APC highlights culture-based learning in DepEd Region 10’s IPED Convergence visit, receives plaque of recognition

APC welcomed school division officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 10 on 23 September 2025 as part of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Education Regional Convergence hosted by the Malaybalay City Division, receiving a Plaque of Recognition from DepEd Region 10 for its continuing commitment to indigenous education.

Teachers, students, and staff shared APC’s practices in the implementation of Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd), highlighting how learning is rooted in culture, language, and care for the land. For the community, the DepEd visit was a chance to share the story of how culture, land, and learning continue to shape the lives of their children.

DepEd Region 10 held its First IPEd Convergence with national agencies, LGUs, and partner institutions on 22 to 24 September 2025 at Luyungan Rural Farm School in Malaybalay City and visited APC on the second day. This first IPEd convergence intended to serve as a platform to harmonize efforts and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples to culture-based and responsive basic education. The activity also brought together representatives from national government agencies, local government units, and partner institutions to align support services for learners, teachers, and IP communities.

The DepEd visit began with a ritual led by Datu Nestor Menaling, Bendum’s Tribal Chieftain. As prayers were spoken, guests joined the community in asking for a meaningful day of listening and learning. The DepEd delegation, led by Malaybalay City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cherry Mae Limbaco-Reyes, was welcomed by APC teachers and students eager to share their experiences.

Maura Lipanda, APC School Manager, recalled how the school began simply as a dream with families wanting their children to learn without losing the language, culture, and identity that define them as Pulangiyēn.

Teacher and Student Formation Coordinator Mercy Pakiwag shared how APC’s cultural education helps children understand not just academic lessons but also the stories, rituals, and forest relationships that strengthen their cultural identity.

Corazon Almahan, an APC graduate who is now a teacher spoke about her journey, starting as a young learner in Bendum to returning as an educator and helping guide the next generation along the same forest paths she once walked as a student.

Bridgit Ann Cuevas-Garcia, Coordinator of the APC–Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) Community Learning Center, talked about APC’s commitment to bring opportunities closer to the margins. Through APC’s partnership with JWL, students and community members can access higher education without leaving their community and within their gaup. The sharing on contextualized curriculum also highlighted how APC weaves cultural identity into the learning process from Kinder to Grade 12.

The visit ended with DepEd Region 10 presenting APC with a Plaque of Recognition that acknowledges the school’s steadfast support for Indigenous Peoples Education and affirms APC’s contribution to culture-based learning, hopefully not just for the region but for indigenous communities across the country.

Photo above: APC receives a Plaque of Recognition from DepEd Region 10 officials in acknowledgment of its contribution to Indigenous Peoples Education.