“One cannot educate without walking alongside the people being educated.” These words from Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario set the tone for the 2nd Mindanao Consultative Conference on Transformative Education, emphasizing the role of educators in fostering solidarity and critical engagement. For Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ), this principle is central to the struggle for climate justice—recognizing that education is not just a tool for learning but a force for empowerment, resistance, and systemic change, particularly for Indigenous and marginalized communities facing environmental destruction and human rights violations.
On January 30, 2025, MCJ joined over 150 educators, grassroots advocates, and administrators at Holy Cross of Davao College in Davao City for the Mindanao-wide conference organized by the Educators’ Forum for Development (EFD). With the theme “Education for and with the People: Mindanao Educators for a Critical Pedagogy of Interfaith Dialogue, Climate Justice, and Social Change,” the event sought to strengthen the role of education in grassroots empowerment and climate action. MCJ’s participation aimed to highlight the urgent need to integrate climate justice into education and to amplify the voices of Indigenous educators who are at the frontlines of both environmental protection and the right to education.
Education as a Site of Struggle
Bro. Noel Deloria, SC, President of Holy Cross of Davao College, welcomed the audience, followed by a formal opening message from Sr. Concepcion Gasang, M.A., EdD, lead convener and Chairperson of EFD Mindanao. She underscored that education must be a collective process that amplifies the lived experiences of those most affected by systemic injustices.
In a powerful keynote address, Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, President of Adamson University, framed education as a site of struggle. He called attention to both the literal and metaphorical attacks on education, from Gaza to Lumad communities and across the Philippines. Quoting Pope Francis, he reminded educators that “education cannot be neutral… the mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful.” This statement resonates deeply with MCJ’s work, as climate justice is not just about policies but about reclaiming the right to land, livelihood, and learning.
Indigenous Education as Climate Action
Prof. Melania Lagahit-Flores of the University of the Philippines and co-convener of the Lumad Schools Curriculum Team provided a stirring critique of the Philippine educational system, highlighting the criminalization and militarization of Indigenous community schools. She stressed the need for alternative, community-led models of education, such as those pioneered by Lumad schools in Mindanao—many of which have been forcibly closed due to state repression.
MCJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending these schools, recognizing that Indigenous education is not separate from climate action but a fundamental part of it. Lumad youth are not only learning history, science, and culture in their schools—they are learning to defend their ancestral lands against environmental destruction, mining, and deforestation, which are major contributors to climate injustice in Mindanao.
During breakout sessions, key participants—including MCJ—expressed their solidarity with persecuted volunteer teachers, such as the Talaingod 13, who face Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) for their advocacy. The conference became a space of collective resistance, where educators, advocates, and grassroots organizations strategized on how to protect Indigenous and community-led education from state repression.
Transformative Education for Climate Justice
The Paaralang Teresa Magbanua ng mga Guro (PTMG) Buzz Session and Conversations delved deeper into the role of education in social movements, with MCJ actively engaging in discussions on climate justice. The session featured three key topics:
- Transformative Education and Modern Technology – Presented by Elsa Villanueva, PhD
- Transformative Education and Climate Justice Education – Led by Bro. Noel Deloria, SC
- Transformative Education and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy – Led by Prof. Johanna Lynn Cruz, PhD, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, UP Mindanao, facilitated by Prof. Arnold Alamon of MSU-IIT
MCJ underscored the importance of climate justice education in movement-building, particularly in bridging urban and rural communities to foster deeper awareness of the climate crisis. By integrating climate justice into education, schools can become spaces of resistance, where the next generation of environmental defenders can be nurtured.
A Call to Action
The event concluded with cultural performances by Lani Onada, Rudy Aranuez, and DRUM UP, reflecting the rich traditions and resilience of Mindanao’s communities. Dr. Erwin Faller, PhD, Academic Director of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc., led the closing ceremony, summarizing key insights from the discussions.
As the conference ended, MCJ left with a strengthened commitment to ensuring that education in Mindanao is not only transformative but also deeply rooted in climate justice, Indigenous rights, and the struggles of frontline communities. The fight for education is the fight for climate justice, and MCJ will continue to stand alongside educators, activists, and Indigenous leaders in defending both.
