UNESCO continued its review with Fr Pedro Walpole (PHI) of the teaching through Pulangiyen, a mother tongue based curriculum at Apu Palamugwan Cultural Education Center (APC) near the Bukidnon/Agusan province boundary in Mindanao, Philippines. Working from the indigenous culture that is seeking ancestral recognition of rights from the government, the relationship of education and the land has become increasingly important. The approach has come under scrutiny since the passing of new educational policy on multi lingual education (MLE) and the need for working examples. The graduates continue down the valley to go to the parochial school of Fr. Bogs Tapidor (PHI) in Zamboangita and show the continuing value of the program.

October is the month for lawaan (dipterocarpacae spp) trees to bear thousands of mature seeds. The children had already identified the mother trees standing out deep red in the green canopy of the forest in July. In the morning before classes start, Fr Pedro would go with a group to collect and bag the seeds. The beautiful winged seeds easily germinate. Several thousands are already growing by the end of the month to regenerate the forest boundary.

Contributor: Fr Pedro Walpole