Kalinaw News: LGU and DepEd to put up an IP school for the Higaonons of Gingoog City

From Kalinaw News (May 31, 2021): LGU and DepEd to put up an IP school for the Higaonons of Gingoog City

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion attended the Ceremonial Signing of Usufruct Agreement between the Department of Education Region X Division of Gingoog City North III District and the Higaonon Tribal Community of Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, at Sitio Muya of the said barangay, last May 26, 2021.

The ceremonial signing was graced by Hon. Erick G. Cañosa, Gingoog City Mayor and was presided by Datu Salagaan Allan Manhomasay Mandokita, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Misamis Oriental, Hon. Porferio Duque, Brgy Chairman of Eureka, Dr. Jesnar Dems S. Torres, Ph.D., Division Superintendent, Hon. Evelyn G. Cañosa, City Councilor, Hon. Roy Aniscal, City councilor, and Dr. Joy Mangubat, Ph.D., School Governance and Operations Division Chief.

The said agreement is about the establishment of a school site, Pinadamhong Elementary School at Sitio Muya wherein DepEd is given full rights and privileges to use a parcel of land solely for educational purposes and its future development. The Higaonon Tribal Community has specifically allocated a parcel of a lot which is located at Sitio Muya, with an estimated area of five hectares; the intention is solely for school site development and construction of school buildings.

DepEd’s obligations under the agreement include ensuring and maintaining cleanliness: peace and order and safety of the teachers and students on the premises of the site; observe cultural sensitivity of the tribe and adhere to the cultural traditions and customary practices of the Higaonon Tribe; inform and coordinate with the Higaonon Community, as necessity arises, with regards to the implementation of all programs, projects or any school-related activities, so that the said community could respond to it accordingly in respect to the customary practices of the tribe; and ensure that all buildings, structures, facilities, and improvements being introduced in the site follow the national safety standards for environmental safety, maintenance, and preservation.

“I would like to thank all of you for your support of government services,” stated Hon. Erick G. Caosa in his statement. The City of Gingoog has been and continues to be enthusiastic in offering possibilities for our Higaonon brothers, particularly the right to education. From this school building to the many opportunities that will come our way, I am confident that the line of Higaonons will produce an increasing number of professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers. The local government has set out Php600,000.00 for the school structure; scholarships will be awarded, with all scholars receiving Php15,000.00 per semester, for a total of Php30,000.00 per year in support of various school-related expenses. Apart from that, the construction of Balay Tulugan and a dormitory in Gingoog is ongoing, so for those students in need of a place to stay, we provide it for free, complete with food and allowances. The government will cover all of your expenses for your children, for Gingoog’s future.”

One Datu of Barangay Eureka expressed his gratitude for the lifetime opportunity given to the Higaonons. “Dako kaayo ang pasalamat ug sa tanang Higaonon tungod kay makapaiskwela na ang mga anak tungod sa paghatag, pagdonar ug yuta para sa edukasyon. Sa una grabe ang pag antos, apan karon kaluoy sa Ginoo, makaiskwela na mo, ato ning paningkamutan na ma-maximize. Puhon, makaproduce ta ug mga abogado, doktor, na diri magsugod kin inga iskwelahan ang pangandoy sa mga kabataang Higaonon. Padayuna unta ninyo ang pagsuporta. Salamat kaayo na inyong gipakita ug dili lang istorya inyong maayong tumong.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, is very supportive of the said project, saying, “We are offering our all-out support for the construction of the said structure. This development project is very critical as it will directly affect the end of local communist armed conflict. It has been known that the NPA rebels’ most common means of exploitation is the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples in the hinterlands owing to a lack of knowledge. The majority of them are easily fooled by the NPAs’ propaganda. With free knowledge in their hands, I believe our IP brothers and sisters will be better informed and will be able to avoid the NPAs’ lies and deceptions. In terms of security, you may rely on us, as the 58IB will use all necessary force to protect these vital construction projects. Rest assured that we share your commitment to a better future for our Higaonon brothers.”

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-and-deped-to-put-up-an-ip-school-for-the-higaonons-of-gingoog-city/