The Department of Education (DepEd) is encouraging schools nationwide to observe National Indigenous Peoples (IP) month in October and teach students respect for human rights and cultural diversity.
In a memorandum, Education Secretary Leonor Briones instructed all department offices and schools to hold activities from Oct. 1 to 31 that promote awareness and appreciation of the indigenous peoples’ heritage and history.
She noted that they form an integral part of the country’s heritage and history but are “often neglected.” Presidential Decree 1906 declares every October National Indigenous Peoples Month based on the constitutional mandate of recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous cultural communities geared towards national unity and development.
This year’s theme is “Matatag na Ugnayang DepEd at Katutubong Pamayanan, Saligan ng Makahulugang Katutubong Edukasyon.”