THE City Government of Davao, in partnership with various schools, continues to provide educational support to Indigenous People (IP) students through the Iskolar ng Tribu Program.
The Office of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) reported that currently, there are 315 IP students benefitting from the program.
Of the scholars, 98 are enrolled at the City College of Davao, 60 at the University of Mindanao, 15 at Brokenshire College of Davao, 28 at Philippine Women’s College, five at the University of the Immaculate Conception, eight under the Tulong Dunong Program, and one at Jose Maria College.
Aside from them, 100 IP students are also receiving cash assistance through the Education Benefit System Unit (EBSU).
The IPMR does not provide direct cash assistance to IP students but endorses them to higher education institutions (HEIs), through Memoranda of Agreement with partner schools. These schools offer tuition discounts based on available slots.
The EBSU, under the Davao City Mayor’s Office, grants Php5,000 in cash assistance per semester to IP students.
The Iskolar ng Tribu program started in June 2022 through the initiative of Datu Rodolfo Mande the former IPMR. It was institutionalized with the passage of an ordinance supporting its establishment by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
When he stepped down from the office on March 25, Mande expressed pride in the program’s continued success.
“At present, we have over 300 scholars and nearly 100 graduates and diploma holders under the Iskolar ng Tribu Program. Like a proud father, my heart overflows with joy, knowing that this initiative has enabled IP students to pursue careers in social sciences, agriculture, forestry, economics, community development, and professions, such as science, social services, tourism and management, research, law, and development studies. It also supports medical-related fields, including nursing, midwifery, medical technology, pharmacy, and medicine,” Mande said.
Datu Pagdatua Demetrio B. Bolo Sr. of the Bagobo-Klata tribe, who replaced Mande as IPMR, told reporters he was committed to continuing the Iskolar ng Tribu Program.
He also expressed admiration for his predecessor’s efforts in establishing and strengthening the initiative. CIO
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the City Government of Davao Facebook Page.
