MORE than 170 educators, students, and advocates gathered at the Mindanao Educators Conference on Jan. 30 at Holy Cross of Davao College to denounce the conviction of the ‘Talaingod 13’ and demand justice for Indigenous education.
The Talaingod 13 — educators and advocates who sheltered Indigenous Lumad children from militarization — were sentenced to six years in prison on what supporters call fabricated charges.
Their arrest stemmed from efforts to provide education to displaced Lumad students, whose community-run schools were forcibly closed in recent years.
Calls for justice and education rights
Conference attendees condemned the criminalization of educators and renewed calls to:
Reverse the conviction of the Talaingod 13.
Reopen Lumad schools, asserting education as a fundamental right.
End the militarization of Indigenous communities.
Protect educators and human rights defenders from persecution.
“Education should liberate, not oppress,” said one participant, echoing the broader sentiment that the case against the Talaingod 13 is part of a wider crackdown on Indigenous education.
Speakers advocate for educational justice
Prominent educators and leaders delivered speeches highlighting education as a tool for empowerment, including:
Fr. Daniel Pilario, CM, PhD – President, Adamson University
Bro. Noel Deloria, SC – President, Holy Cross of Davao College
Prof. Melania Flores, PhD – UP Diliman
Prof. Jhoana Cruz, PhD – UP Mindanao
Prof. Rey Cuizon, PhD – Holy Cross of Davao Graduate School
Prof. Elsa Villanueva, PhD – Assumption College of Davao
They pointed out that the urgent need to defend Indigenous education and uphold the rights of both students and teachers.
As the country marks Education Month and the International Day of Education, advocates say the fight is far from over.
Supporters continue to call for the full acquittal of the Talaingod 13, asserting that no educator should be punished for teaching, and no child should be denied the right to learn.
