Effects of militarization on the education of the Lumad children in MAPASU Area, Lianga, Diatagon, Surigao del Sur

Abstract

This paper tackles the major problems that children face in the educational aspects of their lives amidst their firsthand experiences on militarization, particularly in Mindanao, where the issue is widely spread. MAPASU Area is located in Lianga, Surigao del Sur and is inhabited by Lumads who are victims of militarization. As young members of the society, children are expected to have always been psychologically and socially affected by their communities’ condition. They are believed to be the most vulnerable individuals once exposed to dangerous situations. This paper aims to answer the questions of how militarization impacts the educational aspect of the lives of the Lumad children in this specific area in Surigao del Sur. It was essential for the researcher to immerse in the communities, which are considered remote areas, as she conducted her research. By the end of this study, it was found that these Lumad children are definitely affected psycho-socially by instances of militarization in their communities. They are found to be dropping out of school, losing teachers and school structures are being damaged, moreover, being discriminated by non-Lumad children in the attempt to pursue education in the lowlands.