CEBU CITY, Philippines— (UPDATED, DEC. 18, 2023) Two teachers in Iligan City are making waves online because of their efforts in teaching Badjaos how to read and write.
The teachers from Iligan are Jiffrey and Fema Silmaro, who find time to meet their Badjao students at least twice a week at around 6-7 p.m., so they can be taught how to read and write.
They now have 30 students aged 20 to 60.
The Badjaos are originally from Tawi-Tawi. Due to the conflict in their place, they decided to transfer to Tambacan in Iligan City.
Dessa Blanca Gilbolingo Gimeno, 30, from Cagayan de Oro City, shared the story of these volunteer teachers on social media.
Gimeno posted on her Facebook account photos of the Badjaos reading and writing, to highlight the efforts of the two teachers.
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Gimeno is thankful to the teachers who volunteered their time to teach these Badjaos.
Kudos to Gimeno and the teachers for sharing their blessings with our Badjao brothers and sisters in Iligan City this Christmas season!
/bmjo