In the lush and remote landscapes of Sitio BCM, Barangay Buluang, Busuanga, Palawan, lives Mr. Roy D. Dabuit, a dedicated community volunteer and indigenous Tagbanua Calamianes leader. Alongside his wife, Analyn M. Dabuit, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) grantee and full-time homemaker, and their three children, Mr. Dabuit has journeyed through life’s adversities with resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to his people and community.  

Humble Beginnings  

Life has always been challenging for the Dabuit family. Their small rice field sustains them, but only barely. With four months between harvests, they rely on sheer resourcefulness to meet daily needs. Despite these struggles, Mr. Dabuit has always been deeply rooted in service. Long before starting his family, he was drawn to the idea of uplifting his community, dedicating himself to volunteer work—a path devoid of financial compensation but rich in purpose.  

His wife, Analyn, complements his efforts by raising their children and tending to a modest piggery, which helps supplement their income. For the Dabuit family, each day is a challenge, but one met with faith and perseverance.  

A Turning Point: Joining the 4Ps 

In 2012, the Dabuits were enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a government initiative providing conditional cash transfers to impoverished families. Initially unfamiliar with its purpose, Mr. Dabuit came to see its profound impact on his family.  

“Before 4Ps, it was incredibly difficult to meet my children’s needs, especially for their education,” he shared. “The program has been a lifeline, allowing us to afford school supplies and health check-ups when needed. It ensured that our children could continue their studies, which otherwise would have been nearly impossible.”  

Today, the Dabuit children are thriving: the eldest is in college, the second in Grade 12, and the youngest in Grade 10. The program also provided invaluable learning experiences through Family Development Sessions (FDS), which Mr. Dabuit credits for enhancing his family’s relationships and community involvement.  

Advocacy for Ancestral Land  

Mr. Dabuit’s leadership extends beyond his family. Since 2011, he has served as the volunteer Traditional Community Chairman of the Nurunutan yang Tagbanua Calamian yang Calawit (NTCQ), a group dedicated to reclaiming ancestral lands.  

One of his most significant achievements was leading the movement to secure a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for Sitio BCM, which had been repurposed into a wildlife sanctuary during the Marcos regime, displacing the indigenous Tagbanua people. Through unwavering determination and collaboration with private organizations, NGOs, and government agencies, the community’s decades-long struggle culminated in victory on September 15, 2022, when the land was finally returned to its rightful stewards.  

Empowering the Community  

Under Mr. Dabuit’s leadership, Sitio BCM thrives as a model of community-driven development:  

• Environmental Preservation: Regular coastal and road clean-ups, mangrove protection, and annual native tree-planting initiatives.  
• Sustainable Livelihood: A tourism initiative focusing on dugong (sea cow) watching provides income for trained community members as guides, divers, and boat operators.  
• Infrastructure Projects: Collaborative efforts, such as road cementing, enhance local living conditions.  

Mr. Dabuit is also an active member of multiple organizations advocating for indigenous rights, disaster preparedness, and sustainable farming. His work has brought opportunities to his community, including scholarships for five Calawit youth at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.  

A Regional Recognition

In 2024, Mr. Dabuit’s lifelong dedication and transformative efforts were celebrated internationally when he won IndSpire 2024: Call for Indigenous People’s Inspirational Story of Change. The award recognizes individual IPs whose lives exemplify resilience, leadership, and a commitment to creating meaningful change for indigenous communities.

Receiving this honor solidifies Mr. Dabuit’s legacy as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His story was chosen among the entries from around the MIMAROPA region, showcasing his impact not only within his community but also as a role model for indigenous advocacy and sustainable development globally.

Recognition and Legacy  

From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Dabuit served as an NCIP Commissioner, appointed by then-President Benigno Aquino III. During his tenure, he championed issues of ancestral domain, environmental protection, and community leadership, leaving a lasting impact on many indigenous communities.  

Today, he continues to serve as a full-time volunteer, working hand-in-hand with his wife and children, who actively participate in community activities. His story is a testament to the transformative power of volunteerism and the enduring strength of the human spirit.  

For Mr. Dabuit, every challenge overcome is a step closer to a better future—not just for his family but for the entire Tagbanua community. “Life was never easy,” he reflects, “but now, we can finally live freely on the ancestral land we’ve fought so hard to reclaim.”  

Mr. Roy Dabuit’s life embodies the essence of selflessness, resilience, and hope, inspiring others to embrace the power of collective action in creating lasting change.