A daughter of a half Bagobo tribal chieftain and a Diangan, Dothie Joy Yap was at first reluctant to apply for MAFI scholarship. Because the scholarship caters mostly to indigenous peoples (IP), she hesitated to apply as she did not want to be labelled and discriminated as an “IP”.
In 1996, after being prodded several times by her father and seeing her family’s financial condition, she finally gave in, applied for it, and was accepted. She then took up education at the Colegio de Kidapawan.
“Looking back, I’m glad I heeded my father’s advice. MAFI did not only support me financially, but also helped me develop my personality. What I have today I owe to MAFI. As its scholar, I gained a lot of positive and enriching experience. It molded me physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Also, it gave me the opportunity to pursue my Master of Education,” Dothie shared.
MAFI’s intervention programs had helped her build her personality, making her more self-confident, patient, understanding, well-rounded, and stronger.
As a scholar, she volunteered to do various office tasks, and got involved in community outreach and environmental initiatives. She also immersed herself in indigenous culture and traditions to appreciate her ethnicity.
“Many IP teens these days are ashamed of their ethnicity, simply blend in and conform to mainstream culture. They need to be properly educated, know their rights, assert these, and resist discrimination,” she emphasized.
In my own personal capacity, I try to help during my free time by offering voluntary tutorial services to LET applicant scholars of MAFI,” she remarked.
Dothie hopes that MAFI will have financial stability so that it can assist more young and promising IP students. She also wishes that more of its scholar graduates will be able to occupy high-level positions in various sectors someday.
Dothie Joy S. Elid-Yap
Scholar 1996-2000
