STRAIGHT FROM THE BIG CITY

Ike ‘Ka Iking’ Seneres
Distance learning and indigenous peoples

MANILA -- It is interesting to know that Australia is using radio as a tool for distance learning, to reach out to remote locations that could not even be reached by the internet. Here in the Philippines, radio is hardly used for distance learning, and the use of the internet for this purpose is just barely starting.

The Department of Education is reportedly planning to put up a broadband network supposedly to be used for distance learning. While that may be a noble purpose, perhaps it should consider more affordable options such as radio. Datu Didilusan Arroyo, the Supreme Datu of the Talaandig Tribe in Mindanao has started a project that merits the support of international development organizations. Now in its startup stage, the Rizal Internet Based Distance Education System aims to reach out to the members of his tribe that are spread out all over Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Agusan Del Norte. Together with former Assemblyman Ric Abian and with international chef Abdulatif “Tato” Sangcupan, Datu Didilusan is also going to offer online courses in basic Halal cuisine, in cooperation with a Halal school that was pioneered by Ric and Tato. The latter just returned from a long stint in Saudi Arabia after working there as a chef for the Saudi royal houses.

Mark Mazzarella, an American resident of Angeles City has a project that the American Thomasites would be proud of. Mark has founded Mabuhay Learning, an online school that will enable all Filipinos to get a high school diploma if they don’t have it yet. He is now looking for non-profit organizations who could partner with him in putting up learning centers nationwide.

Unlike Datu Didilusan who is using Pyton freeware for his online school, Mark has developed his own online learning software that is close to being free, but has the advantages of more functional features, continuing upgrades and guaranteed technical support. Knowing Mark, I am sure that he would also want to include the indigenous peoples in his project.

Lawyer Fortunato Fermin “Jun” Viray, an accomplished trial lawyer based in Manila, has found another worthy cause aside from giving free legal assistance to indigent clients. He is now helping Aeta families in putting up their own livelihood by planting mango trees. While doing this, he found out that many among this indigenous tribe do not have social security. A long time friend, Jun has asked me to find ways to deliver this basic service to the Aetas.

Jun and his partner Zenaida “Ida” Galdiano are helping the Aetas in Zambales so that they benefit from their ancestral domains. They are among the founders of the Mining Association of the Philippines, a group that is helping independent miners including the Aetas who have gone into small scale mining. Going back to my friend Ric, he is actually an Ilocano who became a Mindanaoan by circumstance, and eventually converted to the Moslem faith. Perhaps out of his love for the people of Mindanao , he is now helping the indigenous tribes there in developing their ancestral domains, so that they could directly benefit from it, instead of being exploited by outsiders. The Talaandig tribe is only one of the many tribes that he is helping.

It must be my good fortune that gives me friends that actively helping our indigenous tribes. Another friend, Atty. Mel Sagado is also helping the Higaonon tribe in the Misamis provinces to directly benefit from their ancestral domains. Putting together the work of Ric, Jun, Ida and Mel, I could see a good future ahead for our indigenous peoples.

In my conversations with Datu Didilusan and Ric, we have come up with plans to develop model communities in the ancestral domains of the Talaandig Tribe, where all households would have access to all basic needs. Ida also wants to do this in Zambales, and Mel also in Misamis.

Working with a group of experts, we are now putting our minds together, in an attempt to make this work. The online learning school project is only just a start, because a community has many other needs. Can anyone help? Email iseneres@yahoo.com or text me at +639293605140. Watch my TV show “KA IKING LIVE” every Friday from 930 to 1030 PM in Destiny Cable Channel 3. Form your own Inter Charity Circle and build our Nation. Tune in to “KAPIT-BAYAN” in DWIZ 882 KHZ 5 to 6 PM Mon to Fri.