SIAY, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development - Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (DSWD-KALAHI-CIDSS) recently turned over a new educational facility to a community predominantly composed of indigenous people from the Subanen tribe in Barangay Salinding in Siay town. 

The school holds special significance for Subanen students because it will provide education through the Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd) Program of Department of Education. This program respects the rights of indigenous peoples to education that reflects their culture, knowledge, and identity.

With sixty to seventy percent of residents in Salinding and nearby barangays being part of the Subanen Tribe, there is a clear need for educational programs tailored to indigenous communities.

Barangay chairperson Celedonio Besana conveyed his appreciation to DSWD-KALAHI-CIDSS for the project, underscoring transparency and community empowerment. 

“I truly appreciate KALAHI because of this project, which is beneficial for the people of Barangay Salinding. I also admire KALAHI’s transparency in implementing the program,” Besana said.

Maria Coleen Emoricha, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Zamboanga Sibugay, expressed appreciation for the assistance in alleviating the need for educational facilities. She highlighted the significance of the new school building in addressing the issue of temporary learning spaces for students.

“We are very appreciative to DSWD-KALAHI-CIDSS for giving us a 1-unit, 5-classroom integrated school building because it is no small task to obtain a school building for our community and it can address the issue of temporary learning spaces for students,” Emoricha said. 

The addition of this new facility also alleviates overcrowding and improves educational accessibility in a town where only five out of 29 barangays have secondary schools, with Siay National High School accommodating approximately 2,500 students.

The community welcomed the new school building as a blessing. Not only will it alleviate the financial burden of daily transportation for children, but it will also foster an environment conducive to learning. (KSA/EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)