CCES turns over MIPES to DepED
The Center for Community Extension Services, through its Indigenous Peoples’ Education Program, had the soft turn over of the Monte Central Indigenous Peoples Elementary School (MIPES) to the Department of Education on March 20, 2015 at Sitio Monte Central Barangay Patalon Zamboanga City.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Education Program is a 4-year partnership with the Assisi Development Foundation. The goal of the turnover ceremony was to initially hand-over the responsibility of sustaining the Monte Central Indigenous Peoples’ Elementary School to the Department of Education. The program’s completion has been a result of the hard work among parents and partners through the help of other stakeholders.
The school policy and indigenous learning materials formulated by CCES with the community served as the symbol for the transition during the formal ceremony. Ms Loreta Sta Teresa, CCES Director, and Ms Jeraldine Ustalan, President of the Local Education Council, represented the community during the turnover of responsibility to DepEd, represented by OIC- Schools Division Superintendent, Mr Pedro Melchor M. Natividad, CSEE. Also present during the event were DepEd District 1 Supervisor, Mr Eduardo Ibañez, IPED Coordinator, Eulalyn Fernandez, and Brgy. Council of Patalon representative Mr. Aripin Arasani.
In his speech, Mr Natividad accepted the full responsibility of sustaining and maintaining the program initiated by the Ateneo, and I quote “we are so thankful that the Ateneo lead us the way to you, they opened for us, the first IP school in Zamboanga City”. He assured all stakeholders present that DepEd would ensure the development of MIPES in accordance with the culture and traditions of the Subanon.”
“To the students, you should study hard and aim to finish your studies. Remember, It’s not about the clothes or the slippers you wear; it’s about what you acquire in school that would make you a better child/person. You are the hope of tomorrow. Education is the only way to alleviate yourself and your family, and the key to have a brighter tomorrow” he added.
There will be another turnover activity on the last week of April. The MIPES will also be turned over to the community managed by the Monte Central Subanon Education Council (MSEC), the Local School Board headed by the Zamboanga Division School, the City Mayor, and to DepEd as independent party. Together with the turnover is the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the four (6) parties. The MOA signing will be witnessed by the National DepEd- IPED Coordinator, Assisi Development Foundation, Zamboanga Ecozone and NCIP.
