By John Edmar Pineda | PTV Public Affairs
In celebration of Iskoolmates’ 10th anniversary, which coincides with the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the Iskoolmates Barkada embarked on a meaningful journey through a special mini-documentary titled “Tara sa Komyu!”
The episode takes viewers deep into the heart of an Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac, where education is not just important—it’s a powerful tool of hope and empowerment.
The documentary follows the story of volunteer teachers and individuals from the organization Liwanag at Dunong, whose mission is to bring light not just literally—but also figuratively to the lives of children and elders in the community in far-flung areas with limited access to formal education.
Guiding the audience through this heartfelt journey is Iskoolmates host James Ramada. As a future educator, James brings not only curiosity and empathy to the storytelling, but also personal understanding about the value of education.
His perspective brings more depth to the narrative, proving that teaching is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong commitment to uplift others.
The voices of the community itself echoes throughout the documentary. Tatay Nelson De Guzman, one of the elders from the community, stated: “Kasi ‘yon po ang number 1 sa taong bukas ang pangarap, kahit [saang lugar ka pumunta], hindi naman po dahilan ang Aeta ka o anong klase kang tao, basta mahalaga may pinag-aralan ka kahit kaunti.”
As for the volunteers from Liwanag at Dunong, these words served as their source of strength in continuing their advocacy.
Education as the fountain of knowledge, hope
One of those whose hearts were touched is co-founder and volunteer teacher Maningning Vilog. She said,“Parang hindi mo kayang umabsent or ‘di mo kayang itigil, kasi alam mong gustong gusto nila eh. Diba para saan na natuto ako—para saan ‘yong talento ko kung di mo naman ishe-share sa mga taong sabik na sabik, at matatalino din po talaga?”
“Sinasabi namin na kami lang yung guro nila sa literacy, pero sa buhay, pagiging makatao at kultura, sila po talaga ‘yong mga guro namin. It’s an exchange, pero mas madalas, kami po talaga ‘yong natututo.”
The documentary also emphasizes the lasting hope of the Aeta elders, who believe that education can break barriers.
Nanay Belen David, one of the community elders, delivered a heartfelt message about the importance of education. “Importante po ‘yong edukasyon, kasi kapag ‘di ka po nakapag-aral, iinsultuhin ka ng mga tao. Parang gusto mo man mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ‘yong anak mo, mangarap ka man; hindi mo pala kaya (dahil) hindi ka nakapag-aral.”
“Tara sa Komyu!” helped us understand the situation of some communities across the country and the hardships that they are experiencing just to have formal education. Also, the documentary proves that even in the simplest setting, knowledge remains a guiding light.
As Iskoolmates marks 10 years of inspiring and empowering the youth, this documentary stands as a testament to its enduring commitment, to tell stories that matter, uplift communities, and spark meaningful conversation for a better tomorrow.
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