Building and rebuilding lumad schools

The lumad have shown themselves relentless in their vow to build and to rebuild their schools, with ever greater resolve, hope,
and commitment.

They honor life as they honor wisdom. They honor their tradition as indigenous people. And they honor an educational system with a scientific, patriotic, and service-oriented approach.

Aside from learning standard academic skills, lumad youth are taught how to take care of one another and how to never be involved in brawls nor develop bad habits like smoking and drinking. They are immersed in agricultural education — both theoretical and practical. Their curriculum ensures that the lumad would defend and nurture their ancestral lands, cultivating them through farming.

Lumad schools are being supported by Dambana (Damayang Simbahan sa Panahon ng Disaster-Ecumenical Disaster Response Network). Through a pray-fast-build program, we raise funds to contribute in their noble endeavor. We are keenly aware that we do not match their perseverance to acquire an education; still, our humble contribution is an expression of our solidarity. Pray-fast-build encourages the faithful to pray and to think of others beyond oneself, to fast for one meal over several weeks, to skip some usual comforts, or to deepen a celebration of life by sharing a supposed budget, and, to build schools by donating to a lumad community project. Our efforts have contributed in the building of a school and a dormitory.

We are both saddened and alarmed that recent militarization in lumad communities has resulted in massive evacuation, again interrupting classes. President Duterte has even gone
as far as directly threatening to bomb the lumad: “Sabihin ko diyan sa mga lumad ngayon, umalis kayo diyan. Bobombahan ko ’yan. Isali ko ’yang mga istruktura ninyo.” (I’m telling the lumad now to leave those areas. I’ll bomb them. I’ll include their structures.)

Lumad schools are not a threat to the nation nor to society. They should be appreciated and praised that in spite of hardships, neglect, and the absence of social services, these schools have emerged as a way for the lumad to build hopes and pursue dreams.

If the President believes that they are influenced by communist rebels, then he should pursue peace talks with the National Democratic Front to address the root causes of the armed conflict.

Children and youth must unlearn the ways of the militaristic and fascistic approach, especially when those being attacked have a noble cause for humanity.

Bombing schools or militarizing communities do not serve the interests of the people. Not only is bombing a school a violation of international humanitarian law, it is plainly an act of state terrorism.

DSS. NORMA P. DOLLAGA, JENNIFER FERARIZA-MENESES, BRO. RITCHIE SALGADO, OCarm; PATRICK SANTOS, JEFF VITO, Damayang Simbahan sa Panahon ng Disaster, [email protected]