(IPED) SUMMIT

The 2024 Regional Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Summit was held on October 23, 2024, at San Francisco Southern Leyte, under the theme “Katutubong Karunungan Tungo sa Ingklusibong Kaunlaran” (Indigenous Knowledge Toward Inclusive Development). Hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII in collaboration with Saint Joseph College, the summit brought together stakeholders, educators, and community leaders from Indigenous communities to highlight the significance of preserving indigenous culture and ensuring the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in formal education systems.

A Call for Kindness, Respect, and Solidarity

Throughout the event, key speakers emphasized the importance of kindness, respect, and unity in achieving meaningful progress for indigenous communities. Dr. Isidro Catubig, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, highlighted how these values were essential to fostering genuine solidarity among different sectors of society. According to Dr. Catubig, “We must come together in respect, united in the shared goal of empowering our IP learners and ensuring they feel loved and supported in their educational journey.”

The summit served as an important platform for attendees to learn, share ideas, and build connections. By coming together, participants expressed a collective desire to create pathways for future generations of indigenous students. These pathways are not only aimed at academic success but also at fostering cultural pride and inclusion.

Building Bridges and Transforming Lives

Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero, CESO III, DepEd Regional Director, emphasized the role of education in transforming lives and building bridges across communities. She said, “If you want to go far, go together.” This statement underscored the significance of collaboration in achieving inclusive development for all, particularly for the marginalized indigenous communities. The summit was an opportunity for participants to discuss how education could serve as a bridge for indigenous people to access better opportunities without compromising their cultural identity.

The call for inclusive development was echoed throughout the event, with speakers reminding attendees that development must be human-centered and focused on enhancing the well-being of all people. “Development is a shared opportunity,” one speaker noted, stressing the collective responsibility to ensure equal access to quality education and resources for indigenous learners.

Guest Speaker Dr. Betlehem A. Ponce: A Voice for Indigenous Education

One of the highlights of the event was the speech by Dr. Betlehem A. Ponce, a renowned IP researcher and Assistant Professor II at the Visayas State University. She shared the poignant stories of indigenous parents, like the Mamanwa, who are determined to provide formal education for their children despite the challenges they face. Dr. Ponce spoke about the Mamanwa community’s desire for their children to receive proper education while preserving their cultural heritage.

Tatay Romeo, an indigenous leader, shared his family’s journey and struggles. He explained their decision to move to Pinamudlan in search of better educational opportunities for their children. However, the transition was not without difficulty, as their cultural differences led to a sense of alienation and disconnection. Despite the challenges, the desire for a better future through education kept them moving forward. The stories of Tatay Romeo and his family are a testament to the resilience of indigenous peoples, as well as their commitment to ensuring that their children achieve progress through formal education.

Challenges of Food Security and Formal Education

The summit also addressed the issue of food security and the difficult choices that many indigenous families face when balancing survival with the desire for formal education. In her speech, Dr. Ponce, narrated the stories of indigenous parents, such as Abba Romeo (also known as Tatay Romeo), who have faced these very struggles. Dr. Ponce shared how Abba Romeo, like many in his community, was caught between meeting basic survival needs and the aspiration to provide his children with formal education.

Dr. Ponce emphasized the deep tension that exists between these two priorities: “The desire for education often comes at a cost,” she explained. “For families like Abba Romeo’s, it’s a delicate balance between ensuring their children’s future through education and providing for their immediate needs like food and shelter.”

She also pointed out how, for many indigenous families, the hope for educational progress is not an immediate dream. Instead, it’s a dream that may take three to four generations to fully realize. As Tatay Romeo himself shared, the dream of seeing progress and formal education fulfilled for his children is one that requires long-term perseverance and sacrifice.

The speakers at the summit underscored the importance of cultural integrity in the pursuit of development. They noted that indigenous communities should not have to choose between preserving their culture and language and pursuing formal education. Dr. Ponce, in particular, highlighted the crucial role of IP Rights, which guarantee the right to protect and continue one’s culture and language. These rights, she insisted, must be respected as part of any educational or developmental initiative, ensuring that indigenous peoples can pursue education without sacrificing their heritage.

The Path Toward Inclusive Education

A significant focus of the summit was the IPED Curriculum, which aims to provide culturally relevant education for indigenous learners. The curriculum is designed to ensure that indigenous knowledge systems are integrated into formal education, allowing students to learn not only academic content but also gain a deeper understanding of their own heritage.

The summit closed with a strong message: inclusive development is not just a goal but a collective duty. Development efforts should not only be about economic growth but about creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of cultural background or ethnicity, to enhance their lives and achieve their dreams.

Unity Amidst Diversity

As the 2024 IPED Summit concluded, the key takeaway was clear: the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples through education is vital for inclusive progress. It was an important reminder that when communities come together in solidarity, they can create opportunities for all, leading to a more inclusive, culturally rich society. The event was a testament to the spirit of unity in diversity and the shared responsibility to create a future where all learners, regardless of their background, can thrive.

The partnership between DepEd Region VIII and Saint Joseph College was a powerful example of how collaboration across sectors can lead to lasting, positive change for the indigenous communities of the region.

In the words of Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero: “Together, we can create a place where every indigenous learner belongs and is given the opportunity to succeed.”