ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of Tubungan town remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of its Indigenous Peoples (IP) and advancing educational development.
In collaboration with the Department of Education, the LGU has expanded its Schools of Living Tradition (SLT) with the inauguration of three additional schools in the town.
Municipal IP Focal Person and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Head Emelyn Tano said the inauguration of the SLTs at Victoria Integrated School (VIS) and Bato Elementary School (BES), and Igdampog Elementary School (IES) located in their respective villages, marked the fourth of five planned SLTs in the municipality.
The first SLT was established in the village of Igpaho in 2023, benefiting the Igpaho Cultural Community.
Tano emphasized that this initiative is crucial in safeguarding traditional knowledge, including music, dance, arts, crafts, and indigenous livelihoods.
The IP Schools of Living Tradition provide a venue for integrating these cultural practices into the educational framework, ensuring that younger generations inherit and sustain these essential traditions which not only promotes cultural preservation but also equips the IP community with valuable skills for the future.
“The crucial role and support of the LGU are instrumental in ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed down to younger generations, fostering a sense of identity and pride among the IP community,” said Tano.
She added that by preserving cultural heritage and empowering Indigenous communities, the SLT program also contributes to peace-building efforts and the holistic peace and development of the community, aligning with the Philippine government’s “Whole-of-Nation” approach.
The establishment of the SLT also addresses concerns raised during the Community Support Program (CSP) in 2023, which has since been integrated into the Military Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) of the 61st Infantry Brigade. (AAL/LAF/PIA6/Iloilo)
