DepEd to open 251 schools for indigenous communities

MANILA, Philippines - At least 251 new schools will be opened for indigenous communities in Mindanao, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

In a statement, the DepEd said the schools, which will be ready to accept students for the incoming school year, are part of the government’s commitment to provide culture-based education to indigenous peoples.

The schools will be put up in the Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga regions, and are expected to serve over 19,600 students from 22 indigenous cultural communities.

DepEd said 605 classrooms would be constructed in partnership with the Kalahi-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The agency said it would hire 583 teachers to serve in the schools.

Last year, DepEd adopted the Indigenous Peoples Education curriculum framework, which was formulated in consultation with community elders, leaders and implementers of community-based IPEd initiatives.

The framework provides guidance in contextualizing the K to 12 curriculum based on the indigenous community’s respective educational and social background.

DepEd has partnered with local indigenous peoples groups in Zambales for the implementation of the IPEd program at a high school serving the Aeta community.