The Mount Apo Foundation, Inc., is saddened over the passing of Datu Samuel M. Asicam, Sr., on December 27, 2022. Datu Sam was former Executive Director of MAFI who helped steer the organization from 2014 to January 2019. A well-respected Obo-Manobo leader in North Cotabato, Datu Sam had been actively helping MAFI stakeholders in various capacities since 1992 and has chaired the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development, Inc. (CTCCDI) for some years until 2013.
In recognition of his contribution to MAFI and the IP communities in the area of responsibility (AOR) of the foundation, Datu Asicam, upon his retirement, was engaged as a consultant for the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of the foundation until December 2019. As a cool-headed person and a leader full of wisdom, he became instrument in settling various tribal conflicts and issues concerning ancestral domains, and at times pacifying personal-family challenges within the tribe. More importantly, he was a good peacekeeper to both the IP’s and the non-IP’s.
Datu Sam has earned the respects of the MAFI Board of Trustees, staff, scholars, alumni, partners and stakeholders during his leadership with the foundation due to his knowledge on and advocacy for the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples and for being a humble man and church leader with a big heart for all.
To quote some inspiring words from Datu Sam (published in a page of MAFI’s Coffee Table Book, 2019/Annual Report, 2018, he proudly states the following:
“Everyone of us has played significant roles as we grow meaningfully with our faith in MAFI. It was our passion for sincere and dedicated work that has produced successful outcomes — not just to chase dreams, but to make dreams come true. Our graduates are rich stories to sing praises to the community; they are our witnesses to what MAFI has miraculously done to IP scholars and to their communities.”
As we bid goodbye and lay his mortal body to rest on January 6, 2023, the good memories and experiences we had with Datu Asicam as colleague, friend, partner and as family member, will remain in our hearts a lifetime.
We will miss you, Datu Sam. Till we meet again, in God’s perfect time.
