MAWAB, Davao de Oro — Education and community support took center stage in Talaingod as the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division extended assistance to Indigenous Peoples (IP) students pursuing their studies away from communities once affected by conflict.
On February 21, 2026, the Army unit turned over 10 sacks of rice to 37 scholars under the TATAG IP Students Foundation Inc. during a simple activity at the IP TATAG Tourism Center in Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod. The assistance aims to help sustain the students’ daily needs as they continue their education.
The initiative was led by Division Chaplain Captain Richard Adalim, reflecting the division’s ongoing commitment to support Indigenous youth striving to build better futures through learning. Many of the scholars come from areas that previously faced instability, making access to education both a challenge and a pathway to change.
Beyond the recent turnover, the division has maintained regular support for the scholars through voluntary Mass offerings. Contributions collected during church services, including the traditional Misa de Gallo, have been pooled to help cover daily subsistence and other essential needs of the students.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, emphasized the role of education in promoting peace and development in communities that have long experienced conflict.
“Education is our strongest foundation for lasting peace,” Luzon said, underscoring the importance of sustained assistance for Indigenous learners.
For the scholars and their supporters, the initiative symbolizes more than material aid—it reflects a shared responsibility among institutions, communities, and advocates to ensure that young Indigenous students can continue their education and contribute to the progress of their communities.
In Talaingod, a place once associated with hardship and displacement, efforts like these highlight a gradual shift toward opportunity, with education serving as a bridge to stability and hope.