Gov. Edduba vows continued support for IPED, teachers; says Kalinga children deserve education without losing identity

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthen Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) and support teachers, stressing that children should not have to give up their cultural identity to succeed in school.

Edduba delivered the message through his representative, Mr. Elbert Gayyaman, during the IPED Month Kick-Off and Teachers’ Month Culmination at Awichon Village here on October 3.

“IPED reminds us that education must not require our children to leave their identity behind in order to succeed... Instead, education should help our children understand, appreciate, and take pride in who they are and where they come from,” Edduba said.

He undesrcored that the provincial government and the Department of Education (DepEd) must continue working together to provide Kalinga children opportunities to “learn, grow, dream, and contribute to our province.”

Edduba also thanked teachers and IPED stakeholders for preserving Kalinga’s indigenous knowledge, traditions, languages, customs and values.

“Our indigenous knowledge must be respected. Our elders must be heard. Our culture must be valued,” he said.

He recognized teachers as bridges between generations, connecting learners to the wisdom of their ancestors while preparing them for modern education and technology.

“No child should have to choose between education and identity because our children deserve both,” Edduba said.

The governor likewise expressed gratitude to teachers for their sacrifices, particularly those serving communities where reaching classrooms remains a challenge, and recognized the contribution of non-teaching and support personnel.

The celebration was attended by Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buyao, teachers and education personnel, parents, education advocates, and municipal and barangay officials.

The activity was held as part of the observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Teachers’ Month, highlighting the preservation of Indigenous culture and the vital role of teachers in shaping Kalinga learners.