The Philippines is known as one of the most culturally-diverse countries in the world, with an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the population belonging to indigenous communities or IPs. They are often referred to as “katutubo” in Luzon and “lumad” in Mindanao, with most living in remote, upland communities. No less than the Philippine Constitution mandates the recognition, protection, promotion and fulfillment of the rights of IPs. In 1997, the landmark Republic Act 8371 or Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) further advancing IP rights, became part of the law of the land.

Unfortunately, despite the positive steps the country has taken to alleviate the plight of the indigenous Filipinos, the fact remains that wherever IPs are found, they are usually among the poorest and most marginalized. They are often subjected to discrimination and exclusion from political decision-making and opportunities for economic advancement. In the Philippines, where education is often regarded as a steppingstone for future success, a good education remains one of the few paths available for the poor to improve their economic and social situation. It is, therefore, not surprising that despite all the challenges they have been facing, many IP youth and even their elders continue to strive to get educated. It is because of this that the establishment of the SPA is considered by the IPs of General Nakar, Quezon, a huge blessing.

The SPA was founded in 1987 as an education canter that catered to the learning needs of indigenous Agta youth and adults. The Tribal Filipino Center of the Prelature of Infanta, a local arm of the Catholic Church responded to the request of Agta communities in the area for an education that is culturally rooted and is responsive to their learning needs. Initially, set up as a literacy program, most of SPA’s learners come from remotest communities that don’t have access to educational services provided by the government or the private sector. The idea is to bring the school to the remote communities instead of expecting them to travel on foot over great distances every day to reach their classrooms.

The approach to education in SPA is multi-dimensional. Their belief is that the learning process does not end inside the four walls of the classroom. Learning continues as each learner interacts with his/her environment which includes not only his family or community but the whole society as well. All the learnings that they have gained inside the school can only be valid and useful only if they were applied in the learner’s everyday life. In addition, all the learnings will gain fruition if the learners from SPA will be actively engaged in the development process of the communities where they come from.

As an educational institution, they are committed to the implementation of Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd), SPA continuously aims to provide quality, relevant and culturally rooted education to Agta learners. SPA also shares the responsibility with the government in providing education for all and that no child should be left behind. It is for this reason that it tries to reach even those in the remotest areas. More importantly, SPA believes in the aspiration of Agta communities towards self-determination.

It is in recognition of the needs of the Agta students and of SPA’s valuable contribution to their quest for a better life that the Rotary Club of Metro Novaliches Caloocan (RMNC) chose the institution as its beneficiary and partner for our Christmas gift-giving activity for the year held on December 3, 2022.

To alleviate education, the RCMNC augmented the needs of the said IP. Through the help of President Nominee Designate Rovik Obanil, he has communication with the coordinator named Nemia. President Rolando Elan Maningas appointed PND Rovik as the Chair of the aforementioned project wherein we asked them what they need. Nemia called PND Rovik that they need rice to fight hunger. So, we decided to give 50 sacks of rice for 3 months’ supply, 2 boxes of canned goods and 70 pairs of slippers. Rotarians went to that remote mountainous place last December 3 despite long trip, but we would want to give them small things that can be used and we saw their gigantic smiles and were happy when we arrived. Christmas now is memorable for them. Aside from that, we gave cash for those people who joined the numerous and various games to make their Christmas happier.

We found out that the students and parents of SPA together with the teachers are clever and dedicated people who love their surroundings. Through their speeches and songs about the environment, RCMNC felt their sincerity and love towards us. Their dedication in studying is surmountable.

We can see that we need to support them. We can foresee that many of the students of SPA can become future leaders. We should also augment the needs of the coordinators to support the SPA students. Giving them adequate facilities and equipment, no doubt that this school will be known in the entire Philippines and eventually in the whole world.

The club per se decided to apply for a District or Global grant for the Agta people to alleviate hunger and uplift education to become healthier and to reach 100% literacy rate of the indigenous community. It is a sustainable project that can be progressed and would have a great impact in the lives of the SPA students and their community.