IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – An indigenous people’s school in Barangay Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon has inaugurated a food sufficiency project for its 187 students.
The Luyungan High School last Thursday launched the food sufficiency project in collaboration with the Philippine Army and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd)-Division of Malaybalay City and the Bukidnon Lateral Organized Development (Buklod), an organization of business companies in Bukidnon.
The project, which has five-hectare abaca, dragon fruit, and adlai grain plantations, was established to sustain the educational and other requirements of the students of the IP high school.
The students from the seven tribes in Bukidnon were overwhelmed when different representatives from business companies, Philippine Army, DepEd representatives, and media personalities, came in to help in the mass planting of abaca, dragon fruit and adlai grain.
The project is expected to produce PHP500,000 worth of harvest that will enable the school to sustain its services to the IP students.
Mailyn Lagwas, president of Student Supreme Council of Luyungan High School, said the project will erase impression among the mainstream society that IPs like her are only known for mendicancy.
"It's painful that we are called beggars, but because of our needs, we are forced to do it," she said in vernacular.
Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr., commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), personally joined the launching and said their battalion will continue to live up to their creed and will do their best to help especially the students.
“In line with our “Peaceful War” campaign, we, together with our peace and development partners, will continue to assist in the delivery of basic services and other interventions to those who need them most," he said.
Col. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, also assured that the military will support the project of the Luyungan High School.
“This project is very important, rest assured that we will continue to offer our full support and assistance to the Luyungan IP High School to sustain their basic and primary necessity so that in the long run, these students can focus with their studies and become the best leader and good example in the near future,” Barandon said. (PNA)
