administrators to coordinate with and obtain clearance from its provincial office prior to its operation in an ancestral domain.”
Fadul reiterated DepEd was not against the entry of private schools in far-flung areas.
The provincial education official also clarified the issue of tapping soldiers as “para-teachers” to replace the STTILC instructors, saying this was “only one of the many options.” “During our series of dialogues with various stakeholders, the military volunteered to deploy soldiers who will serve as teachers. But that was just one of the options. It was not final,” said Fadul. Ilagan said if Fadul “does not see the value of these tribal schools and if she is proving to be a hindrance to the development and learning of the lumad children then the DepEd is no place for her. She should explain.”
Ilagan said DepEd should not allow itself to be used by the military.
“Lumad schools have repeatedly been under attack from military forces yet the lumad children and their teachers’ persistence enabled them to conduct classes even during forced evacuations. They recently conducted their graduation at the Almendras Gym in Davao City since military elements have started occupying their schools and communities. The AFP has accused lumad communities of supporting the New People’s Army,” she said.
Benjie Valbuena, national chair of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, said Fadul should resign.
“Dr. Fadul is a big disgrace for the education department. Instead of recognizing and appreciating the big help STTICLC is doing, Dr. Fadul allowed herself to be used by the military and other armed groups of the state in their continuing attack and abuses against the students, teachers and residents of the community. Her action in favor of the human rights abusers shows that she is not yet satisfied with her inutility to provide state school for the residents. Dr. Fadul should immediately vacate her position. DepEd is for educators and not for military and human rights abusers,” Valbuena said.
He said Luistro should immediately investigate Fadul’s connivance with the military. SFM/ABC
