CALAPAN CITY Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA has launched a collaborative initiative with the provincial government to bolster literacy and numeracy among the indigenous people (IPs) of the province.

The Government Internship Program (GIP) is now playing a pivotal role in the province’s Zero Illiteracy and Innumeracy Program (ZIIP).

GIP aims to provide vital work experience and skills development to unemployed youth. However, in this particular collaboration; aptly named GIP for IPs, the program's focus is to engage college and senior high school graduates from indigenous communities.

Under the GIP, qualified Indigenous People (IP) graduates are recruited as educators to return to their communities and provide foundational education in reading and writing. This initiative not only aims to reduce illiteracy rates but also ensures that learning is culturally relevant and accessible.

One of the IP student beneficiaries, Alina Habid, a member of the Tadyawan Mangyan tribe, shared her experience.

“Masaya pa lang matutong bumasa at sumulat. Dati-rati ako ay nahihiyang pumasok sa paaralan dahil ako ay lampas na sa edad ng gradong papasukan ko. Pero ngayon nagkalakas na ako ng loob na pumasok sapagkat mayroon na akong panimulang kaalaman bago pumasok,” said Habid.

[It is now that I only realize that it is fun to learn how to read and write. Before, I was ashamed to go to school because of my age. But now, I have the courage to enter school, because somehow, I am now equipped with the basic skills to pursue my studies.]

The ZIIP, initiated by the Provincial Government, targets zero illiteracy and innumeracy among all residents, with a special focus on the marginalized sectors, including the indigenous populations. The collaboration with GIP has provided a sustainable model that other regions are now looking to replicate. (JJGS/PIA Oriental Mindoro)