The Indigenous alphabet book project, addressing the Talaandig community (an indigenous community in the Philippines), has successfully contributed to the preservation and revitalisation of their indigenous Binukid language. The initiative involved the printing and distribution in three Talaandig schools of 337 copies of a book featuring the Binukid alphabet, which has had a tangible impact on language retention and cultural enthusiasm among the community children and youth.

The book has become a crucial teaching instrument for teachers and learning resource for both children and youth. In addition, the book has stimulated interest and participation among youth in their traditional customs; they have completed and graduated from indigenous schools, where traditional cultural knowledge and practices are safeguarded.

In addition, it has given a sense of pride and belonging, reducing tensions that arise from cultural marginalisation, and countered historical injustices where indigenous languages and cultures were suppressed. The beneficiary project embraced the book with a thanksgiving celebration and a graduation ceremony.  

Click here to read more about the project on the JPIC Database.