Currently the chairman of the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development Inc. (CTCCDI), Datu Camilo Icdang, an Obo Manobo, first got involved with MAFI when he assumed CTCCDI’s chairmanship in 2011.
The datu, who now serves as the indigenous peoples (IP) deputy mayor of Kidapawan and sits as IP board member of MAFI, helps the foundation fulfill its mission of providing scholarship assistance to poor and deserving IP students living within MAFI’s area of responsibility. Specifically, he assists in conducting community investigation, screening of scholarship applicants, and deciding on disciplinary cases involving scholars.
According to him, MAFI has made a huge difference in improving the lives of IPs because its scholarship program has already produced many graduates who are now working and successful. In addition, it has given other forms of support to IP communities, such as school supplies and basic infrastructure like hanging bridge and day care centers.
“MAFI’s dedication and passion in implementing its programs, particularly on scholarship, definitely have a huge impact on CTCCDI and the communities it represents, thus helping fulfill our dream to have more educated Lumad youth from our villages,” he said.
Aside from scholarship assistance, the datu noted that MAFI has been instrumental in helping preserve the cultural heritage of IPs. He added that it has facilitated the realization of their indigenous political structure, which will set the framework, policies, and principles for effective governance of their communities in the future.
Notably, the datu performs pamaas and other related indigenous rituals during MAFI activities in support of its cultural heritage program.
“I have learned a lot from MAFI in terms of effective program implementation and attainment of desired program objectives and targets. I have applied these learnings in my present position as CTCCDI chairman,” the datu shared.
“Education is the key to success of our Lumad children and the solution to address social discrimination against us. In addition, MAFI can help us attain the objectives of IPRA, thus facilitating the empowerment of our IP communities,” he concluded.
Datu Camilo B. Icdang
CTCCDI Chairman/Kidapawan
