Davao City – The City Government of Davao, in collaboration with various higher education institutions, continues its commitment to providing educational support for Indigenous People (IP) students through the Iskolar ng Tribu Program.
The Office of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) recently reported that 315 IP students are currently benefitting from the program. Among them, 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.
Additionally, 100 IP students are receiving financial aid through the Education Benefit System Unit (EBSU), which operates under the Davao City Mayor’s Office. EBSU provides Php5,000 in cash assistance per semester to qualified scholars.
The IPMR clarified that its office does not provide direct cash assistance but instead endorses students to partner schools through Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs). These institutions offer tuition discounts based on the number of available slots.
The Iskolar ng Tribu Program was initiated in June 2022 by former IPMR Datu Rodolfo Mande and later institutionalized through an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Since its inception, the program has supported over 300 scholars and produced nearly 100 graduates in fields such as social sciences, agriculture, forestry, economics, community development, tourism and management, law, research, and medical-related professions, including nursing, midwifery, medical technology, pharmacy, and medicine.
Mande, who stepped down from office on March 25, expressed his pride in the program’s impact. “Like a proud father, my heart overflows with joy, knowing that this initiative has enabled IP students to pursue careers that will benefit their communities and the nation,” he said.
Datu Pagdatua Demetrio B. Bolo Sr. of the Bagobo-Klata tribe, who succeeded Mande as IPMR, affirmed his commitment to sustaining and expanding the Iskolar ng Tribu Program. He also commended Mande’s dedication in establishing the initiative and vowed to continue strengthening support for IP students in Davao City.
With ongoing support from the city government and educational institutions, the Iskolar ng Tribu Program remains a vital initiative in empowering Indigenous youth through access to quality education.