Team DailyPedia
This is the inspirational story of Roben Abdella, Mindanao State University’s first Badjao magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, major in English degree.
According to Mindanao State University (MSU) Tawi-Tawi professor Basil Sali, many people perceive Badjaos as “illiterate” and “inferior” because some parents prefer sending their children out to fish than to school. This was the stigma Abdella of the Sama Dilaut, an ethnic group that identifies themselves as Badjaos, had to endure during his academic life. Abdella hails from Sitangkai, a municipality in Tawi-Tawi which is four hours away from the state university.
MSU offers scholarships to indigenous groups, with the last batch having 17 Badjaos. Abdella took up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in English in Mindanao State University. Besides the scholarship, Abdella also was a member of the MSU Tawi-Tawi’s theater troupe Sining Parmata, becoming the head writer responsible for writing musical theater scripts.
Professor Sali had nothing but praises for the exceptional Badjao.
“Once you ask him, alam mo ‘yung substance nung content, naibibigay niya (he can give the substance of the content). And then he’s an excellent worker,” Sali shared.
Even as an academic scholar of MSU, Abdella did not have it easy. He would often skip meals just to save up for his requirements and pay his debts. He rarely visited home to save on fares. He made the most out of his small allowance. But it was not financial restraints that affected him the most, it was the stigma and discrimination towards Badjaos that had the most impact. But he used this as his motivation to pursue academic excellence.
“Minsan iba ‘yung tingin nila sa amin (Badjao), [pero] dahil sa pride ko, nag-strive talaga ako (They sometimes look at us Badjaos differently, but because of my pride, I really strived to do well),” said Abdella.
Besides becoming a magna cum laude last March 30 as the first Badjao from Mindanao State University to graduate with honors, Abdella also received an Outstanding Pre-Service Teacher Award from the College of Education.
Even with his achievements, Abdella remains humble and wishes more for his people—the next generation of Badjaos— to recognize the value of education.
“I encourage them [fellow Badjaos] to go to college because it’s [MSU scholarship for Badjaos] free. As long as they’re determined, [they can do it.] It’s all about the sacrifices,” Abdella said.
MSU Tawi-Tawi immediately hired Abdella after graduation, even if he plans on pursuing a masters degree. They believe he can set a good example for his fellow tribesmen.
“I think with the inspiration coming from Roben, Badjao school children and parents will be encouraged to pursue higher education, to get a degree, and to help their family and tribe. Education is the best solution to end poverty and illiteracy,” Sali explained.
