We are the heroes that we need

2012 Outstanding published feature article
on youth & education in a nationally-circulated publication
Rachel Barawid
Manila Bulletin

For the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the country, the fight for equal rights, opportunities, acceptance, and respect is a continuing struggle from day to day. Apart from the lack of quality education, health services, livelihood opportunities, and uncertainty in their ancestral domain, even the IPs who managed to obtain a college degree still have difficulty getting into mainstream society and finding jobs. Discrimination seems to be the main culprit. But thanks to an organization of their own peers and leaders, the battle is slowly being won.

In 1989, leaders of the different tribal groups in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao decided to come together and form Tuklas Katutubo (TK) after realizing that no one could best address these issues but themselves.

“These problems were really disturbing for the 110 tribes and our representation is not that strong. So we realized that we have to do something about it and we could not expect other people to help us. Hindi mo naman masisisi yung mga nasa lowlands na minsan lang pumunta para tumulong. It’s not their responsibility. So instead of relying on doleouts, we decided to unite and help each other in developing our communities and discovering our capacities, resources and values. We are the heroes that we need,” shares Jason Roy Sibug, TK national president and a proud Manobo. Sibug founded the organization along with Ranie Martin, a Tenduray; Amor Manpatilan, Higanon; Silver Ongat, Kalinga; Edmarie Inda; Robert Salvan, Hagaonon, Bae Elta Laurilla, Matigsalug; and Custodio Saliling, Aromanen.

Balik Tribo Program

While the IPs who are living in remote places in mountains and coastal areas cab survive well without food or electricity, Sibug says the need for basic services should still be met. TK thus created the Balik Tribo program to empower the IPs and use their value system, particularly the spirit of collective action or bayanihan to address their own problems and needs.

TK first ventured on building their own schools made of indigenous materials and out of the hard work of the people in the community. Sibug reveals that the children used to walk for four or more hours just to be able to reach the nearest school at the foot of a mountain. But now, TK has built 17 primary schools in various places. It is currently constructing a floating school in Agusan Del Sur.

“The schools provide an indigenized curriculum to make it culturally appropriate to the learners. The lessons are integrated with tribal traditions and customs and are being taught in their own language. In Math, we use beetlenut or nga- nga as examples, instead of apples. In History, we don’t teach them only about Rizal, but also about their ancestors and datus. It’s giving them a sense of identity,” explains the 31- year- old Asia Society 21 fellow.

The teachers of the schools are IPs. The non- IPs who come from the lowlands are required to speak the language and wear the attire of the tribe so they can effectively teach and connect with their students.

Foot Doctors, Too

TK also trained IPs to become foot doctors to compensate for the absence of real doctors and nurses as well as the inaccessibility of hospitals.

The medicines are herbal plants sourced from their surroundings. Farmers were also taught how to make alternative fertilizers using the natural resources abundant in their areas. By utilizing the products available in their communities, the IPs were also able to come up with their own livelihood programs such as coffee plantations and handicrafts made of water lilies.

With the help of various civic organizations and foundations, TK was able to provide solar electricity in several IP schools in Kalinga, Agusan del Sur, and Zambales. The entire community usually converges in the school even at night to avail of such luxury.

“Doon ko nakita kung gaano kasimple ang buhay ng mga IPs and yet how happy and contented they are with their lives. Isang bumbilya lang na naibigay namin sa kanila tuwang tuwa na sila. Salamat daw at may ilaw na sila sa Pasko!,” relates Rosemarie Mores, TK finance officer and the first non- IP volunteer.

Mores says the programs have become successful because it is supported by the tribal elders and leaders who participate in its creation and implementation. “TK only serves as facilitators but the community decides what they want and are also the ones who implement it.”

Giving back

TK’s mission is also about preparing the IPs for the global changes and challenges and at the same time, keeping their identities and encouraging them to return and serve their own communities.

“I am Manobo and I will continue to live and die as a Manobo. I may be working here (in an NGO) in Manila, but I remain a Manobo. The culture of bayanihan runs in my blood and I am obliged to help my tribe,” says Sibug, a Political Science graduate from the University of the East. He is currently studying to be a lawyer and intends to practice in his hometown in Kidapawan, North Cotabato when he graduates.

Meanwhile, Mores, a full-time History teacher at the St. Mary’s College is striving to change her students’ perception of the IPs by helping them understand their issues. She is even inviting some of the TK leaders as speakers in their classroom discussions.

One may wonder if Mores is as passionate as Sibug in working for TK even though she is not one of them. But Mores says she doesn’t have to be an IP to be able to have that connection with them. “I’ve always had a soft spot for IPs. Mahilig ako sa mga handicrafts. But most of all, I get this unexplainable happiness and fulfillment in helping them. Kahit ayaw ng nanay ko tumatakas pa ako para lang makasama sa mga activities nila,” reveals Mores.

TK currently has 3, 000 members, serving 60 of 110 tribes in the country. It is the recipient of several awards, including the Outstanding Youth Service Award from the United Nations and UNESCO and is also part of the 2004 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO).

WHILE Tuklas Katutubo still has a long way to go, it takes pride in seeing the dreams of the IPs finally coming true, and that includes being recognized by local and international organizations, and helping produce globally competent IP professionals who are dedicated in giving back to their communities.

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