Datu Damaso got involved with MAFI as a board member from 2006 to 2016. He took part in screening and deliberating on scholarship applications from MADADMA area, given that 20% of MAFI scholarship slots were allotted to the association. He also monitored MADADMA scholars’ performance and decided on issues affecting them.
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Tracing her roots from Magpet, Dr. Dubhie is a daughter of an Obo Manobo tribal leader and a Bol-anon settler. Since she was young, she has been immersed in Lumad culture and has a heightened awareness on the plight of indigenous peoples in the province, considering that her father worked as a provincial officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
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The datu has started the conversion of orally-passed customary laws into written policies. He usually performs pamaas (indigenous ritual) in MAFI activities, and supports the foundation’s programs on environmental conservation and cultural heritage, including teaching MAFI scholars about indigenous knowledge systems and practices.
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The datu also reminisced that through MAFI’s facilitation, he took part in a United Nations (UN) gathering on culture and environment where he realized the need to treasure the cultural heritage of his fellow Lumads. Immediately when he arrived from the UN conference, he donated a set of agong to the foundation to encourage its scholars to play this indigenous instrument, and to instill in them the need to preserve their cultural heritage.
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Attaining her dream has brought her back to her Manobo roots, acquainting herself with her tribe’s traditions and rituals. “MAFI has improved my self-awareness and made me value my indigenous roots, enabling me to experience, appreciate, and treasure our rich culture and traditions,” she conveyed.
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“MAFI’s scholarship program gave me hope. I never thought I would be able to continue my studies after high school. Through its scholarship program, I was given the chance to continue my schooling until college,” he said.
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