Open Forum •
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From Ms. Pat Verzales of NCIP Visayas: “A concern about agriculture. You pointed out that part of indigenous spirituality is connectedness with all of nature and as such, sustainable and organic practices are imparted in terms of agricultural techniques. Now, we have graduates who have been trained in modern farming methods [which include the use of inorganic farm inputs, etc.] What can be done about this situation?” Response from Datu Saway: “We should make our communities into model communities and show the advantages [of organic agriculture]. We, indigenous peoples, have our own farming methods and systems. In our tribe, we encourage our farmers to plant our indigenous crops, traditional crops, following our indigenous sustainable farming practices. Response from Mrs. Margarito: “Nowadays, our land has lost its [natural] fertility after we have lost our connection with the earth, which is the source of our life. Before we plant, let us bond with the earth and use the [natural] raw materials that abound in our surroundings. We need to have this initiative. Let us use organic farming practices.”
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• “Are the young men and women obliged to stay in the Dap-ay?” Response from Datu Lumiwes: “We need to maintain the sacred function of the Dap-ay. What is imparted here, and also in the olog for the girls, is a rhythm and flow of life. Furthermore, what is being taught in the Dap-ay must also be imparted in the schools.”
Follow-up from Ate Maco: “[For the indigenous peoples], the center of learning is the family and the community as a true classroom where learning happens, connecting the young with their elders. My challenge is, how can DepEd recognize and strengthen IP Education? Datu Lumiwes: “We need to work together with the schools.“ Mrs. Margarito: “One possibility is to include traditional weaving in the T.H.E. [Technology and Home Economics] Syllabus. I would like to call on the DepEd to look into this [concern].“
From Mrs. Nila Plazos of Bukidnon Tribal Filipinos Foundation, Inc. (BTFFI): “I want to say that our life would not be as difficult if not for mainstream education. Our children need to compete and measure up to their standards. I wish that they would also recognize the unique talents and skills of our indigenous learners. I would also like to ask the presenters if they have come up with a book that can serve as reference for future generations since none of us elders will be here always to present these things to the young ones.” Response from Datu Saway: “Yes, there is competition, and competition that is not in our terms. But as regards competition, why don’t we develop competence? As for the second concern, [our living tradition] has thrived by means of oral tradition. There is no real need to write but to continue to transmit it orally to the children. In a family, you need to teach at least one healer, one leader, one farmer, etc. to