Lumad group backs protesting UP students

MANILA, Philippines — A community-based learning center for indigenous peoples in Mindanao have expressed support for protesting students of the University of the Philippines, saying UP students have already given their slots to lumads when students welcomed them in their campus during recent caravans to Metro Manila.

“To every UP student who walked out from their classes to join us in our struggles, we express our heartfelt gratitude to you,” the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (Alcadev) said in a statement.

“You have already given us your slots when you welcomed us in your campus so many times,” it added.

The lumad school issued the statement after President Duterte threatened to strip UP students of their right to study at the country’s premier state university and give their slots to bright lumad students.

In response, the Alcadev slammed Duterte for pitting the lumad against UP students who have been fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples.

“We believe our place in UP is never restricted by the limited slots this administration forces us to compete against, but by the hospitality and your open mind to welcome us and hear our stories,” the lumad school said.

It also criticized Duterte for his apparent doublespeak, noting his earlier threat to bomb lumad schools that supposedly serve as a training ground of communist rebels.

Lumad schools, including Alcadev, have denied the claim and urged the government to review their curriculum, which has yet to be approved by the Department of Education.

Students from Alcadev were among those who travelled to Metro Manila in recent years during the annual Lakbayan participated by thousands of lumads. 

The caravan was held to bring the issues faced by lumad communities, including continued militarization in their communities, close to the seat of government.

In a separate statement, the Save Our Schools Network – an organization advocating protection of schools from armed conflict – urged Duterte to walk his talk when it comes to supporting the lumad.

“If he really wants to give the lumads education, he should support the alternative school that they built. He should stop the attacks against the lumad schools and direct the military to leave their ancestral domain,” it said in Filipino.

Student protesters earlier shrugged off the President’s threat, saying they would continue to launch protests, including a national day of walkout, on Feb. 23.