Davao Light, AdDU Mindanawon sign MOA for the capacity building of the Matigsalog Tribe in Brgy. Gumitan

In its aim to empower the Indigenous Peoples within its franchise, Davao Light and Power Co. together with the Ateneo de Davao University's Mindanawon Initiative for Cultural Dialogue (AdDU-MICD) signed a memorandum of agreement in the capacity building of the Matigsalog Tribe in Brgy. Gumitan, Marilog District, Davao City last September 3, 2015.

This partnership emanated after Davao Light installed a solar charging station last December 27, 2014 in Brgy. Gumitan, which is an off-grid area. Seeing the potential of the tribe, the Davao Light team as headed by Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon, wanted to create a sustaining project that will provide livelihood and at the same time improve skills.

This made the electric utility to partner with a lumad-focused organization, the AdDU-MICD, which has been Davao Light's long-time partner in empowering the Lumads.

AdDU-MICD helped in organizing Brgy. Gumitan's women-group, the Gumitan Women Farmer Development Association (GWFDA), which is the recipient of this capacity building project.

With capacity building, GWFDA is hoped to enhance their abilities that will allow them to achieve measurable and sustainable results necessary in the operations of the solar charging station. They will also be given various workshops including technical assistance.

Present during the MOA signing are Davao Light's EVP and COO Arturo Milan and Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon, AdDU President Joel Tabora, SJ, 

Within this year, another Lumad tribe situated in an off-grid area of Davao Light's franchise will be installed with a solar-charging station. AdDU-MICD will again be tapped in the capacity building of the tribe.

Meanwhile, Davao Light also turned over P200,000 to AdDU-MICD as support to its Lumad Scholarship Program. Since 2003, Davao Light has been providing support to the Lumad youth through 

Many of our Lumad brothers and sisters have already benefited from this scholarship program. Some are now working in big companies, while others are pursuing masters degree.