Development needs of the indigenous apostolate workers of Oriental Mindoro: Towards a five-year training development program

The indigenous peoples in the Philippines constitute ten percent (10 percent) of the estimated sixty-five (65) million Filipinos (Radul, 1994). Dumangan\u27s (1997) study showed forty-four (44) ethnic groups throughout the Philippines. The National Commission on Indigenous People identifies ninety-five (95) distinct tribes of indigenous people in the fourteen (14) regions of the country (IBON, 1999). These tribes may be classify into seven (7) groupings, to wit: (1) Mindanao Lumads (including Manobos) (2) Cordillera Peoples (3) Caraballo Tribes (4) Mangyans (5) Negritoes or Aetas (6) Palawan Hill Tribes and (7) Visayan Groups. The researcher takes the Mangyans of Mindoro as the focus of the study.To date, many studies had been conducted about the Mangyans and many institutions had provided resources, both human and financial in order to uplift the life of the Mangyans. However, much has yet to be done. It is in this context and situation that the researcher believes and feels strongly motivated to contribute her knowledge, time, skills and values. The researcher realizes the need to supplement the great efforts done by the Mangyan Mission Secretariat, the coordinating office of the different Catholic groups helping the Mangyans. It is with this institution that the Mangyan workers, called IPAWs in this study, are connected