Lumads in the Municipality of Talaingod are a step away from realizing their dreams of a better tomorrow.

The Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) will be opening its extension campus in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod on September 26, 2016, after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-XI approved its initial class offering Diploma in Agriculture Technology.

The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte initiated the plan to give the indigenous people community a better access to higher education necessary to improve their living condition.

CHED-XI Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., after the assessment visit at the school site yesterday declared that the extension campus is now eligible to hold classes. However, he stressed the need for two additional classrooms to meet the CHED’s minimum requirement. He asked the local government to construct new classrooms to comply with the requisite.

“What we are doing is to help provide access to quality tertiary education sa atoang mga lumad diri sa Talaingod. The provincial government together with the LGU, DNSC and other support agencies have manifested their intent to really help para makick-off ni siya [What we are doing is to help provide access to quality tertiary education to our Lumads here in Talaingod. The Provincial Government together with the LGU, DNSC and other support agencies have manifested their intent to really help this kick-off]”, Alvarez bared.

Dir. Alvarez thanked Gov. Anthony del Rosario for pushing this academic endeavour benefiting the lumads. The official also recognized the former Congressman for passing House Bill No. 2698 for the preservation of Ata-Manobo culture thru the establishment of the Talaingod Cultural Village. The measure is now under deliberation in Congress.

“Naay provision of a bigger and a better facility together with the provincial government through the Hon. Anthony del Rosario, who was in the first place very instrumental for making this a reality together with Mayor (Basilio Libayao) [There is a provision of a bigger and better facility together with the provincial government through the Hon. Anthony del Rosario, who was in the first place very instrumental for making this a reality together with Mayor (Basilio Libayao)]”, he added.

Some 40 Lumad youth signified their intent to enroll and build a better and productive Talaingod.

“Kinahanglan namo nga naa nay college dri aron dili name maka-adto sa layo tungod kay naglisud mi sa among transportasyon. Kadaghanan sa among nga lumad dri maka-human (gyud unta) mi tanan dili lang para sa among pamilya kundili para sa uban nga mga kabataan nga nanginahanglan pud ug edukasyon [We really need a college so we don't have to travel long distance as we have challenges in transportation. Most of us (hope) to finish school not only for our families but also for the other youth who needs education]”, Sonnyboy Salanggoy, one of the 40 students pronounced.

These IP students will be given free scholarship under the Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation for the duration of two years. 

The provincial government has promised one more instructional classroom. But since an additional room is yet to be constructed, laboratory courses will be taught in DNSC main campus in Panabo City. These lab classes will take place in October when all regular students at the main campus are on semestral break.

DavNor News