A pure Obo Manobo, Datu Lamberto Delfin was one of the Lumad leaders in Kidapawan who supported the construction geothermal plants in Mt. Apo.
“I recall there were several groups who were against the project and also the creation of MAFI. As an advocate of peace and order, development, environment, and indigenous peoples’ rights, I supported the proposed geothermal plants and foundation. I saw their importance especially in providing scholarship opportunities for our children. I volunteered to assist in settling conflicts and issues, and explained to various stakeholders the benefits of having them. We dialogued and also brought our position to the Philippine Congress and DENR,” he said.
“Looking back, we were right in backing the geothermal plants and MAFI’s establishment. PNOC’s project paved the way for the construction of roads and provision of electricity to our upland villages. Through the royalty fee from the plants, MAFI has assisted numerous poor and deserving students to finish their studies. Many of them now are working and successful. Through PNOC and MAFI, several projects were also implemented to increase learnings about our indigenous cultures, customary laws, as well as on environmental conservation and protection,” he conveyed.
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.
“MAFI can assist by educating its scholars on the need to value our indigenous cultures,” he stressed.
The datu hopes that MAFI will have more sustainable funding so that it can produce more scholar graduates who will become local leaders, lawyers, and doctors to serve their upland Lumad villages.
Datu Lamberto A. Delfin
CTCCDI/Kidapawan City
