It is estimated that 50% of the population of Matigsalug in Marilog and Paquibato Districts are basically non-literate while another 30% are functionally non-literate. This can be attributed to the raging cases of malnutrition and inevitable discrimination among indigenous people (IP) communities. It has been aggravated by their difficulty to cope in school as the national first grade curriculum is designed for those who have gone through preschool. Addressing the cycle of illiteracy among IP communities like the Matigsalug necessitates nipping it in the bud because the learning process starts early in life. Unfortunately, IP communities had been often times deprived of this necessity.

Foundation Learning for Matigsalug Indigenous Children is a holistic program that envisions addressing the root of the problem by providing a culture-based foundational education for 75 Matigsalug Indigenous children of Brgy. Gumitan, Marilog District, Davao City. It involves capacitating parents so they can help their children in schooling. Also, a health component is included to enhance the children physical and mental readiness as well as promote proper health practices among parents. The program specifically aims to enable IP children to be competent as they enter formal schooling along with helping make them more grounded in their culture and gain a competitive edge to cope with the demands of learning, in response to their unique needs.

For the current fiscal year, along with the strong support of the community, especially the assistance of the parents of the children on the operation of the daycare center and with the support of the Local Government, CH funding aims to provide the following services: a) capacity building for local teachers; b) school supplies; c) supplies and allowance of school teachers; d) feeding program; and, e) parents’ training.