DAVAO CITY - Giving up has never been an option for Arnel Isdang, a 34-year old Ata Manobo from Sitio Bhetan, Paquibato District in this city, who dreams of becoming a teacher.

His dream was fueled by his desire to teach the Lumad children in their community.

Despite having to walk 4 to 5 hours to reach the school in their village, he never complained.

“Gusto ko lang na may matutunan sila kahit papaano, kahit magbilang o magbasa para hindi sila maloloko,” said Isdang.

(I just want them to learn, even if just counting or reading so that they won't be duped.)

However, due to financial constraints, his parents weren’t able to send him to college after finishing high school.

“Nag-apply ako sa NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples) for scholarship, pero hindi na natanggap. Nagpasalamat pa rin ako kasi scholar nila ako sa elementary at high school,” he said.

(I applied for a scholarship with the NCIP but was not accepted. I still thank them because I was their scholar throughout elementary and high school.)

The lack of a college diploma was not a hindrance for Isdang to pursue his passion to teach.

These days, he gathers children of their sitio in his house and teaches them what he learned in school. He would also do house-to-house teaching for children who fail to attend a day’s lecture in his house.

He makes tribal bags and sells them to fund teaching materials and supplies such as pencil and paper for the students.

“Masaya na ako na makapagturo ako sa mga bata, ito kasi talaga ang gusto ko,” he said.

(I am happy that I get to teach these children because this is what I really want.)

He currently supports four children from his class who he has sent to formal school.