IPED and Teachers’ Month Kick-off for Kalinga celebrated in Awichon Village, Lubuagan

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — Educators, parents, local officials and advocates for Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) gathered at Awichon Village here on October 3 for the celebration of IPED Day, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive education and the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of Kalinga learners.

Representing Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba during the celebration was Mr. Albert Gayyaman, who conveyed the provincial government's continued support for teachers and Indigenous Peoples education.

Gayyaman conveyed the governor's appreciation for educators across Kalinga for their continued efforts to provide quality education and help prepare children to become successful, capable and productive members of their communities.

In his message, Edduba emphasized the importance of supporting teachers and education personnel, noting that the future of the province depends on the quality of education provided to its children.

“We recognize that investing in education is investing in the future of Kalinga. Our children cannot receive the quality education they deserve without teachers and education personnel who are adequately supported,” Edduba through his representative said.

He also underscored the need for continued partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Education in addressing challenges and improving education in the province.

“The Provincial Government and DepEd must continue to work as partners because we share one fundamental objective: to give every Kalinga child the opportunity to learn, grow, dream, and contribute to our province,” he said.

The governor likewise highlighted the importance of preserving the cultural identity of Indigenous learners through education, stressing that children should not have to abandon their heritage to succeed in school.

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

He expressed appreciation to IPED teachers, coordinators, school heads, Indigenous Peoples representatives, elders and other stakeholders involved in implementing IPED programs.

Edduba also recognized the sacrifices of teachers, saying their work goes beyond classroom instruction.

“Teaching is not simply a profession but a commitment to a child, to a family, and to the future of our province,” he said.

He added that every achievement of a learner is often made possible by the dedication of a teacher.

“Every time a child learns to read, discovers a talent, gains confidence, or begins to dream about a better future, there is a teacher behind that transformation,” Edduba said.

The governor also emphasized the role of teachers as bridges between generations, helping young people connect with the wisdom of their ancestors while preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.

He stressed that children should be able to embrace modern education and technology while remaining proud of their Kalinga identity.

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

The celebration was attended by Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buyao of the Kalinga Schools Division Office, teachers and other education personnel, parents, education advocates, and officials from the municipal and barangay governments.

The activity was held in connection with the observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month and National Teachers’ Month, both of which highlight the importance of education and the contributions of teachers and Indigenous communities.

October is officially observed as National Indigenous Peoples Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, which calls for the recognition and preservation of Indigenous Peoples’ cultural communities and their participation in national life.

Meanwhile, National Teachers’ Month is observed from September 5 to October 5 under Presidential Proclamation No. 242, with October 5 also observed as World Teachers’ Day and National Teachers’ Day.

The integrated celebration provided an opportunity to recognize the contribution of teachers and the importance of strengthening education that respects and incorporates Indigenous cultures, knowledge and practices.

Through the governor’s message, the provincial government also recognized the dedication and sacrifices of teachers and other education stakeholders in helping Kalinga children develop the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

The celebration in Awichon Village brought together the education sector, parents, local government officials and community stakeholders in highlighting education as an important avenue for preserving Indigenous identity while preparing learners for future opportunities.