DepEd’s Alternative Learning System also prepares the community to engage in livelihood skills development geared toward promoting their culture and tradition such as weaving. (Photo from PIA file)

T’boli Women of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) for implementing distance and blended learning modalities during the webinar hosted by the E-Net Philippines today (October 23).

E-Net Philippines, a network of civil society organizations engaged in policy advocacy and partnerships for education reforms, created a platform for discussion of the challenges and opportunities experienced by the Indigenous Peoples in adapting to the new normal learning.

Chita Sulan, one of the T’Boli women leaders, was grateful for the introduction of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in their community as more adult women are encouraged to learn.

“Kadalasan po kami po ay nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon dahil sa kakulangan sa kaalaman… sa pagkabuo ng samahan ng mga kababaihan, natuklasan namin ang aming kakayahan,” Sulan as she explained their role in educating the T’Boli youth.

The ALS has also prepared them to engage in livelihood skills development geared toward promoting their culture and tradition such as weaving.

“Nagpapasalamat din kami sa DepEd sapagkat mas na tutukan naming mga magulang ang paggamit ng mother tongue sa pagtuturo sa aming mga anak,” Sulan said while mentioning the significant contribution of local educators and education volunteers in guiding and assisting parents.

Sulan said they have developed their own curriculum and learning materials based on their local history and culture but the new normal modalities have also brought new challenges to her community.

“Ang mga kabataan po na nasa kolehiyo na ay kailangang tumawid ng ilog para makahanap ng malakas na signal,” she said while she was looking for a perfect spot in the field to do her presentation.

Sulan also mentioned the costly commute of parents from the highlands to get the modules but they are determined to make their children learn.

“Magastos po at napakahirap ang magturo lalo’t Grade 6 lang ang natapusan pero sinasabi ko po sa kanila, pagtyagaan lang dahil wala naman tayong choice,” aniya.

There are parents, Sulan said, who returned to school and wished to continue their studies using the DepEd modules. 

“Merong mabuti, merong hindi mabuting nangyari depende na din po sa sitwasyon ng isang bata. Pero lagi kong ipinapaalala sa mga bata na kailangang mag-aral,” Sulan said encouraging the T’Boli youth and women. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD)