New Dormitory for Subanen Learners Opens in Zamboanga del Norte

PARANGLUMBA, SIAYAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — Subanen learners from remote communities in Siayan now have a safer and more accessible place to stay and study following the turnover and blessing of the A+ Dorm for Subanen Learners on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Led by Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop Inc. (FSMMI), the ceremony coincided with the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop and was held a day before the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9.

“The dormitory was made possible through the support of the DigiPlus Foundation, represented by its Vice President and Trustee, Rafael Jasper Vicencio, with the cooperation of the local government of Siayan, the Tribal Council of Elders and members of the Subanen community.”

FSMMI is a Philippine nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and opportunities for marginalized children and youth, particularly in remote communities. Inspired by the life and mission of Saint Mary MacKillop, the organization works to address educational and social gaps through education, livelihood and community-based initiatives. Its work is guided by the motto, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

The A+ Dorm addresses one of the challenges faced by Subanen learners: distance. Some children walk several miles from their communities to attend school, making daily travel physically demanding and leaving less time and energy for their studies.

By providing accommodation closer to school, the dormitory gives learners a place to rest and study while reducing the burden of daily travel.

The ceremony was attended by the Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region IX, who expressed support for the leadership and initiatives of the Subanen Tribe of Siayan.

FSMMI also recognized the contributions of Angela Camins-Weineke, executive director of the DigiPlus Foundation, and the foundation’s team, as well as its volunteers, Y4C youth, social work interns from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan Inc. and the Paranglumba community.

“For many Subanen children, the desire to study is strong, but financial difficulties and distance continue to create barriers,” said Rey L. Anugon, president of FSMMI. “The A+ Dorm gives them a greater opportunity to stay closer to school, pursue their studies and work toward their dreams.”

Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon Sr., municipal Indigenous Peoples mandatory representative and tribal chieftain of the Subanen Tribe of Siayan, said the dormitory gives children greater opportunities while helping them remain connected to their identity and heritage.

“The A+ Dorm will help our children pursue their education, reach their dreams and build a better future while remaining proud of their identity and heritage,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Dean Klayford V. Bongat, founder of FSMMI, said the dormitory is a concrete response to the needs of Indigenous children who face barriers to education.

“The A+ Dorm responds to the needs of Subanen children who dream of an education but face challenges because of distance and limited resources,” Bongat said. “We hope it will open doors of opportunity and nurture their dreams.”

Camins-Weineke said the DigiPlus Foundation hopes the dormitory will become more than a place for learners to stay.

“It is more than just a building. It is also a home — a place that provides safety, comfort and hope for our children and youth,” Camins-Weineke said. “Our greatest hope is that every Subanen young person who stays here will have the opportunity to rest, study and, most importantly, dream.”

The A+ Dorm reflects a shared commitment among Indigenous leaders, community members, government partners, nonprofit organizations and donors to help ensure that distance and limited resources do not prevent Indigenous children from accessing education.

As the Subanen Tribe of Siayan joins communities around the world in marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the dormitory stands as a symbol of opportunity, community support and hope for the next generation of Subanen learners.