By Gigo Alampay | Executive Director
Lumad is a collective term, meaning homegrown or indigenous. Among those usually included as Lumad are the Subanen, B’laan, Mandaya, Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig, Ubo, Manobo, T’boli, Tiruray, Bagobo,Tagakaolo, Dibabawon, Manguangan, and Mansaka. They are among the poorest and marginalized in the Philippines.
Ironically, many of them live in areas of the Philippines thought to be rich in natural resources and minerals. But, not only do they not partake of the fruits of these riches, they are often caught in the crossfire - both literally and figuratively - of competing economic and political players.
EIGHT hundred Lumad arrived in Manila late in 2015. They had traveled from different parts of Mindanao to bring their stories to Manila, demand justice for their dead, and fight for peace in their communities.
Among the contingent were some 100 children and adolescents. CANVAS took the opportunity to learn from their stories, share with them some of our own stories, and work with theater actors who generously gave their time and talent to entertain the children with an interactive and creative storytelling session.
Each child then received one of our books.
It was not a trivial gift - for some of them, it was the first book they would get to call their own. More importantly, for these children, caught as they are in circumstances and challenges we can only imagine and try to understand, these books take on a special meaning.
The stories provide them with a sanctuary... a safe haven... even for just a short while. And because the children get to own the books that we bring - books that we could not have published without you - they get to take that sanctuary back home with them.
On their behalf, we thank you all for your continuing support and generosity. We are all truly and sincerely grateful.
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