Jamie Odo Sr., a datu of the Bagobo-Tagabawa, first got involved with MAFI in 2001 as the tribal chieftain of Barangay Buena Vida in Makilala.
Aside from mediating between MAFI and Lumad leaders, the datu made indigenous peoples understand about the foundation’s scholarship program and how it can support the education of their children. In addition, he promoted among MAFI scholars the preservation of cultural identity of indigenous communities. He did these tasks while he was part of MAFI’s screening committee for scholarship.
“MAFI was truly an eye opener to me. It made me value education as the key to success for Lumad youth, particularly in improving their condition. By and large, MAFI’s emphasis on education has influenced my life. MAFI has enabled me to connect with other Lumad leaders because it serves as our venue in tackling and supporting different advocacies for our respective communities,” he pointed out.
He proudly conveyed that his leadership skills and enthusiasm to serve his community have increased through MAFI’s constant capacity-building trainings and seminars.
“For almost 20 years, my involvement in MAFI has had a huge impact on my life. From being an ordinary Lumad leader, I have become an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative here in North Cotabato province. I reached this position because MAFI has developed my leadership competencies. Through its training program, I have learned so many things, enabling me to apply my acquired knowledge to my work up to now,” he emphasized, adding that MAFI has also played a pivotal role in capacitating and empowering other Lumad leaders of the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development Inc.
The datu highlighted that MAFI has implemented several projects and activities on environment and cultural preservation involving not only its scholars, but also local communities in the province. He believes that one of its positive initiatives is its scholarship program as it has already produced many graduates who are now successful professionals.
Datu Jaime A. Odo, Sr.
IPMR Cotabato/ CTCCDI/Makilala
