IP education system sought

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker is seeking to implement an educational system for indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat authored House Bill 4220 or the "Indigenous Peoples Education Systems Act of 2014" to promote and develop IP cultures, traditions and institutions.

Visit our Bill Tracker to view the proposed measure.

"The system shall respect and recognize the right of indigenous peoples to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons," the Ifugao solon said.

The lawmaker added that the proposed measure would create programs in the context of IP cultures, customs, traditions, interests and beliefs which will help them participate in national development and strengthen national unity.

The bill provides the implementation of the IP Educational Curriculum Framework which integrates IP Knowledge Systems and Practices (IPKSP) in all learning areas and processes. Private individuals or groups and the government may establish IP schools.

"This bill also aims to develop and implement, in cooperation with IPs, education programs that consider their special needs, unique histories, IPKSP, spirituality and value systems of the community," Baguilat said.

It will be the duty of the Department of Education to ensure adequate financial support for the IP schools, which will be sourced from the agency's regular annual budget, Special Fund from the Office of the President, the Local Government Unit's Special Education Fund and Education projects.

"IP education is a collective responsibility of the community where an IP education program is being implemented," the lawmaker said.

The bill is currently pending with the House Committee on National Cultural Committees.