Integration of IPEd in teaching

EDUCATION is very important as part of everybody’s life that has to be achieved. Everybody wants to learn as to acquire knowledge to become who they want in the future.

It is the freedom of every individual no matter what tribe they belong. Since education is for all, indigenous children have the right to all levels and forms of education. As to indigenous children living outside their communities, they have the right to be provided access to education in their own culture and language.

In recognition of the right of indigenous peoples to culturally rooted and responsive basic education, the Department of Education (DepEd) adopted the Indigenous Peoples Education Curriculum Framework (DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2015) which aims to provide guidance to schools and other education programs as they engage with indigenous communities in contextualizing the K to 12 Curriculum based on their respective educational and social contexts.

DepEd remains steadfast in its commitment to provide access to an inclusive and culture-based education to every indigenous learner in the country through continued efforts in enhancing the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program and strengthening the capacity of our public schools and learning programs to deliver such services.

Since IPEd is not yet fully established, teachers are facing problems in the implementation of this program like lack of learning resources and lack of knowledge on indigenous knowledge systems and practices.

Despite these problems, teachers are trying their capacities and knowledge to impart these to learners. They attend seminars and trainings conducted by the Schools Division Office with regards to Benguet’s old practices and traditions.

Some teachers based it on what they saw and experienced and also asked the help and interview some of the elders. Hence, it is also an advantage if there are some actual situations or happenings that learners saw and experienced.

Some people may think that traditions are already archaic and irrelevant, but these things from the past are what shape the present and the future. We live our lives looking forward, but we cannot do it without looking back once in a while to remember what made us what we are today (Santos, 2016).

The implementation of Indigenous Peoples Education is still a challenge for Benguet teachers but with their dedication and unity, they can make this program successful and can make learning more relevant and meaningful to IP learners.