Richard Landas from Tagabawa tribe in Makilala used to be a vegetable farmer who helped his father tend their small family farm.
“Life then was tough. My parents could not afford to send me to college. So when I got the result of my scholarship application, I was truly surprised! I did not only pass it but also ranked number 2 overall among almost a hundred applicants,” he happily recalled.
He took up criminology at the Central Mindanao Colleges in Kidapawan City, and in 2004, graduated successfully.
According to him, MAFI required its scholars to perform their daily tasks, such as cleaning their dormitory. He willingly carried out his responsibilities because he considered himself blessed for getting his scholarship, which provided him various forms of educational assistance like tuition fee, school allowance, uniform, food, and dorm accommodation.
“MAFI had a crucial role in helping me finish my degree. Because of it, I have achieved my dreams in life. Aside from helping me financially, it taught me to be responsible, disciplined, positive, hardworking, and focused on my plans so I could attain my aspirations in life,” said Richard, who now works as a Jail Officer 1 at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in North Cotabato.
“I consider MAFI my second family as it prepared me holistically as a person,” he added.
While on scholarship, Richard actively participated in MAFI’s feeding program for malnourished children and in its community and environmental activities.
“I am a living testament to MAFI’s successful implementation of its scholarship program. When there is an opportunity, I share my life story and information about its scholarship program with other Lumad youth to inspire them to chase their dream of finishing school,” he said.
“I hope that in the future, MAFI will be able to help more underprivileged Lumad families to send their children to school as I believe education is the key to uplift their lives from poverty,” he concluded.
Richard L. Landas
Scholar 1999-2004
