Building a School for the Mangyans of Mindoro

In the far-flung village of Sitio Libasan, Oriental Mindoro, for the first time, Mangyan villagers of all ages would gather once a week to learn how to read and write. As the Mangyans integrate with lowland communities, the ability to read and write becomes more crucial. Being able to calculate the value of produce they sell, read contracts and letters, and write their names on official documents, is a step towards empowering the original inhabitants of the island.

With a history and culture of gentleness to their surroundings and shyness towards outsiders, the Mangyans have long wandered the mountains of Mindoro in an almost nomadic existence. But some, are once again dreaming of settling down in one place, and creating strong and fruitful communities, like their ancestors that came before.

A government program known as ALS (Alternative Learning System), have started conducting weekly classes in Sitio Libasan. As the news of the class travel to the surrounding communities, almost a hundred Mangyans came to sign up. With ages that range from 6 to 50 years old, the eagerness to learn is evident. The mangyan students themselves, have constructed a makeshift classroom to accommodate the large number of students. This is where your donations and assistance can be greatly beneficial.

Constructing a permanent school building in this community would provide a comfortable place for the students to learn for years to come. A concrete school building would also be used as a meeting hall, chapel, and evacuation shelter during Typhoons. With enough funds, a well and water system can also be created to improve the health and hygiene of the community.

For more information, please contact us through the following lines:

Vic Ryan Julius Ong

Permaculturist, Hiraya Farms

+63917 306 5473

[email protected]