More than a month ago, I saw this segment of Report Card on GMA 7 about Philippine Education and the plight of teachers as well as the learners. They were all noteworthy of attention and support but this one about the Manobo children of Surigao del Sur breaks my heart the most.
Why? I am 50% Manobo from Agusan del Norte, born in Butuan City, raised and educated in private schools since Kindergarten in Cagayan de Oro City. I have been fortunate to have educated parents and grandparents who were able to assist me in the learning process alongside my teachers, and a life, though humble and challenging, far from theirs. We're not rich, but I had everything I need. I never experienced writing using charcoal and banana leaves. And that's just the point of this post. I was lucky enough, and these kids, until today, may still be using charcoal and banana leaves in their efforts to learn.
Since last month, after watching the said segment of Report Card, I have wanted to do something for them, but I do not know where to start. Yes, my organization, CDO Bloggers Inc. may have adopted Cadayunan Primary School in Besigan for our regular outreach and feeding, [and as a matter of fact, I have personally taken care of the loot bags for Cadayunan Primary School from sponsors to preparation, last December 2011,] but I wanna extend help for the Manobo Children in Surigao del Sur too. I may have given away my daughter's learning materials, bags, shoes and school stuff, but surely, there may be something we can do, though humble. I asked my mother about helping them, since she works at the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples in Region 10, and she told me that we can actually get in touch with NCIP - Surigao del Sur, if we need to send help for these children. I am thinking of school supplies: pencils so they will learn to write using pencils, and papers, so they will learn to write on them.
So that is it, the start of my campaign for help: School Supplies for Manobo Children. If given the chance to go and visit them, I will surely do so.. My friends and I from CDO Bloggers Inc. have reached Besigan, the farthest point of Cagayan de Oro City, on a garbage truck that hauls peoples to and fro. I do not see anything wrong or difficult with going to Surigao del Sur for this.. But of course, when I get hold of the mailing address of the teacher, Teacher Jenalyn Trinidad, volunteer teacher from the Tribal Filipino Program, the one in the video above, then I will perhaps send my humble gifts for the kids through her.. I just hope the good person from GMA 7, who I asked help from, will be able to give me the said details.
If you wish to help them too, do let me know. I will let you know the address when I have it. And I thank you in advance for your desire to help Manobo Children in their plight for Learning.
1 comment:
i really did not notice this when this was shown. just today. anyway, i wish to help. will PM you.
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