Kalinga Declaration

Indigenous education founded on the lifeways, traditions, world view, culture and spirituality of the native community is a basic right of all indigenous people. It is a pathway of education that recognizes wisdom imbedded in indigenous knowledge.

Furthermore, indigenous education ensures that the curriculum for the study of science, history and society, culture and arts reflects and responds to the genuine welfare and development of indigenous people

To achieve this vision for culturally-responsive education for indigenous children and youth, the ACPC/Tent network together with indigenous communities unite to launch the School of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions (SÍKÄT).

The SÍKÄT school will develop students who take pride and with full faith in their culture and lifeways as indigenous people. Their learning destination is for the service and development of their communities and the protection and care of environment. Their knowledge will yield more trees and greener forests, preserve rivers and seas, protect mountains and valleys and revitalize the integrity and ecological health of Mother Earth.

Students of SÍKÄT are committed to promote the rights and welfare of Filipino indigenous communities. Their skills and craftsmanship in traditional arts mirror the wealth and integrity of the culture of their ancestors, parents and tribal kin. In being rooted in their own tribe and community, SÍKÄT students reach out to and face the national and global community with dignity and confidence.

Educators and workers of SÍKÄT schools are enlightened and are fully aware of the greatness of ancestral traditions, beliefs and wisdom. They are committed to guide their students so that they can better root themselves or revitalize their links with their traditions and communities.

The SÍKÄT school recognizes the role of community elders as custodians of indigenous wisdom. As major source of knowledge, their participation in the education of children and youth is regarded with utmost respect and importance.

The learning process of SÍKÄT is based on the principle that both educators and students learn and develop with and from each other. Learning is founded on experience and intellectual progress springs from the realities of the students'environment.

The native tongue is the primary medium of education. Books, literature, visuals and educational guides and tools are written, illustrated and contain the history, experiences, life cycles, beliefs and culture of the community as wellspring of knowledge.

The SÍKÄT school is owned by the community. Therefore, the vision of SÍKÄT will be realized and sustained with the support and participation of the community.

The Kalinga Declaration, its vision and objectives, herald the beginning of the end of centuries of neglect of Filipino indigenous people's right to community-responsive and culturally-appropriate education. The realization of this declaration will launch the movement of education that will bring to life learning pathways, culture, world view and pedagogy that is liberating, patriotic and genuinely indigenous.

With the guidance of the Great Creator, the spirit of this declaration will come to life and bear fruits within the larger community now and in the coming generations.

10 December l999
ACPC Theatre for the Environment Network
Third National Trainors'Training
Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga

Palab Cabalic,
Lakas-Alyansa ng Katutubong Ayta ng Sambales, Botolan, Zambales

Maria Todi Wanan, Helubong School for Living Traditions, Lake Sebu,
South Cotabato

Bae Lisa Saway,
Talaandig School for Living Traditions, Bukidnon

Cirilo Sapi Bawer,
ACPC/Tent Council of Elders, Lubuagan, Kalinga

Francisco Langkit,
ACPC/Tent Council of Elders, Tinglayan, Kalinga

Sr. Cora Sanchez,
Social Action Center, Diocese of Tabuk, Kalinga

Robinson Saclag,
Kalinga-Bodong Dance and Music Company, Lubuagan, Kalinga

Upu Majiling,
Pala'wan Tribe, Sumbiling, Palawan

Datu Maximo Gabao,
Bagobo-Guiangan Tribe, Calinan, Davao

Datu Abubakar Dawila,
ACPC/Tent Council of Elders, Sama Tribe of Tawi-Tawi

Sakinur Ain Delasas,
Tambuli Cultural Troup of Sama, Tausug and Badjao, Tawi-Tawi

Noel Macaiba,
St. Louis College, Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga

Purificacion Trinidad,
Center for Innovative Education, Tagum, Davao

Noel Garovillo,
Kahayag Community Dance and Theatre Company, South Cotabato

Roberto Nicolasora,
Education For Life Foundation, Quezon City

Nenita Pacilan,
DUNGOG, Cebu City

Lani Bayabos,
Teatro Pinta-Flores, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

Dan Razo,
CBTG-Bukawel Performing Arts, Sorsogon

Jun Redor,
KA-BANAHAW, Tayabas, Quezon

Raissa Trinidad,
UP Mindanao College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Davao City

Aries R. Clemeno,
Coordinator, ACPC Theatre for the Environment Network, Quezon City

Al Santos,
Programme Director, Asian Council for People's Culture

The first SÍKÄT school, designed as a tribal house, will be inaugurated in the Aeta community of Sitio Bihawo, Mambog, Botolan, Zambales on 26 April 2000.