Church Initiative: Alternative Adult Learning Program in South Upi for Indigenous Peoples by Fr. Juram Sacil, OMI

 

The OMI ministry to the Indigenous Peoples based in South Upi, Maguindanao has established eleven (11) Adult Formal Learning Centers in 4 different barangays for 4 years in its implementation. The program was made possible due to the organizing efforts of the OMI IP Ministry office and its ground personnel namely Jerry Datuwata.

According to Datuwata, "the program begins with the basic consultation and interest of village leaders and elders who want to learn basic writing. " This formal learning is primarily aimed towards strengthening their traditional leadership, put into writing and to support their traditional indigenous knowledge, skills, practices and spirituality which is part of the general five (5) year plan of the OMI IP MINISTRY.

Due to Covid 19 pandemic, the eleven (11) Alternative Learning System (ALS) for IP adults has adjusted its program. Instead of having weekend regular classroom type of learning, they went back to communal farming and vegetable growing. In order to combat hunger, climate change, development aggression and future pandemics, the program focuses more on backyard planting of root crops and vegetables.

The ALS for IPs promotes “Sébingkés” or unity among villages which in the whole structure of the program helps protect their “Fusaka Ingéd” or Ancestral Domains from all kinds of exploitation.

 

KUKANG PRINCIPLE

 

KINSA: IP adults who are interested and willing to learn.

UNSA: Alternative learning system for IPs. Part of this program are the basic writing and reading of mainstream school system. The program and lessons are based from grassroots level. What do they really need. The OMI IPMinistry does not imposed.

KANUS-A:  This is a one (1) year program during weekends. They meet once a week to discuss, "séuret urét". They have eleven (11) learning centers in different barangays connected in one network called “FENUWO” level or cluster of villages. They meet once a year to discuss present issues and accomplishments.

ASA: The program sites are located in different barangays: PANDAN, ITAW, PILAR AND KUYA. These barangays are in South Upi, Maguindanao where the communities are majority Tedurays.

NGANO: The ALS PROGRAM FOR adult IPS are organized in order to promote and rediscover the richness of their traditional INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, SKILLS AND SPIRITUALITY. Through this program, avenues for networking and collaboration among IP groups and mission partners from different NGOS and government services are strengthened. This is part of the OMI IP vision mission that asserts their self-determination.

 

 

Fr. Juram Sacil, OMI is the OMI IP Ministry director to the Tedurays in South Upi Maguindanao. He works as director for almost 7 years. Aside from ALS programs, Fr. Sacil is also involved with other NGOs who are helping the Tedurays especially in the preservation of the culture and Ancestral domain.