ICC Dispatch - Monday, December 8, 2008

Gaining access to education thru bike-for-school initiative

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December) - Dennis Cañete, 19 stays more than 5 kilometers away from the school where he is currently enrolled. He wakes up at 3:30 in the morning, helped his mother fetch water in nearby stream, cooked breakfast before going to school at 6:00am.

Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS) is home to about 5,000 students in Zamboanga, and is considered one of the biggest high schools in the city. Dennis, now in second year, is one of the students who despite of poverty, has tried his luck in finishing high school and hopefully proceed to college and finish a degree.

“I spent P30 pesos for fare during classes”, Dennis said in local dialect. He seldom took snacks during recess time to save money for his fare. However, there are times that he has to walk to school because his step-father has yet to receive his pay as a carpenter. Like any indigent student in their school, Dennis literally walks to school for several times.

“One day I was glad to hear from our teacher about a plan to give bicycles to some indigent students in the school, however; I am not sure to be chosen as one of the lucky ones”, he said with a mark of loneliness in his face.

Only 100 bikes have been reserved for Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School (DPLMHS) while the other 100 would be apportioned to 50 indigent students at Talon-Talon National High School, and another 50 students at Ramon Enriquez National High School both in Zamboanga City. Fifty bikes have also been apportioned for students in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

When the bikes arrived, Dennis eagerly waited for information whether he is included in the list of recipients. With mixed feelings, he asked his teacher if he is one among those to be given the bicycle. “Yes, you are lucky”, his teacher gladly replied.

Like a small child he was overwhelmed by gladness. “This was my first time to have a bike since I was a child. Now, aside from having it, my mother would be happy at least I can go to school using the bike”, he said. The money intended for his fare can now be saved for other purposes. “I used whatever money I saved to buy spare parts whenever my bike broke down”, he added.

Now he can go to school without spending for his fare. He can easily ride home without going through heavy traffic especially in the afternoon. “I can choose a safer shortcut route when I go to school and in going home”, he gladly said.

To assure safety and protection of those who were given bikes, school officials briefed them on road safety and traffic. “We see to it that each student who was given the bike must know road safety tips and should have insurance coverage with the Philippine National Red Cross for safety and medical services. The cost is minimal and we are looking at possibilities that the insurance coverage will be the counterpart of the school”, Mr. Jonathan Kawaguchi, a teacher from DPLMHS disclosed.


A book that tells about Manobo culture & tradition launched

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December) - First of its kind and written by a Lumad, POOVIYAN WOY GONTANGAN (Balaod ug Paghusay sa Mga Monuvu sa Apu Sandawa) is off the press now.

A useful source book for researchers, community organizers, educators and workers; the book contains the essential aspects of the culture and tradition of the Manobo tribe who lives in the vicinity of the sprawling Mt. Apo in Davao region.

Painstakingly recording the cultural practices and laws of a people who handed them from generation to the other through oral tradition, Bai Eva Umpan Colmo España captured the unwritten history of the Manobo people in this book.

“I am just an instrument, the credit belongs to the tribe”, Bai Eva said during the book launching. In particular, she highlighted the role of Datu Salumay Iyong, who despite old age at more than 100 years old; has contributed so much in wisdom and rich history of the people by recounting their stories, laws and tradition.

“Written in simple way with nice layout, churches can use the book in its reflection sessions particularly on conflict resolution,” said Arnold Vandenbroech, a Belgian who has been working among indigenous peoples (IPs) in the region.

The book launching held at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) was part of the culmination activity of the weeklong observance of Mindanao Week of Peace which starts on November 27 and ended on December 3. This year’s theme is “Integrity of Mind and Heart: A way to reconciliation and peace”.

Interested individuals may get in touch with the Social Involvement Coordinating Office (SICO) of the ADDU for copies of the books. (PBSP/PIA SarGen)