The academic year is coming to a close. As for Save Our School’s (SOS) Bakwit School at the University of the Philippines Diliman, it’s time for young Lumads’ Moving Up Ceremony—and they need your help.
SOS posted this announcement on its Facebook page. In their post, they reached out to teachers who are open to volunteer for this historic occasion. “Students from Grade 7 to 12 will be recognized for their hard work and struggle for education. Join us in this celebration of the Lumad people’s victory!”
Around six months ago, The Department of Education (DepEd) suspended 55 Lumad schools in Davao. This was because of the National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., accusing the schools of teaching “left-leaning” ideologies to Lumad children. Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat described this as “unjust and a denial of Lumad children’s right to education.” During this time, even President Duterte threatened to bomb these schools.
The Moving Up Ceremony is more than just a graduation. Like what SOS said in their post, this is a celebration of the Lumad people’s victory. So why not support these young indigenous peoples trying to exercise their right to be educated?
Read more: The Lumad youth just want to go home, but violence won’t let them
It’s an all hands on deck situation. If by any chance you’re an educator or if you know someone who is, let’s help and celebrate these young Lumads for exercising their right to study in a state that threatens them constantly.
Photo courtesy of Save Our Schools
