Category: Indigenous Peoples

Special Report | Last of Three Parts Even in times of crisis and conflict, Alcadev, the nonformal school for tribal children in Surigao del Sur, carries on with its mission. Indeed, the recent militarization in Surigao that resulted in massive displacements of Lumad residents proved to be quite a learning experience for the students, if only it weren’t so traumatic.

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — The established pattern of military atrocities in several villages in this province sent the Manobo folk packing up to leave this year, even at the mere sight of soldiers. Karapatan-Caraga said that on June 10, some 70 soldiers of the 58th IB came and lived in a number of Lumad…

The occupation by the military of a nonformal school for tribal children in Surigao del Sur has raised concern among officials, with the Department of Education suggesting this week that those threatened by the presence of the soldiers should seek the court’s protection through the writ of amparo.

Special Report | Second of Three Parts A significant impact of an Alcadev education is that it “bridges the knowledge between students and parents.” It thus helps the development of Lumad communities. But the military is suspicious, branding the school and what it does as communist, harassing not just the teachers and students but its foreign supporters and visitors as well.

By GRACE UDDIN Indigenous Peoples Watch Davao Today Posted by Bulatlat DAVAO CITY— A partylist representative and leaders of indigenous peoples’ groups in Mindanao said there is no reason to celebrate the 15th year of International Day of Indigenous Peoples as the tribes continue to suffer from the atrocities of the Arroyo administration. “The Arroyo…

BY JAILA SAGPA-EY AND JS TABANGCURA Culture Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat LA TRINIDAD, Benguet ?The early people of Benguet actually used ethnic blankets woven by the Ilocanos of Tagudin and Bangar, Ilocos Province. Contrary to the present generation’s notion that ethnic blankets are only used for death-related rituals and ceremonies, the early Benguets used…

Special Report | First of Three Parts A non-formal school in Surigao del Sur has shown how education serves as a tool to unite and develop Lumad communities. Now, amid the evacuation by Manobo villages triggered by the presence of soldiers, the school is being targeted by the military, claiming that it is an “NPA school.”

MANILA — While President Arroyo dined for $20,000 in New York, Manobo children only have lugaw, bread and food rations at the evacuation center at the Diocese Pastoral Center in Tandag, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Mapasu and Kalumaran / bulatlat.com) Some 1,700 Manobo lumads from Diatagon, Surigao del Sur were displaced last July…