DepEd Celebrates With the IP Communities, Commitment Reaffirmed

City of San Fernando, La Union – To further strengthen multi-sectoral support for the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program and K to 12, DepEd Region I hosted the 3rd Regional IP Congress at Labayug Central School, Sison, Pangasinan on October 26-27, 2015.
The assembly was attended by Schools Division Superintendents (SDS), Assistant Schools Division Superintendents (ASDS) of DepEd Region I, representatives from civil society/non-government organizations (NGOs) with IPEd Programs, IPEd advocates, and other government agencies taking part of the continuing efforts to make education universal.
Highlights of the congress include the Signing of the Framework and Affirmation of Commitment to IPs; cultural show; Poster Making Contest with emphasis on the IP Month Celebration Theme, “Walang Bibitiw! Sama-sama, tulong-tulong sa pagsulong ng Katutubong Edukasyon”; Begnas Festival, which has the purpose of promoting the identity, heritage and customs and traditions of the indigenous people of the province of Ilocos Sur.
The program also included messages from the Regional Director of DepEd RO1; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Muslim Focal Persons, Pangasinan Tribal Council, Local Government Unit (LGU) Pangasinan, Provincial Government of Pangasinan, civil society, elders, leaders, and youth representing IP communities.
In her inspirational talk, RD Alma Ruby C. Torio stressed the importance of the involvement of IPs in crafting the IPEd Curriculum Framework aligned in the K to 12 program that is culture-based. RD Torio ensures continuous support in achieving the aim of IPEd Program that is responsive and respectful of their skills and culture context.
Mr. Rozanno Rufino, Adviser to the Secretary on IP concerns presented the Words of Challenge to the participants which is centered on responsive community involvement of IPs to achieve the Education for all 2015 targets and Millennium Development Goal set by the United Nations.
The event intends to increase awareness on DepEd’s IPEd Program and the educational vision of K to 12 and strengthen partnership among the various stakeholders towards the achievement of the common vow that no child shall be left behind in education.