Cordilleran lawmakers pass resolution against learning modules degrading Igorots

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After circulation of learning materials containing erroneous information and derogatory portrayals of Igorots went viral online, several Cordillera lawmakers passed House Resolution No. 1552 condemning said degrading depictions.

The resolution likewise directed the Department of Education to conduct a thorough review of said materials, rectify any text depicting discriminatory remarks to the aforementioned IP group and instruct authors and publishers of said materials to withdraw them from circulation to stop ‘perpetuation of this misleading notion and to prevent further discrimination’.

Cong. Allen Jesse Mangaoang (Kalinga), Maximo Dalog (Mt. Province), Eric Yap (Benguet), Solomon Chungalao (Ifugao) and Elias Bulut Jr. (Apayao) cited Section 31 of RA. 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Right Act (IPRA) of 1997 as the basis in the passage of said resolution.

Part of section 31 states that “the State shall endeavour to have the dignity and diversity of the cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations of the ICCs/IPs appropriately reflected in all forms of education, public information and cultural-educational exchange. Consequently, the State shall take effective measures, in consultation with ICCs/IPs concerned, to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among ICCs/IPs and all segments of society.”

It could be recalled that a certain module posted online received criticisms from the Igorots due to discriminatroy portrayals and descriptions of said group.

Some contents posted online:

“Hindi ako makikipaglaro sa aking kaklase na Igorot dahil iba ang kanyang pananamit."

“Nakita mong tinutukso ng kaklase mo ang isang batang Igorot dahil sa kanyang anyo.”

Igorots, in retaliation, questioned DepEd and asked for an explanation regarding the learning module.

In the resolution it said the incorrect pieces of information spreading on social media make Igorots continue to suffer discrimination and if not corrected immediately, the erroneous notion regarding Igorots will be perpetuated.