From 1988 to 1991, the planned construction of geothermal plants in Mt. Apo was met by oppositions from several sectors, according to Leonardo Ote, first MAFI chairman.
The Philippine National Oil Company came up with several strategies to make its project suitable and acceptable to stakeholders. One of the important conditions set for the issuance by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of an Environmental Compliance Certificate for the project is the allocation of one centavo per kilowatt-hour as royalty for the recognition of rights of indigenous peoples (IPs) over their ancestral land.
To effectively manage the royalty, Leonardo founded MAFI, with multi-sectoral representations from both government and non-government sectors. Its goals are mainly to provide scholarship support to poor and deserving IP children; and, to improve the forest environment and unique bio-diversity of Mt. Apo, considered the mountain God (Apo Sandawa) by IPs living in it.
During his chairmanship, Leonardo established MAFI’s office building, dormitory, and demo farm. MAFI started the implementation of its scholarship program, and other related projects, like medical outreach, provision of drinking water for schools, financial assistance to high schools, and community foot bridge.
“MAFI had a strong camaraderie in its management and people during my time. With public service as its core value, it focused its work for the benefit of its beneficiaries, particularly in providing scholarship assistance to deserving IP youth. Through our demo farm, we also taught them how to do nursery seedlings. In all our efforts, we ensured that there was transparency and good governance, including in the efficient use of resources,” he conveyed.
A Rotarian and an active church member, Leonardo admitted that his past involvement in MAFI has generally changed his outlook in life.
“I understand that MAFI may be encountering financial concerns due to inflation at present. I hope that its present management will review its MOA with EDC pertinent to royalty, and come up with more sustainable programs and projects in the coming years to sustain its initiatives,” he concluded.
Leonardo M. Ote
Former Chairman
