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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
In a committed step towards advancing education and community development in the Mangyan community in Mindoro, the Education Department of De La Salle Lipa (DLSL)'s College of Education, Arts, and Sciences has strengthened its long-term partnership with Paaralang Mangyan na Aangkop sa Kulturang Aalagaan (PAMANA Ka) with its renewed collaboration with PAMANA Ka School Inc. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last November 20-22, 2024, aims to continue bringing transformative changes to the PAMANA Ka School in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Facilitated by DLSL’s Community Involvement Office since 2019, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting education that respects cultural heritage and uplifts Indigenous communities. The MOA establishes a comprehensive framework of support to empower PAMANA Ka School’s educators, students, and the larger Mangyan community. PAMANA KA supports students from all the seven (7) tribes of Occidental Mindoro – Hanunuo, Gubatnon, Rataganon, Buhid, Taobuid, Alangan, and Iraya. Situated in the hinterlands amidst a Mangyan settlement, it makes education accessible to children who never had opportunity to go school because of a terrain that renders them distant from all the other schools in town. DLSL delivers targeted training, workshops, and seminars for PAMANA Ka School’s teachers, focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy, inclusive education, and innovative teaching strategies. Eleven (11) DLSL volunteer teachers are showing their dedication in mentoring the 13 PAMANA KA teachers for 5 subjects in focus per year (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Computer). The partnership program aims to equip the PAMANA KA teachers with the teaching skills and competencies needed to deliver high-quality and culturally attuned instruction that will enhance the learning experience of the Mangyan students in the hope that it can improve their academic performance and personhood.
Central to the partnership is curriculum development support. DLSL collaborates with PAMANA Ka School to align its curriculum with DepEd standards while preserving the cultural values of the Mangyan people. In addition, DLSL will provide educational materials, books, and technology — including two laptops donated by the Council of Student Organizations (CSO). These laptops, purchased using funds raised from the Echoes Concert during the Foundation Week Celebration, reflect the collective efforts of the DLSL community to bridge educational gaps and foster digital literacy. The MOA emphasizes outreach and community engagement programs, including leadership training, community-building activities, and student-focused initiatives. These efforts aim to inspire Mangyan youth to take pride in their heritage while striving for academic excellence. As part of this collaboration, Lasallian Partner and registered nurse Julio Emmanuel Goce conducted a First Aid Training for selected students, reinforcing the partnership’s holistic approach. To ensure the success and longevity of the programs, DLSL and PAMANA Ka School conducts regular monitoring and evaluation. During the MOA signing visit, Education Department Program Chairperson Dr. Noriel C. Navita and Education Department Faculty Dr. Alicia Botardo conducted needs assessment to develop a Professional Development Plan for teachers and a Strategic Development Plan for the school. This partnership addresses immediate educational needs and lays the foundation for sustainable development, empowering the Mangyan community to thrive while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The visit culminated with a heartfelt community song entitled “Kaming mga Mangyan”, a moving tribute to the Mangyan people’s heritage, identity, and aspirations for the future. This poignant moment captured the essence of the partnership: a shared vision of empowering communities while preserving cultural roots.
De La Salle Lipa’s commitment to community engagement goes beyond this partnership. Recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a top institution for community engagement among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in CALABARZON, DLSL continues to lead impactful programs that uplift and inspire. The partnership has likewise been internationally recognized with DLSL receiving the International Green Gown Award (Small Organization) for Benefitting the Society Category in 2021 for this collaboration. This ongoing partnership with the PAMANA KA School is another testament to the institution’s dedication to fostering inclusive, transformative, and sustainable development for all.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
