Kalinaw News: Makatao in bringing education closer to IP communities

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020):  Makatao in bringing education closer to IP communities

Even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, the 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Silas D Trasmontero INF (GSC) PA, continues to bring development projects in the geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas.

One of these is the makeshift schools for the Matigsalog and Ata Manobo communities in the town of San Fernando and Kitaotao, both in Bukidnon province.

On August 4, 2020, the soldiers turned over seven makeshift schools to the communities and the Department of Education.

Present during the activity were Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin Philippine Army, Commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, San Fernando Mayor Levi C Edma, Kitaotao Vice Mayor Edwin I Abucayan, Dr. Randolph Torotola of the Department of Education in Bukidnon, Regional Director Manuel Orduña of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 10, Dr. David Mendoza, Division Chiefs, Sangguniang Bayan Members, and tribal leaders.

Datu Lito Gambay, tribal chieftain, expressed his gratitude in behalf of the community for letting them feel that they are being listened.

“Nagpasalamat jud mi kay nakaabot na ang tabang sa gobyerno dinhi sa amoa,” he said.

The establishment of makeshift schools was a collaboration of the battalion, the local government units, DepEd, and the business sector with the “Bayanihan” of the IP communities.

This project is part of the 89IB’s holistic approach in bringing peace, progress and development in the area. Finally, Makeshift schools are now open to accommodate IP children and to give them quality education to nurture and secure their future. This is a clear manifestation on how E.O. #70 or the whole of nation approach works through convergence of various government agencies and private sectors can be availed easily by the IP communities especially in Geographically Isolated Disadvantage Areas (GIDAS).

In the past years, one of the areas being exploited by the Communist NPA Terrorists in the area is the education. They were able to establish MISFI schools with ideas and teachings contrary to the policies of the government particularly the DepEd. With the closure of said schools, the 89IB, were able to convinced the LGUs, different stakeholders, business sector and the tribal communities to support the construction of makeshift schools pending the construction of DepEd standard schools. DepEd also committed to provide school teachers and instructional materials for the children with the assurance that every child could learn the basics of education in Region 10.
According to Lieut Col. Transmontero, the children used to walk for four to six hours just to reach the nearest school but now with the existence of these makeshift schools they don’t need to walk with that long because these schools were built near their village. As such, Makatao will always be steadfast and relentless in its mandate in attaining long lasting peace and conflict-resilient communities in its area of operation.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/makatao-in-bringing-education-closer-to-ip-communities/