Mount Apo Foundation, Inc.

09/06/2026

MAFI Conducts Third-Month Class Visitation at S*K-Magpet in Barangay Bongolanon

MAGPET, COTABATO — In a continuous effort to preserve the Obo Monovu cultural heritage and empower Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, the Mt. Apo Foundation, Inc. (MAFI) successfully conducted its third-month class visitation for the School of Indigenous Knowledge (S*K) program on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Barangay Bongolanon, Magpet.

The weekend visit was highlighted by a significant milestone: the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for School Year 2026. Under this renewed agreement, MAFI solidified its unwavering commitment to providing vital mobilization support for both the dedicated Culture Masters and the young learners of the program.

The S*K-Magpet program—a collaborative initiative between MAFI and First Gen-EDC—serves as a critical bridge for cultural preservation. It ensures that the rich traditions, arts, and indigenous knowledge of the community are successfully passed down to the younger generation.

MAFI Program Officer Deejay S. Bacag and Admin/Finance Officer Purple Bell C. Cabilinan led the visitation team. Beyond checking in on the educational progress of the classes, the team brought a wave of smiles and excitement by surprising the S*K Culture Masters and learners with Jollibee snacks.

The event concluded with a shared meal and a renewed sense of partnership between MAFI and the Obo Monovu community in the municipality, marking another successful chapter in their shared mission of cultural advocacy and youth empowerment.

08/06/2026

Despite Early Morning Tremor, MAFI Proceeds With 39IB Visit to Solidify Bilateral Cooperation

MAKILALA, COTABATO — Demonstrating remarkable resilience and a shared commitment to community welfare, the Mount Apo Foundation, Inc. (MAFI) pushed through with a pre-scheduled courtesy visit to the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB), Philippine Army, earlier today, completely undeterred by a sharp, early morning tremor that shook the island of Mindanao.

The visit was spearheaded by MAFI’s new Executive Director, Matanam Jaime M. Odo who also concurrently serves as the CADT Head of Barangay Buena Vida and the Indigenous Peoples Structure (IPS) Head of the entire 4Bs in Makilala, along with Program Officer Deejay S. Bacag. This engagement served as a formal introduction of the foundation's new leadership to its steadfast partners in peace and development.

Although the meeting had been scheduled weeks prior to the seismic activity, the timing of the visit underscored the unshakeable alliance between the two institutions. Rather than postponing the itinerary due to the earthquake, MAFI proceeded to the headquarters to personally extend its message of support and gratitude to LTC Hector A. Estolas, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 39th Infantry “Smash’Em” Battalion, and First Lieutenant Edmark Tayong.

"We want to reassure our commitment to a continued, fruitful partnership with the 39th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army," Executive Director Odo highlighted. "We are deeply grateful to have you as a vital partner of MAFI in securing our areas of responsibility, especially in the Makilala area, and we look forward to achieving more milestones together."

During the conference, MAFI shared a comprehensive overview of its organizational reach, noting that its three primary Areas of Responsibility (AOR)—Magpet, Kidapawan, and Makilala directly align with and cover the security and development AOR of the 39th IB. With Makilala serving as a vital point of intersection for both institutions, MAFI introduced its active grassroots programs dedicated to cultural preservation, safety, and environmental stewardship in the area.

Prominent among these initiatives is the Bantay Bukid Program, which is actively implemented across the 4Bs comprising the four barangays of Buhay, Buena Vida, Batasan, and Biangan to conduct continuous forest monitoring and protection within the 4Bs Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) area. Through this program, the foundation works hand-in-hand with local indigenous communities to safeguard the slopes of Mount Apo.
Alongside environmental defense, the foundation drives the School of Indigenous Knowledge (S*K). This vital cultural preservation initiative is designed to facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge from tribal Elders to the youth, encompassing indigenous dances, songs, musical instruments, traditional literacy, and ancestral IP Governance systems.

Furthermore, MAFI highlighted its multi-sectoral institutional composition, which effectively brings together diverse key stakeholders. This robust network includes the First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (First Gen-EDC), the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development, Inc. (CTCCDI), the Provincial Government of Cotabato, the City Government of Kidapawan, and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Ilomavis. Working alongside national agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs), this multi-sectoral framework positions the foundation as a well-rounded and highly capable ally for the military's civil-military operations.

LTC Estolas expressed his warm gratitude to MAFI for pushing through with the visit despite the morning's disruption. Recognizing the importance of MAFI's programs in maintaining a peaceful, empowered, and culturally preserved community, he underscored that the 39IB looks forward to being invited to the foundation's upcoming major activities, allowing the battalion to personally witness and further support these impactful initiatives on the ground.

06/06/2026

From Makilala to Thailand!

Karl James Mampang Dapan, a proud Bagobo-Tagabawa scholar from Purok Mahayahay, Barangay Saguing, is a living testament to the power of opportunity. Today, he is taking his talent and heart for teaching to the international stage!

Karl graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education batch 2019.

Now, he brings his passion for teaching to the global stage, serving as a Foreign English Teacher at Wangdee School in Thailand.

He channels his background in education into shaping young minds and contributing to meaningful community growth abroad.

Reflecting on his journey, Karl shares:
"In my current work, I take part in community initiatives that support education and help young learners grow and succeed. Being involved in these activities has given me the chance to contribute to something meaningful in my community. The MAFI scholarship has truly changed my life by giving me the support I needed to continue my studies without too much financial stress. Because of this opportunity, I’ve become more motivated to give back and help others who are also working hard to reach their goals." — Karl James Mampang Dapan

Thank you for representing MAFI and your community with pride on the global stage, Teacher Karl!

Your journey inspires us all to keep dreaming bigger.

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MAFI Graduate Scholar yarn.

05/06/2026

The global community stands united today with one clear message: It is time to act .

At Mount Apo Foundation, Inc. (MAFI), we believe that the seeds of climate resilience are planted in the minds of our youth. This World Environment Day 2026, our MAFI scholars and youth leaders are stepping up to answer that call!

From the global host city of Baku, Azerbaijan, to the vibrant communities surrounding Mt. Apo, the message is clear: our future depends on ecosystem protection and sustainable action today. Through MAFI's Cultural and Environmental Education Program (CEEP), we are equipping the next generation of Indigenous leaders to be fierce protectors of our sacred mountain.

Our MAFI scholars aren't just students or professionals—they are active environmental stewards, and cultural advocates on the frontlines of conservation.

04/06/2026

From a determined Cebuana scholar from Prk 5, Owas, Magpet, North Cotabato, to a thriving corporate leader, Roselyn G. Costelo-Saway is a true testament to the power of opportunity.

A proud graduate of BS Industrial Engineering batch 2005 at the University of Southern Mindanao - Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC), she now serves as the Territory Solution Head at Universal Storefront Services Corp. (USSC), where she channels her engineering background into impactful leadership.

Guided by faith and gratitude, Roselyn shares:
"As a Territory Solution Head, I’ve always believed that real impact happens when we go beyond business and invest in people and communities. One of the most meaningful parts of my role is leading and supporting community-driven initiatives that create opportunities for growth and empowerment.

This is all because of the grace of the Lord, through the scholarship program of MAFI. This initiative has transformed lives, including mine, by opening doors to education and personal development. We were not only given financial assistance, but we’re also inspired to dream bigger, build confidence, and strive for a better future.

Personally, seeing how it continues to impact other scholars motivates me even more to champion initiatives that uplift communities and create lasting change. Being in this role is not just about delivering solutions, it’s about making a difference, one community at a time." — Roselyn G. Costelo-Saway

Thank you for carrying the torch of excellence and service, Roselyn. MAFI is incredibly proud of your journey!

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MAFI Graduate Scholar yarn. ♥

03/06/2026

Manobo Women Lead Charge as MAFI, PhilFIDA, OPAg Launch Abaca Project in Barangay Manobo, Magpet

Kidapawan City — A sustainable economic future is unfolding for the IP women in Manobo, Magpet as the Abaca Fiber Processing and Handicraft Project officially came to fruition today, backed by a powerful new multi-sectoral alliance.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Mt. Apo Foundation, Inc. (MAFI), is a community-led venture designed to directly uplift indigenous cultural communities through the Manobo Farmers Association (MAFA) - Women's Group.

To ensure the project's long-term success and sustainability, a collaborative partnership was formalized during a convergence meeting held at the MAFI Board Room with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) – Cotabato, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) XI, the Manobo Farmers Association (MAFA), and the Manobo Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU).

The formalization was solidified during a meeting attended by key agency heads and tribal leaders, underscoring a deep, cross-sectoral commitment to the project’s longevity. Present at the ceremony were MAFI Executive Director Matanam Jaime M. Odo, Sr., Program Manager Cynthia L. Fortin, and Program Officer Deejay S. Bacag. They were joined by PhilFIDA Region XI OIC Regional Director Joel T. Alcoser, Cotabato Provincial Fiber Officer Joseph Bernard Pafin, and Technical Assistance Unit OIC Zenarosa A. Andresio. OPAg-Cotabato was represented by Abaca Provincial Coordinator’s representative Jenevieve Salvador and IP Focal Person Marites Guabong, while the local community was heavily represented by MAFA President Florentino Matalam, the association's secretary and treasurer, former Manobo Chairman Roldan Pelonio, incumbent Chairman Ruth Pelonio Federe, and various Manobo Women’s representatives.

This enterprise focuses on transforming traditional, raw abaca farming into a high-value processing and handicraft livelihood, positioning the women of the Manobo community at the center of local economic growth. By shifting the local model from simply stripping and selling raw fiber to creating finished, artisan-grade goods, the MAFA Women's Group can retain maximum profit margins within their ancestral domain.

The formalized partnership successfully bridges the gap between grassroots indigenous farming and government regulatory resources by strategically dividing key responsibilities among the stakeholders.

31/05/2026

Honoring the Living Heritage of Mt. Apo

As National Heritage Month concludes, MAFI honors the ultimate living assets of Mount Apo (Apo Sandowa): the visionary tribal leaders, Datus, and elders of the Obo Monuvu and Bagobo Tagabawa communities.

As the pioneers of the Cotabato Tribal Consultative Council for Development, Inc. (CTCCDI), these leaders serve as human bridges—not only inheriting traditions but actively weaving them into modern governance. Today, current CTCCDI members faithfully carry this torch forward.

“A community without knowledge of its past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” ~ Marcus Garvey

MAFI’s mission remains deeply intertwined with their leadership.

Thank you to our partners in sustainability for anchoring us to our roots while guiding us toward new horizons.

24/05/2026

24/05/2026

MAFI Graduate Society Form New Core Team Focused on Community Impact

MAGPET, COTABATO — Centered on the theme "MGS Activation 2026," the Mount Apo Foundation, Inc. (MAFI) successfully convened its graduate community for a high-impact strategic planning and team-building session held at the Riverview Resort, Bantac, Magpet.

The event marked a major milestone for the foundation, drawing active participation from 31 MAFI Graduate Scholars (MGS) members alongside four former MAFI staff. Together, they united to lay the groundwork for a robust, long-term alumni revival initiative.

This critical session serves a grander purpose, as it lays the vital planning and preparation for the massive Year-End Program Implementation Review slated for this coming December. During the year-end event, the foundation aims to achieve a historic milestone by uniting all 339 scholar-graduates under one roof to celebrate their collective impact and chart the future of the organization.

The activity began with workshops and team-building exercises spearheaded by resource person Mr. Jessmar A. Campo, a former MAFI Program Manager. Leveraging his deep familiarity with the foundation's core values, Mr. Campo guided the participants through interactive sessions aimed at leadership alignment, goal setting, and fostering camaraderie across different eras of graduates.

A major highlight of the activation was the formalization of the Activation Core Team. Composed of 3–4 selected representatives from every graduating batch, this team is designed to serve as a vital bridge for their respective eras.

Driven by a shared commitment to community development, the Core Team’s primary objectives are to:
• Pay it forward by actively leading and participating in sustainable community development initiatives, transforming MAFI's educational legacy into tangible social impact.
• Mobilize batch networks to pool skills, resources, and expertise from across generations for grassroots development projects.
• Re-engage inactive members by offering purposeful avenues for alumni to volunteer, mentor, and contribute to the growth of the MAFIAN community and its host areas.
• Deepen the lifelong bond with the MAFI family by aligning alumni-led activities with the foundation’s overarching mission of uplifting local communities.

By mobilizing these batch representatives, the initiative aims to revive unity, strengthen alumni engagement, and bring back the true spirit and legacy of being a "MAFIAN" one batch at a time.

The MGS community expressed its heartfelt gratitude to MAFI, led by Executive Director Matanam Jaime Odo and the foundation staff, for facilitating and providing unwavering support for this meaningful revival initiative. Special appreciation was also extended to Mr. Campo for lending his expertise to the event's success, as well as to former MAFI Executive Director Atty. Ermelo N. Libre, who attended as a special guest and delivered an impactful message to the MGS.

With the core team now officially activated under the banner of MGS Activation 2026, the MAFIAN community enters a dynamic new chapter dedicated to reconnecting generations, fostering solidarity, and ensuring that the foundation's enduring legacy continues to thrive.