THE Save Our School (SOS) Network, a non-government organization, called on Department of Education (Deped) Secretary Leonor Briones to grant recognition to Lumad schools in Mindanao.
SOS Network spokesperson Rius Valle told SunStar Davao that they cannot help but question Briones’ commitment to public service, especially with regards to the rights of lumad children to be educated and be protected from any risk.
"As far as we are concerned, pangunahing responsibilidad ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno na siguradohing maibigay ang mga batayang karapatan ng mga bata," Valle said.
Valle said Briones is no longer fit for public office if she continues to ignore the rights of the children, particularly the lumads. He added that being a secretary of a government agency requires accountability.
He said the Deped official should stand for the rights of the lumad children and recognize all the lumad schools in Mindanao.
Valle, in behalf of the members of their organization, urged the official to look into the status of the lumads, especially children, and address their concern which is the right to be educated and be protected.