A Living Treasure, A Marist Legacy: The Inspiring Journey of NDMU Alumna Rosie Godwino Sula
As Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) celebrates its 80th Anniversary, it proudly honors the inspiring journey of one of its distinguished alumni whose life reflects the transformative power of Marist education, cultural preservation, and service to community.
Rosie Godwino Sula, known among the T'boli people as Bo'i Lmingon, is a respected chanter, educator, cultural bearer, and community leader from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. A graduate of NDMU's Accelerated Training for Teachers of Cultural Communities (ATCC) program in 1987, she has dedicated her life to preserving T'boli heritage and empowering future generations through education and culture.
Today, she is recognized as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awardee or National Living Treasure for her mastery of the T'boli lingon tradition, particularly the Tudbulul, the epic chant that embodies the history, beliefs, and identity of the T'boli people.
A Door Opened Through Marist Education
Bo'i Rosie's journey to higher education began during a period when access to education among Indigenous communities was limited. For many young women, pursuing a college degree was uncommon, as cultural expectations, economic realities, and early marriage often took precedence over formal schooling.
Against these circumstances, her acceptance into NDMU's ATCC scholarship program opened a path that would transform her life and enable her to serve her community through education and cultural preservation.
Through the vision of the Marist Brothers, the ATCC program was established to provide Indigenous students from cultural communities across Mindanao the opportunity to become educators and community leaders. The program reached out to remote communities, including Lake Sebu, opening doors for students who otherwise might never have entered a university classroom.
For Bo'i Rosie, the scholarship became a life-changing opportunity.
Reflecting on her student years during her NDMU 80th Anniversary alumni testimonial, she shared that without the ATCC scholarship, completing a college degree would have been nearly impossible. The opportunity not only enabled her to pursue higher education but also inspired her to dream beyond the limitations often faced by Indigenous women of her generation.
As she recalled her years at NDMU, emotion filled her voice. Memories of her scholarship journey, the support she received, and the people who helped shape her future brought her to tears. For her, NDMU was not simply a place of learning, it was a community that nurtured her potential and instilled in her a sense of purpose.
Returning Home to Serve
After graduating in 1987, Bo'i Rosie returned to serve communities through education.
She taught at Sta. Cruz Mission School, Inc. for nine years, helping young learners gain access to quality education while remaining rooted in their cultural identity. Her commitment to service extended beyond the classroom as she became involved in initiatives that supported and empowered T'boli women.
Recognizing the importance of passing cultural knowledge to younger generations, she later established educational and cultural programs that promote Indigenous traditions. Through her School of Living Tradition and other community-based initiatives, she continues to teach T'boli performing arts, oral traditions, and cultural practices to children and youth in Lake Sebu.
Her work has helped ensure that ancestral knowledge remains a living tradition rather than a fading memory.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Born into a respected clan of Datu and Bo'i in Lake Sebu, Bo'i Rosie grew up immersed in the rich oral traditions of the T'boli people. From an early age, she learned the sacred practice of lingon or chanting, eventually becoming one of the foremost bearers of the Tudbulul epic tradition.
Her dedication to safeguarding this cultural heritage earned national recognition in 2023 when she was conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) through Presidential Proclamation No. 247, s. 2023. Considered the country's highest honor for traditional artists, the award recognizes individuals whose mastery and lifelong commitment have preserved the cultural treasures of their communities.
As a cultural master, educator, and advocate, Bo'i Rosie continues to share the beauty of T'boli traditions with audiences in the Philippines and abroad, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.
The Lasting Impact of Marist Formation
For Bo'i Rosie, her years at NDMU were about more than academic preparation. They were years of formation that shaped her values, strengthened her faith, and deepened her commitment to serving others.
She credits her Marist education for helping her become the person she is today. The lessons she learned inside and outside the classroom inspired her to use her talents not only for personal growth but also for the benefit of her community.
Looking back on her journey, she expressed profound gratitude to the University and the Marist Brothers who believed in the potential of Indigenous students and invested in their future.
A Message for Future Generations
To current students and future Marists, Bo'i Rosie encourages them to value their education and make the most of every opportunity.
She reminds young people that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but also by how they use their knowledge and talents to serve others. Addressing fellow alumni, she shared a call to remain connected to their alma mater and contribute to its mission in meaningful ways.
"Let us leave a legacy," she urged, emphasizing that every graduate has the capacity to make a lasting impact on both the University and society.
A Chant of Gratitude and Hope
As the interview concluded, Bo'i Rosie offered a unique anniversary greeting—one deeply rooted in her culture and identity.
Rather than delivering a conventional message, she shared a prayer chant specially dedicated to Notre Dame of Marbel University and the entire Marist community. Through her voice, she expressed gratitude for the blessings she received and offered prayers for the continued success of the institution.
Her heartfelt chant carried hopes for future generations of learners and for the enduring mission of Marist education.
As NDMU celebrates 80 Years of Mission: A Legacy of Marist Education, A Journey of Hope, the story of Rosie Godwino Sula stands as a powerful reminder of what education can accomplish when opportunity meets purpose.
From a young scholar from Lake Sebu to a National Living Treasure of the Philippines, her journey reflects the enduring impact of a Marist education—one that forms minds, nurtures faith, and inspires lives of service.
Through her work, her voice, and her unwavering commitment to her people, Bo'i Rosie continues to embody the values that NDMU has upheld for eight decades, ensuring that both culture and community remain vibrant for generations to come.
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