Graphics and animation by David Castuciano
MANILA, Philippines – Lumad students have only one wish for the government: “stop the attacks on our schools.” (READ: Trauma haunts Lumad students after attacks on their community)
In 2019, the Department of Education ordered the closure of 55 Lumad schools, affecting almost 1,500 students.
A government fact-finding committee found that schools run by the Salugpongan Community Learning Center didn’t meet requirements. They were allegedly being used as training centers for the communist New People's Army.
Progressive lawmakers have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the closure of the Lumad schools.
Martial law in Mindanao was lifted on January 1, 2020. But this is no guarantee that the schools of indigenous children on the island will return to normalcy. – Rappler.com
“Schools under attack: Lumad children want to be back in classrooms” is part of Rappler’s CHAMPIONING THE CHILD 2020 series. Watch the other video explainers:
- WATCH: Bill ending child marriage inches forward in Congress
- WATCH: PH rising up from a year of outbreaks
- WATCH: Youth pushes PH anti-sexual harassment movement further
Listen to related podcasts on Making Space, Rappler’s podcast on gender, health, education, and everything in between: