Mayor Joseph Evangelista of Kidapawan City was one of the original signatories of the Memorandum of Agreement for MAFI’s creation. He supported the establishment of geothermal plants and MAFI with the assurance that the protection of Mt. Apo and the welfare of indigenous peoples (IP) would be prioritized.
The mayor had served as MAFI’s vice president, and currently, sits as its board member. He was instrumental in establishing water systems, bridges, and daycare centers in several IP communities within MAFI’s area of responsibility.
“I put premium on education seeing that it is crucial to improve the lives of impoverished people. What is good about MAFI is its board has multi-sectoral representations coming from local government, tribal council and IP communities, energy and environment sectors. It operates like a development council within a bigger development council. Its decision-making is quicker,” the mayor explained.
He shared that MAFI was created primarily to serve IP communities. He is happy because it has given opportunities to IPs to serve in its board and management.
“I learned a lot in terms of effective organizational management in MAFI. As a matter of fact, I have applied my learnings from it in running the affairs of our city. Every time we have a major decision to make in our local government, I apply the ‘MAFI style’ of management—more efficient, quick, effective, relevant, and obviously, less bureaucratic,” he explained.
Mayor Evangelista has appointed a deputy mayor for tribal affairs, and organized an IP women’s group in Kidapawan. He has also allocated the city’s financial share from the geothermal plants for IP’s livelihood program.
He hopes that MAFI will be able to keep its scholarship program, develop an intervention program to address school dropouts, and consider helping respond to health and nutrition issues affecting upland dwellers.
“MAFI needs assistance so it can continue to fulfill its organizational mandate. The city government of Kidapawan is willing to help so it can sustain its programs,” the mayor committed.
Hon. Joseph A. Evangelista
Partner/Kidapawan City Mayor
