This August, Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. turned over a check worth 270,000 to support five indigenous scholars for the school year 2022-2023. The Mindanawon scholarship program is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations.

Present at the turnover ceremony are Davao Light's President & COO Rodger S. Velasco, MICD's Administrator Perpevina Tio, University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council Chairperson, Mark Paul Samante, and two of their IP Scholars, Trisha Joyce Amban and Eduard Lloyd Lacadwe of the Ateneo Lumad Students Organization.

“The scholarship was an immense help. We received devices, wifi, and load subsidy," said another Mindanawon scholar, Eduard Lloyd Lacadwe, listing the benefits they received as Mindanawon scholars. He is a Manobo and is also taking up Bachelor of Science in Education major in English. He was a Dean’s lister last semester.

“This is a life-changing program and I advise my fellow indigenous students to not be afraid to go to the city to study… and when the time comes I hope you’d go back to your communities when you finish your studies,”

Eduard said when asked about his message to his fellow IP scholars.

Since 2002, Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation have been extending annual support to the IP scholars of Ateneo de Davao University through the Mindanawon scholarship program, as it is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Source: Aboitiz Power newsroom