LUMAD SUPPORTERS DEMAND PROBE ON P36-M UNFINISHED TALAINGOD SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Lumad advocates and education supporters are calling for an investigation into some P36 million worth of unfinished school buildings in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The projects were reportedly intended to serve Lumad communities in remote barangays but remain incomplete despite the release of funds, according to initial information. Groups monitoring indigenous peoples’ schools say the stalled structures raise concerns about accountability in the use of public resources. As of now, there are no confirmed details on why construction stopped or which specific agencies are directly responsible for the delays.

Based on preliminary reports, the school buildings were part of government-funded initiatives meant to expand access to basic education for Lumad children who face long travel times to reach existing campuses. Talaingod, a municipality long associated with indigenous schooling issues, has seen repeated debates over learning facilities, community safety, and the closure of some Lumad-run schools. Advocates argue that the unfinished buildings could have helped fill gaps left by these closures, especially in far-flung sitios. Local residents have reportedly expressed frustration that the structures, some already partially built, remain idle and unusable.

Civil society organizations are urging the Commission on Audit and relevant education and infrastructure agencies to release a clear status report on the P36-million projects. They are also seeking documentation on contract awards, project timelines, and any change orders or suspensions that may have affected construction progress. According to initial information from groups following the issue, no comprehensive public audit findings specific to the Talaingod school sites have been made widely available. As of now, there are no confirmed details on any administrative or legal actions arising from the stalled works.

Observers note that the situation underscores long-standing challenges in delivering public services to indigenous communities in Mindanao. Education advocates say that delayed or abandoned school projects can deepen mistrust and widen learning gaps for Lumad youth, who already contend with limited facilities and resources. Policy analysts point out that transparent project tracking and timely completion of school buildings are crucial to meeting basic education targets in geographically isolated areas. Based on preliminary reports, supporters plan to continue pressing for a formal probe and a clear plan to either complete or properly account for the unfinished Talaingod classrooms.