Having been raised
in a poor family myself, I earned my education through much patience
and struggle. I was the second child of eight. I was privileged to be
taken by a rich family in the lowland, whom I served for eight years
as a servant and errand boy.This enabled me to pay my school tuition
fees and for my board and lodging. There are still brave young people
from the tribes who are making the same arrangement. Some have succeeded,
but most have quit. Women often quit first as they are prone to exploitation.
We were raised through the hardship of our parents - both farmers. My
father, Mariano, aged 75, is now totally blind and my mother, Porcena,
aged 64, is now a housewife.
I have been able to assist one of my young sisters with her studies
and she has obtained a degree in commerce and is now working in our
Co-operative as a cashier.
Being a member of a tribe myself, I have already committed the remainder
of my life to the service of the least privileged and marginalised sector
of Philippine society - starting among the the different ethnic tribes.
I am devoted to advocating the rights of tribal people in their search
for good health, education, basic services, justice and peace.
