Five congressmen from Cordillera region file a resolution condemning the erroneous portrayals of Igorots in text books, learning modules and instructional materials and directed the Department of Education to correct them all.
Representatives Allan Jesse C. Mangaoang of Kalinga, Eric Go Yap of Benguet, Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. of Mt. Province, Solomon R. Chungalao of Ifugao and Elias C. Bulut Jr. of Apayao directed DepEd to instruct the authors and publishers of these learning materials to withdraw them from circulation to stop the perpetuation of this misleading notion and to prevent further discrimination.
Further, in their resolution they want DepEd to thorough review of all textbooks, instructional materials and learning modules and correct any text which depict in a discriminatory way Igorots and Indigenous Peoples.
The resolution added that DepEd should help in creating awareness of the Indigenous Peoples’ identity and culture and be part of the system that correct the misleading notions on Ips rather than perpetuating and ignoring them.
Erroneous learning materials circulated in social media that provoked the ere of Cordillerans that prompted them to post their photos for the people to be educated about their physical appearance.
Earlier DepEd-CAR Director Cariňo, an Igorot herself, urgently called on the attention of the regions and schools division offices using such modules to make the necessary and urgent changes.
The DepEd official added that Cordillerans may contribute to the wrong concept and incorrect depiction of Igorots if they keep silent.
“I am an Igorot and proud of it and we need to respond to such issues and not keep mum about it,” Cariňo said.
She further called on all education stakeholders to help in creating awareness on indigenous peoples and to be part of the system that correct these learning materials not by bashing or ignoring it but by calling the attention of the basic education department through its proper channels like the DepEd Error Watch, the official Facebook Pages of DepEd, and even her Office directly. Joe M.
