MR. MELANIO U. ULAMA
On a warm sunny Wednesday, Melanio Umbit Ulama was born in Kabenge, Datu Piang, Maguindanao to Diwan Mamintal Ulama and Lucia Umbit Ulama. He graduated from Upi Agricultural School with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Agronomy in 1982. He studied Master’s in Public Administration at Notre Dame University. Luckily, he was married to a dedicated educator of Tenungol Elementary School, Darugao, Upi, Maguindanao, named Elsie Capillo Grajido-Ulama. He is a father of two lovely daughters namely Melsheryl and Melsie Grace, who are both Registered Nurse.
Melanio is an Indigenous Peoples’ consultant of the MILF and heads the organization of Teduray and Lambangian Conference. He was a member of the MILF Implementing Panel representing Indigenous People. Melanio was endorsed by the MILF as a one of the Commissioner of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission for two consecutive terms and currently, a member of Bangsamoro Transition Authority and the Minister of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. At this time, he hopes to continue his track record of astounding leadership and values in the coming future.
Melanio U. Ulama was part of the Office of Southern Cultural Communities Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OSCC-ARMM) from 1994 until 2013, and has been a seasoned and motivated individual specializing in bringing value and encouraging positive relations among others. He was a former Chairman of Mindanao Peoples Caucus, a grassroots network of Indigenous Peoples, Bangsamoro and Christian communities and pioneers who have common vision for peace in Mindanao. He is also a former Chairman of Organization of Tribal Leaders Associations Conference and of Mindanao Action for Peace and Development. A former Vice Chairman of Kadtuntaya Foundation Incorporated (KFI), an establishment empowering the strengthening of the grassroots networks in Mindanao to mutually change and improve their complete prosperity.
“I have often been asked how shall I proceed in the process. I always have a ready reply paraphrasing that great American statesman (Patrick Henry) ‘I don’t know what course others may take but as for me, give me liberty or give me death’. For me, it shall be the Bangsamoro or eternal humiliation before my people.” – BTC Commissioner Melanio U. Ulama (2014)
