SSC Welcomes Lumad Bakwit With Open Arms

By:  Renee Bamba

 

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Morning of October 12, 2018, the Lumad Bakwit School delegates arrived at the Subiaco Archives for their week-long stay with the St. Scholastica’s College Community (SSC) community, where they were welcomed at the Plaza Moriones. Together with the students, everyone chanted, “Stop Lumad killings! Save our schools!” Their visit was led by the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network.

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The Lumad had the chance to tell their story during the gathering of the SSC Community with them at St. Cecilia’s Function Hall A, where they even prepared a skit for them to show how their people were killed ruthlessly back in Mindanao, their homeland. One of the leaders named Armando said that the people don’t get enough information about them on television, so one of their missions is to spread awareness about the different threats and killings in Mindanao.

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SSC prepared a schedule of activities all throughout their stay. These activities included workshops with the students, lunch and forum, cultural night, library and Subiaco tour, and joining the school during their morning praise.

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During their forum with the Mass Communication department, they elaborated their situation in Mindanao and told stories that were not broadcasted nationwide, like how one of Armando’s fellow teacher was killed by a soldier and planted a gun on the dead body. The students then interviewed them after the forum. A young girl named Chricelyn said , "Kaya kami lumalaban kasi may mali. Kung hindi kami magsasalita, edi sino nalang?" when asked why they travelled to Manila from Mindanao. They shared their resentment towards the government denying them of their education, how their teachers were killed in fear of them teaching the young ones to fight the system.

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October 18, 2018 was their last day with the Benedictine Sisters, faculty, students, and administration of SSC. The Lumad Bakwit left with tokens given by the community, giving them smiles on their faces as they continue their journey to fight for their rights and freedom.

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ORAcle™, MARCH 2019

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