Davao Occidental Celebrates Indigenous People Education Summit 2018 and Panaghiusa Festival

Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, officially the Municipality of Sta. Maria, the 2nd class municipality in the province of Davao Occidental, held an annual gathering of the Indigenous People last October 16, 2018, as stipulated in Republic Act 8371 Section 2 that the states shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and institutions.

The program aim to showcase "Katawhang Lumad" or the Indigenous People, recognizing the right to basic education that is culturally rooted and responsive help them engage with other tribes in localizing, indigenizing, and enhancing the K to 12 Curriculum based on their respective educational and social contexts leading to sustainable community engagement which guarantees the meaningful participation of indigenous communities.

Division of Davao Occidental urges the strengthening of the IP Education and developing and implementing an IP Education Programs like IPEd SUMMIT and PANAGHIUSA FESTIVAL. With 300 delegates coming from 10 districts of Davao Occidental supporting each other the right-based approach, which gives primary importance to the principles of participation, inclusion and empowerment.

Here, each tribe had its booth exhibit showcasing their products like basket, mat, beads and food.

Performing different skills and talents like dancing, singing, weaving, beads making, cooking food in a traditional way, games etc., 

Only advocacy is to preserve the vanishing IP way of life, promoting the IP's culture and traditions, expanding the IP's access to education and creating a network of community-based groups.