As MABIKAs Foundation marks its ninth year of existence, we take this moment to formally recognize the completed set of co-founders whose collective leadership has sustained and shaped the organization from its beginning to the present.
From the outset, MABIKAs Founding Chairperson Myra Colis served as the driving force, anchor and guiding light for the foundation. She was instrumental in convening meetings, leading the drafting of the constitution, and steering the direction of the organization year after year. This steady stewardship provided the structure and continuity needed for MABIKAs to take root and grow. Though she was regarded from the start as the founder, the establishment of MABIKAs Foundation as well as the community of Igorot Cordillerans in the Netherlands was never done alone.
On December 13, 2025, as the organization celebrated its ninth anniversary, MABIKAs founding board members Renijune Abaya and Tessie Gayao were formally named co-founders before the community. In her statement during the announcement, Colis highlighted that Abaya and Gayao have played a vital role in keeping the community connected, mobilizing practical matters, and ensuring that the foundation remained intact despite various challenges. Their sustained presence and accountability have been instrumental in translating shared values into daily practice.
Alongside this leadership, Indigenous leaders and long-serving Board members Rev. Cesar Tomilas Taguba and Yvonne Kay-an Belen have committed themselves fully to the work of community-building since the organization’s early years. Last year, during the eighth anniversary celebration,they were formally recognized as co-founders. Their leadership has been central to administrative stewardship and to shaping the organization’s vision and mission, helping guide its direction with wisdom and care.
Why Co-Founders Were Named After 8–9 Years (Not at the Beginning)
1. Founding Was a Process, Not a Moment
In many community-centered organizations, especially those grounded in Indigenous values, leadership is revealed through sustained responsibility, not claimed at inception. Co-foundership emerged through practice, commitment, and accountability over time, not titles given prematurely.
2. Leadership Was Proven Through Consistency and Accountability
Recognition as co-founders was based on long-term service as Board members, willingness to remain accountable year after year, and meaningful contribution during both growth and difficulty. This ensured that the title reflected earned responsibility rather than intention alone.
3. The Organization Needed Time to Clarify Roles and Structure
In the early years, the priority was, among others, establishing legal and governance structures, building trust and relationship, and responding to immediate community needs.
Only after the foundation matured was it possible to formally recognize distinct leadership roles with clarity and fairness.
4. Community Validation Came Before Formal Recognition
Rather than naming co-founders top-down, recognition followed community affirmation—seeing who consistently showed up, carried responsibility, and helped hold the community together.
In summary, co-founders were formally recognized after several years because leadership within MABIKAs has always been defined by sustained service, accountability, and community trust, rather than by titles assigned at the beginning. At this moment, we once again extend our heartfelt gratitude to our co-founders for their commitment and dedication to the vision and mission of MABIKAs. We pray for continued strength, wisdom, and guidance as the founding leadership, together with the wider community, moves forward.
On December 13, the community also warmly welcomed two new Board members, Adela Mayyong and Aurora Pacio-Pascua, who will join the foundation in its next chapter of leadership and service. Moving ahead, all of the five named co-founders except for Yvonne Belen will remain members of the MABIKAs Board. Belen will continue her involvement with the foundation in the role of advisor.
TO ALL OUR MABIKAS CONSTITUENTS, FAMILY & FRIENDS, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING A PART OF THIS JOURNEY! LET’S KEEP ON GOING. MABI-MABIKAS TAYO AMIN! CHEERS TO MORE HEALTHY & MEANINGFUL YEARS TO COME!
