NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Born into a poor Bukidnon Indigenous People (IP) family in the mountainous barangay of Codcod in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Lenrey Suelas never imagined becoming an electrical engineer.
He knew he was neither strong in mathematics nor inclined toward abstract concepts.
His first dream was to become a seaman. But his life trajectory changed in 2020, just as he was about to enter college.
With high grades in senior high school, Lenrey was recommended by their tribal chieftain, Matias Sueño, to apply for the Merit-Based Scholarship (MBS) program of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Through the MBS program, Lenrey still held on to his dream of becoming a professional seaman. Little did he know that the MBS program is only for state universities and colleges.
