JCI Manila turns over IP Learning Center

TO PROVIDE a conducive learning environment for the Bagobo Tagabawa community, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila in collaboration with JCI Davaoeña Daba Daba, turned over on July 5, 2023 their Schools for Peace – Davao project to the Bagobo Tagabawa Indigenous Peoples (IP) Community situated in Daliaon Plantation, Toril, Davao City.

The inaugurated project is a 150-square-meter Bagobo Tagabawa IP Learning Center, comprising of two classrooms, at the Quezon Elementary School. The school currently has 327 enrolled students, 105 of which are IP learners.

JCI Manila said they chose the community as it lacks venue for learning where elders can share their heritage and traditions to the younger generation. They believe it can be sustainable as the tribe has its own IP module about their language, history, and culture.

The inauguration was headed by JCI Manila President Eric C. Ke; JCI Davaoeña Daba Daba President Rachel Laureen de Leon; Davao City 3rd District Councilor Sweet Advincula; and Quezon Elementary School Head Ms. Rodelia G. Blando. Also in attendance were the Schools for Peace Davao Committee headed by JCI Manila Youth Development Director Shih-Hao Hsu and Project Chairman Peter Espiritu. The event was also graced by the Department of Education 11, Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and barangay officials.

The construction of the Learning Center was made possible thru JCI Manila’s partners and sponsors. The project’s primary sponsor, Myriam Tan Te Seng and her family were also present during the inauguration. To recognize the generosity and support of the Te Seng Family, the Learning Center will be named: “JCI Manila Pat Te Seng Learning Center”.

In a speech, Advincula emphasized that the project will bring positive impact to the IP community.

“In behalf of the City Government of Davao, thank you so much for choosing Barangay Daliaon Quezon Elementary School. This project School for Peace will surely leave a big impact in this community in preserving their culture and traditions,” Advincula said.

Aside from the learning center, JCI Manila is also planning to build a mobile library in the same community.

JCI, as a global non-profit organization, has a lot of project and programs that revolves about community development, leadership and skills training, business opportunity, and many more. JCI envisions in empowering the young people to make a positive impact in their communities.