ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA) -- Rennon Singue Simpin, a proud and full-blooded Subanen from Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, was a scholar of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Today, he stands as a dedicated Tribal Affairs Assistant within the agency, passionately committed to championing the safeguarding, promotion, and preservation of the rich cultures, customs, and traditions of indigenous peoples and cultural communities (IPs and ICCs).

However, his path to success was not without challenges.

In 2015, facing financial constraints, Rennon applied for the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) of NCIP. The program, designed to support qualified IP and ICC students, played a pivotal role in easing the financial burden of his college journey. Rennon expresses deep gratitude for the P10,000 he received every semester, which significantly aided him, especially during the demanding process of completing his thesis.

“Dako kaayu kog pasalamat sa educational assistance sa NCIP nga nakatabang sa akong panginahanglanon sa eskwela, sama sa mga palitunon requirement ug project sa skwelahan (I am truly grateful for the educational assistance provided by NCIP, which has been a crucial support for my school needs, including learning requirements and projects),” Rennon said.

Rennon, a working student throughout his college years, now stands as an inspiration for the youth, particularly among IPs, encouraging them to persevere in their studies despite economic hardships. 

"Kinahanglan mag-set na daan sa goal. Kay kung dili, wala jud padulngan. Kung himuong rason ang kapobrehon, dili jud ka mahuman. Maong ibutang jud sa hunahuna na kinahanglan mu-graduate ko (You have to set your goal in advance. Otherwise, you have no destination. If you use poverty as an excuse, you will never get through. Keep in mind that you need to graduate)," he passionately asserts.

Rennon accomplished his goal of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from JH Cerilles State College - Lapuyan Campus in 2019. 

During the same year, he successfully passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers. While expressing his willingness to pursue a teaching opportunity, Rennon currently finds fulfillment in contributing to the welfare of Indigenous Peoples through his service with the NCIP.

As a Subanen, he encourages all ICCs and IPs, especially the IP youth, to actively participate in every community endeavor, especially in protecting and promoting the culture and the preservation of the customs and traditions.

“Sa mga kabatan-onan, kita man ang sumusunod na linya sa atong elders. Kung dili ta maningkamot, unsaon nalang ning atong kultura. Sayang kaayu ang atong pagkasubanen, mawala. (For the youth, we are the next in line to follow our elders. If we don't strive, what will happen to our culture? Our Subanen identity will be lost, and that would be a great loss),” he said.

Meanwhile, he urges those interested in applying for the scholarship to communicate in their dialect, as it will be a crucial part of the validation and selection process for applicants.

The regional office of NCIP in Zamboanga Peninsula has supported numerous Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who have successfully earned their degrees and become professionals in their chosen fields of expertise. 

Accordingly, there are approximately two million Indigenous Peoples in the region belonging to five IP groups: Subanen or Subanon, Kolibugan, Bajau or Sama Dilaut, Sama Bangingi, and Yakan. (NBE/EDT/CCP/PIA9)