A daughter of a half Obo Manobo datu and an Igorot, Sarah Joy Maghunong first learned about MAFI’s scholarship program through the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development Inc.
“I wanted to be a lawyer then. In 1998, I decided to take up education since MAFI had available scholarship only for this course. In a sense, it redirected my life in choosing education. I am indebted to MAFI as it provided assistance for my tuition fee, dorm, uniform, stipend, and books,” she recollected.
Sarah studied education at the Central Mindanao Colleges in Kidapawan City where she graduated cum laude. During her spare time, she got involved in MAFI’s various extra-curricular activities, like serving as editor in chief of its newsletter. She devoted 60 hours every semester for volunteer work.
“Aside from helping me finish my studies, MAFI had molded my personality as I was aloof then. With its teambuilding activities, I learned how to enhance my human relations skills and personality, enabling me to gain more friends and boost my self-confidence and morale,” she said.
Sarah’s exposure to cultural heritage program while in MAFI also reinforced her interest in furthering the causes of indigenous peoples (IP). She now serves as a public school principal in an Obo Manobo village in Magpet, inspiring young and promising IP students to chase their dreams of finishing their studies.
“MAFI should continue to expose its scholars to their indigenous roots so that they will learn how to treasure their local culture and tradition. They must look back and help ensure that our indigenous knowledge systems and practices, including our local language, are preserved, used, and passed on to our children,” she reiterated.
Sarah highlighted the need for scholars to excel academically so that MAFI’s investment in their education will not go to waste.
She hopes that more scholar graduates will find time to serve their local villages as a way of paying back.
Sarah Joy G. Banda-Maghunong
Scholar 1998-2002
Cum Laude
