Benguet, Philippines – Hailed as "Natatanging Lingkod Guro ng Bayan" 2023, a teacher from Benguet is asking his fellows in the field to integrate the rich Cordilleran culture in their lessons and curriculum.
Fidel B. Aguindang, a Master Teacher I of Cabiten National High School in Mankayan, Benguet, is among the national awardees recognized by the Philippine Arts and Culture Educators' Society (PACES) for his exemplary accomplishments in culture-based education, the Department of Education – Benguet announced.
The outstanding cultural educator implementer in the secondary level received the accolade during the awarding ceremony held on Sunday, August 20, in Baguio City.
“As a teacher-trainer in Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) at the regional and division level, Aguindang championed indigenization of lessons using culturally mapped tangible and intangible heritages as bases while taking into account the principles and perspectives of indigenous learning system,” said the education department in said province.
Likewise, he developed lesson exemplars with the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) incorporated in lessons in various learning areas such as Araling Panlipunan, and Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH), among others.
Aguindang further initiated fundraising for the establishment of an IKSP-based Heritage Center in Cabiten NHS. Through his move, the construction of the center was made possible in May 2023.
“The awardee also organized a cultural group in his school that caught national attention as among the top performers during the online national cultural competition in 2021,” added DepEd Benguet.
In his recent interview with a local media, Aguindang underscored the importance of IP education in preserving culture and heritage.
“Dagitoy kuman values nga madig-up tayo within diay community, isu ngay kuma iti usaren tayo met nga mangisuro kadagiay u-ubbing tayo tapnu dagitoy u-ubbing tayo kuma ket maisubli ngay diay values kuma dagiti lol-lolo ken lol-lola tayo,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Viernes Dumaguing of Sta. Marcela Elementary School in Apayao was also given recognition for garnering the same award at the elementary level.
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