[As Prepared]

[Greetings]

I would like to start by acknowledging all your hard work to improve the literacy of the Blaan learners and at the same time reviving the Flalok, the art of Blaan storytelling. USAID is proud to collaborate with the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. to implement the Flalok Project.

I also wish to thank the Blaan Tribal chieftains, who have supported us in this endeavor. You have served as main sources of the stories that depict the Blaan culture. Truly, the success of this project is a result of your commitment to improve literacy among Blaan learners while helping them discover and understand their roots and make them proud of the Blaan heritage.

At USAID, we believe that education serves as a driver for development and poverty reduction. Education is transformational for individuals and societies. It can also create pathways to better health, economic growth, a sustainable environment, and peaceful, democratic societies.

It is because we believe so strongly in the importance of education that the U.S. government works closely with the Philippine government to expand access to inclusive, quality education for all – especially the most marginalized and vulnerable. Experience has shown that education not only raises individual incomes but can also advance inclusive economic growth for the country.

One of the goals of USAID’s global education strategy, which the Flalok Project feeds into, is improving the reading skills of students in the primary grades as the foundation for future learning. Greater community engagement, accountability and transparency in education are key elements to increasing students’ success at school, as well as their likelihood to finish school.

As a result of our partnership, we have provided more than 15,500 textbooks and teaching and learning materials to 119 schools in South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City, benefitting more than 8,600 Blaan learners.

More important than the numbers are the impact of our work on the education of Blaan children. The project has proven that community dialect is more effective for learning at an early age.

More importantly, the Flalok storytelling has made an impact in the participation of Blaan children in their classes. It is great to hear about how the children are now more interested in learning since they can relate with the stories about their tribe and culture.

The story of Mitch, a grade 2 pupil, as featured in the Flalok project video, is a living example that the use of the Flalok makes learning easier and more interesting. Together, we have also raised awareness about the importance of preserving the Blaan culture and of respecting the unique culture of every ethnic group here in Mindanao and the country. I am so happy to hear that the children are now prouder to be Blaan.

To the students present today, I hope that you enjoy reading these wonderful books. Read as much as you can and afterwards, tell your friends and family members about these stories.

Reading can open up new and exciting worlds, can take you places that you otherwise might never go. So never stop reading!

As we celebrate our success today, we look to our partners to continue this good work in their communities. I would like to challenge you to inspire other indigenous peoples’ groups to contribute to improving education while fostering cultural pride and identity.

The U.S. government remains steadfast to the belief that we must continue to invest in our children. I am confident that with the commitment shown by private partners and the communities here today, the Blaan children will have a brighter future as productive and proud citizens of this beautiful country.

Thank you very much! Daghang Salamat.