NDMC Empowers Indigenous Peoples Students through Scholarships
The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) of Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC), in partnership with the OMI IP Pangipasan Mission Station, successfully implemented the project “Empowering Indigenous Peoples (IP) Students through Scholarships for Equitable Education Opportunities” from Academic Year 2022–2025 at Pangipasan Community School. The initiative aimed to address financial constraints, limited educational resources, and geographic isolation that have long challenged the Erumanen ne Menuvu community’s access to quality education.
A total of 96 Indigenous students benefited from the program, receiving scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship support. The project included scholarship distribution, mentorship, and capacity-building activities, and a culminating project turnover and outreach, which strengthened students’ academic engagement, leadership skills, and cultural identity.
The intervention showed a significant impact on educational outcomes. Graduation rates rose by 44% in 2024–2025, with improved retention among male students, while 79 learners enrolled for SY 2025–2026, reflecting strong community confidence in the education system. Beyond academics, the project reinforced community engagement and cultural pride, demonstrating the value of sustained outreach and educational support.
Despite challenges such as geographic barriers and limited monitoring infrastructure, the project successfully improved student access to education and strengthened institutional-community partnerships. NDMC’s CBA remains committed to continuing support for Indigenous communities through future outreach initiatives to sustain and expand the gains achieved.
The success of this initiative was made possible through the support of NDMC administration, CBA faculty and students, the OMI IP Pangipasan Mission Station, and the participating IP students and their families, whose dedication ensured the program’s meaningful impact.