Benjamin D. Abadiano
Vice President
Benjamin Abadiano is presently the President of Assisi Development Foundation. A Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Emergent Leadership (2004), he has had over twenty years of experience in social development work, including 6 years in peace building initiatives. He established an Integrated Development Program for the indigenous communities in Mindoro and Mindanao and developed alternative and culture-based educational programs (elementary, secondary, and tertiary) for indigenous peoples all over the .
Mr. Abadiano is the founder of two unique schools committed to bringing education that is culturally appropriate and relevant to indigenous youth: TUGDAAN Center for Human and Environmental Development in Mindoro in 1988 and PAMULAAN Center for Indigenous Peoples Education in Davao in 2006. Apart from his dedication to indigenous peoples’ education and training, he has also been involved in rehabilitation and peace advocacy for war affected communities, assisting 72 tri-people communities in Mindanao in establishing “Peace Sanctuaries”. He also founded the ILAWAN Center for Peace and Sustainable Development. His other awards include the Fr. William Masterson, S.J. Award for Peace and Development (2005), Outstanding Literacy Program for the Indigenous Peoples and Outstanding Literacy Worker by DECS (1992). Publications he has helmed include “Panaw sa Kalinaw”, “Kalamayan” (Mangyan-Tagalog Dictionary), “Bistoy Te” (Manual for Indigenous Peoples Education Program).
