Accompanied by the tribal chieftain of another IP barangay, I set out at 6 a.m. As we walked the rugged terrain, I wonder as to how the people manage to face the difficulty of traversing mountains on foot for hours. We arrived at the community at 9:30 a.m. The area is very prone to landslide.They wake up at 12 to 2a.m. and walked at the mountains if they want to catch the jeepney bound for town at 5 a.m. on the next barangay.
As we were traveling a group of young IP kids passed by and when we asked them as to where they've come from, we were told that they were traveling home from school. One has to walked the path carved on the side of the mountains. One can ride a motorbike but it is very expensive and yes, very dangerous. Some areas couldn't be passed by two persons. It becomes more dangerous on rainy days as children walk their way to school.
They have a school in the community. I was later told by the head teacher that they are processing their papers so as to officially become an elementary school. Currently, they are in need of school supplies and books for children as reading materials. I am currently accepting donations of school supplies (bags, papers,erasers,crayons and notebooks) as well as slippers (for school age children 5-13 yrs.old). Donations of children's books are greatly appreciated. (Authored by Filipino authors if possible.)
These donations will be coursed through the local government of Tubungan to the tribal elder and head teacher in the community. It will be distributed to the IP area of Igpaho. At the end of the month, these donations will be distributed to the IP students).
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| I asked them if we're near enough. "Not yet". |
Next in line, to organize an IP youth organization.
