Three of 20 indigenous people (IP) or lumads who are assisted in their college studies by the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company through the Mindanawon Initiatives for Cultural Dialogue (Mindanawon) graduated last March 24, while one finished her course last October but joined the graduation rites also last month.
The Lumad graduates are Noraisa C. Hadji Alon, a Maguindanao Muslim, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Finance at Ateneo de Davao University; Regina C. Magandam, a Mandaya, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, Ateneo de Davao University; Norquis Landas, a Kalagan Muslim from Sirawan, Toril, Bachelor of Science in Commerce Management Accounting at Holy Cross of Davao College (October 2006); and Paulet Mae T. Dacup, a Matigsalog, Bachelor of Arts Political Science at Ateneo de Davao University.
The implementer of the Lumad college scholarship program is the Mindanawon, a Jesuit-run and Ateneo-based non-government organization (NGO). It is headed by Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, and governed by a Board of Trustees composed of both religious and lay leaders.
Participating schools provide tuition privileges to the scholars while some corporations and individuals give subsidies to the lumad students’ other requirements in their studies and stay in the city.
Davao Light, for its part, subsidizes about a hundred thousand pesos each school year for the scholars book and research material requirements.
The graduates were presented to Davao Light and other individual sponsors during a thanksgiving program last March 28 at the Philippine Catholic Lay Missions House in Matina. (DLPC)
davaotoday.com
