SOCSARGEN Celebrates Mindanao Week of Peace 2009

SOCSARGEN celebrated the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) 2009 on November 26 to December 2, 2009. The celebration was initiated by Bishop Ulama Conference who highlighted peace advocacies and initiatives of various groups in the area.

Celebrating this year’s MWOP included expression of peace through painting, essay-writing, song composition, photo exhibit, biking race, kite-flying, peace camps and forums.

Along with these advocacy activities, various sectors conducted free medical checkup, dental operations, and child friendly activities in areas that were victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters.

Child Friendly Activities at Pananag, Maasim, SP

Sharing at the Peace Camp, Kiamba, SP

Medical Operation at Tuyan, Glan, SP

Pre-MWOP activities bared
Responding proactively to the call of peace and development advocacy in Mindanao, twenty (20) secondary schools in SOCSARGEN joined in the Pre-Mindanao Week of Peace activities held at the DXCP Compound, General Santos City, November 7, 2009.

In coordination with the Department of Education in its mandate of mainstreaming peace education in schools, Ernesto Casiple Jr. and the KKC Tri-Youth volunteers facilitated the day’s events including poster-making, essay-writing, and on air quiz bee.

Essay Writing at Passionist Compound

Peace Canvasses

Peace Quiz on Air at DXCP-CMN

With the theme,” THINK Mindanao, FEEL Mindanao, BRING PEACE to Mindanao” and deviating from the customary concept of competition, participating students expressed and displayed their ideology on a canvas, through proposals, and through a mental challenge called Hulagway sa Kalilintad, Sulat K’linaw, and Utok K’linaw.

Further, Erns Casiple, the project head, discussed and explained the essence of understanding Mindanao history, the culture of peace and respect for others. Alnezzar Ali, a renowned Mindanaoan artist, facilitated the painting activity while divulging helpful ideas and tips on canvas display.


COMMUNITY WORKSHOP-TAPESTRY CREATION

Amateur student artists of General Santos City converged to create a tapestry of art called Likos.

Likos is a Maguindanon word for tapestry -like textile that is hanged horizontally with okir motifs as embellishments, often used as decors in festive events.

This workshop used traditional techniques with a touch of modern art including painting, collage and mixed media trimmings. This promoted creativity without the technical demands of traditional piecing. Beadworks were also applied through a separate workshop on bead-making.

Tapestry creation was also an interactive work that promoted unity in diversity, focused on one goal: making a likos wall of approximately four meters wide and one meter long. Kalimudan Culture & Arts Center conducted the workshop last November 21-22 with 21 participants and 8 professional artists as coaches.


THE OPENING

MWOP 2009 formally opened at Brgy Panang, Maasim Sarangani Province on November 2, 2009. Religious and tribal sectors, military, students, parishioners , and NGOs joined the parade, followed by a short program that showcased intermission numbers, peace-promoting songs, and children’s reflection on peace.

One of the shared messages was delivered by a muslim child, Raihana. She said, “sana mabigyan kami ng karapatang manirahan sa isang mapayapa at tahimik na barangay. Gusto naming maging malaya, mabigyan ng sapat na edukasyon, mapaunlad ang sariling kakayahan at mabigyan ng proteksyon laban sa mapagsamantala, panganib at karahasan para makapaglaro at makapaglibang. Salamat sa pagbigay n’yo sa amin ng karapatan para maipahayag ang aming sariling pananaw.”

The program was concluded through a song. Even after this, the audience kept on volunteering to sing.

RACE FOR PEACE

Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) spearheaded the 1st Tour de Sarangani with the theme “Riding for Hope and Racing for Peace” last November 29. The race launched in Maitum and culminated in Glan. Alex Josol of RMN presented the three participating teams. The participants were welcomed by Mayor Elsie Perrette of the Municipality of Glan.
The bikers reached the finish line in Glan wthin seven hours, bringing with them the message of condemnation on recent Maguindanao massacre.


KITE FLYING FOR PEACE

The Peace Education Center of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University hosted Kite Flying For Peace at Oval Plaza last November 30, 2009.
The activity started with a prayer led by Sr. Cynthia Triumfante, SMSM— “… Panginoon, narito po kami ngayon, nagkatipon-tipon upang ipahiwatig namin ang aming adhikaing magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa aming islang Mindanaw at sa buong mundo…”
Kites made by NDDU students, religious groups, Peace and Development Advocacy League, and various organizations soared high bringing with them messages of peace.

PEACE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CHILDREN

Sixty-five children participated in “Peace Tiles” (organized for ages 5 to 8 years) and “Peace Train” (organized for ages 9 to 12 years) at Robinsons Place last November 30 conducted by Kalmudan Culture and Art Center.

Children were given boxes as surface mediums for their art expression. All the six faces of the box were painted or drawn. Others put more details on it by drawing peace symbols such as doves. After which, the train boxes were connected together with strings—this symbolized the united voices and visions of the little ones in peace building through peace expression.


PANAGHOY SA KALINAW — SEASON TWO

Nine bands presented their original pieces of peace songs at “Panaghoy Sa Kalinaw — Season 2” last November 30 at the Robinsons’ Place, General Santos City.
The activity aimed to continue its music advocacy for lasting peace in Mindanao.

The participating bands were PNP PRO-12 Band, Jesus Ministry Band, Tim Band, Agape Band, Sentro Band, Hands up to God Band, Alsa Armas Band, Skunk Whistle Band, and the C Major Band.

Mr. Gervy Augustine conceptualized and produced this activity since he successfully organized the premier activity, “Panaghoy sa Kalinaw The Concert,” participated by Arnel Pineda himself.


FESTIVAL OF FARMERS, FISHERMAN AND STUDENTS

Farmers, fishermen & students from Barangay Tambilil and Baranagy Gasi converged at JBT Caing Sr. Memorial School in Tambilil Kiamba to share their experiences in organic farming last December 1, 2009.

Success stories of farmers engaged in organic farming were shared. Fr. Greto Bugas, an advocate of organic farming encouraged all the farmers to go organic in order to reduce harmful physical consequences of the use of synthetic fertilizers and to trim down expenses on farm inputs. He also encouraged the use of herbal medicines and eat food products from organic farms to help normalize blood circulation.

Ibrahim Nilong, invited a student from MSU, to share the technology of composting fertilizer through worm culture.

Hon. Rommel Falgui, mayor of the municipality of Kiamba emphasized the challenge to bring food security in the municipality. He further said that organic farming helped the farmers convert expenses in the farm input (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides) to savings.

After the program, the farmers, fishermen, students of the host school, and visitors had their lunch of paksiw’ng isda on organic rice, packed in banana leaves.

THE CULMINATION

Hundreds of peace advocates from SOCSARGEN area joined the closing celebration of MWOP 2009 from the parade to a half-day festivity in Tu-yan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Volunteer medical professionals also joined the activity by conducting medical missions.
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez congratulated Tuyan Elementary School for hosting the activity and for being chosen as the “School of Peace”. He thanked all who attended for advocating peace.
The bishop also expressed his condemnation on the massacre at Maguindanao last November 23, 2009. According to him it was not a work of a human but the devil.
The festivity included singing and dancing of tri-people, blowing of bubbles of hopes and dreams, and band presentations from various schools.
One of the student sharers, Maricon Esparagosa, highlighted the celebration through her message that said:

“…aduna kami tulo ka tribu dinhi sa among barangay, apan wala gayod kami magkagubot nahitungod lamang sa among pagkalain-laing relihiyon. Amo kining nasabtan gikan sa among mga teachers nga dili ang relihiyon ang magdala kanato sa gingharian sa Diyos apan atong pagsalig og pagtoo kaniya. Kung aduna man kami panagbikil sa among mga classmates amo ining ginapaningkamutan nga dili maapil ang beliefs sa usag-usa. Pagrespeto sa usag-usa ang dapat natong palabihon dili kay kung unsa lang nga imong pagtoo ng makaayo og makapadatu kanimo. Ibitang nato sa atong huna-huna nga ang tawo dili moasinso kung magdinautay. Dapat kanato magtinabangay, magsinabtanay para sa kalambuan kanatong tanan og sa atong nasud…unsaon nato pagkab-ot sa kalinaw nga atong gusto na tagamtaman kung magdimautay kita sa atong isigkatao. Kuhaon nato ang atong attitude nga ginatawag og “CRAB MENTALITY”, ibig sabihin dili nato birahon pababa ang tawo nga padulong na sa pag asenso. Dapat sa kanunay ang Ginoo ang sentro sa atong kasing kasing. Dili matuman ang atong mga damgo og pangandoy kung wala kitay pagsalig og respeto sa usag-usa. Let us think and feel Mindanao as our Mother Land. Say NO to war. Let us bring peace to Mindanao.”

KONSULT MINDANAW SOCSARGEN REGIONAL REPORT

KONSULT MINDANAW
A project commissioned by the Bishops-Ulama ConferenceMulti-sectoral and Cross-regional Community Consultation on the Mindanao Peace Process

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ON ANSWERS RAISED DURING THE FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSIONS


QUESTION NO 1. VISION OF PEACE
What does peace mean to you? When did you experience peace? What is your vision of a peaceful Mindanao? What conditions or situations make up your peaceful Mindanao?

There is an experience of war and awareness of the armed struggle in the various places in SOCSARGEN area such that this basic desire for peace is seen in the participants’ definition of peace as the absence of the currently experienced armed conflict, particularly dominant among Muslim participants’s response is“No to War in Mindanao” for the sake of the children, their education and the future of Mindanao as a whole.

Ang kapayapaan ay makakamit kung matapos ang gyera para sa pagkakaisa at walang gulo! (Muslim-Ulama)
Absence of War, silence of community. Wala ng kailangan ang evacuation center. (Muslim – Women)
Gusto ko wala ng gulo. Ang Muslim at kristiyano mabuo para wala ng gulo. (Muslim – NGO)

Interestingly, although there are responses of “No to War” among the Catholic and Protestant Groups, a good number of visions peace is anchored largely on their religion and the desired values embodied therein. One probable reason for this is that they are not primarily situated in conflict-affected areas.

Result of love and respect and the product of justice. (Protestant – Religious)
Kailangan may total change - change of life, change of mind, ug change of attitude (Protestant – Rural Folks)

I just want to add na there is peace if respect reigns in everybody's heart because there is harmonious relationship kasi kung respect nasa ating lahat, regardless of age, regardless of your tribe, I guess nandun talaga yung kapayapaan. (Catholic – Academe)

The desire of the Mindanawons for peace is characterized not only by the absence of war but also of feeling safe and secured, the ability to meet the basic needs of the family, and the longing for a peaceful community. At the personal/individual domain, participants considered availability of food (food on the table), access to basic services (education, health, housing), sustainable source of income as dominant elements of a peaceful life.

“Ang kalinaw kay walang kabalaka o walay kahadlukan. Kay kung hilom lang, dili man na kalinaw. Kay naay hilom na nahadlok ug naay hilom na nabalaka. Ang kalinaw kanang naa basic na panginahanglan sa mga tao, mao na akong pagsabot sa kalinaw “ (Catholic / Farmers)

Almost with the same spiritual/religious context with the other groups in terms of their vision of peace, the Muslim respondents envision peace in Mindanao as largely embodied in the approval of the MOA-AD.

We can't live peacefully in Mindanao, if the government doesn't fulfill the implementation Tripoli Agreement of GRP-MNLF (Muslim - IDP)
For me, for peace, government should grant MILF what they want. (Muslim – Youth)


QUESTION NO 2. ON THE GRP-MILF PEACE TALKS
What are your recommendations on the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF?

Across groups and sectors, the dominant sentiments of the respondents are “we do not know what is contained in the MOA-AD”. Even among Muslim respondents who are supposed to have knowledge on substance of the agreement cannot effectively articulate it.

The absence of consultation among the stakeholders and the government’s attempt to push on the MOA-AD despite, is largely viewed as a manifestation of the government’s insincerity to the peace process.

For some participants across groups and sectors, the MOA-AD is perceived to be an acceptable instrument towards attaining peace in Mindanao for as long as it is done in good faith as expressed in the following responses:

“Ang akong recomendasyon ani mapagawas nato ang atong tunay na opinion para masabtan nila gyud kung unsa gyud. Kung pabayaan man gud ang MI igiit man nima ilang kagustuhan, lalo na sa MOA. Kinahanglan nga kung unsa man ang maayo sa kanila, ihatag. (Catholic - Women)

“No transparency. We are in the dark about peace process. Wala na pahibalo sa tanan ang provision about MOA. We said that the MOA is unconstitutional, but this is the way to peace.”
(Protestant – Religious)

There are responses from the Muslim participants that they are also part of the solution. A re-examination of their position is expressed in the following lines:

“Ang importante sa bawat isa sa atin, kasi nga nagmamahalan tayo, dapat meron ding pagsasaway. Kung alam natin na ang kasama natin may planong hindi maganda, sawayin/pagsabihan natin. Pagsabihan natin ng maayos. Iniutos yan sa lahat ng Muslim (Sector: Traditional Leaders).

Sinisigaw natin since this morning, kapayapaan. Now papaano natin iyan makakamit? Dahil Muslims marami pa rin masama, marami pa rin ang gumagamit ng druga. So ang Kristiyanos tinitingnan lang tayo na ganyan pala tayo. So kailangan mayroon din tayong solusyon sa mga problemang ito. (Sector: NGOs)

The demand for transparency, careful selection of the GRP peace panel (the inclusion of women, Lumad, religious) are among those which were recommended by the respondents. These responses put into fore the mistrust generated by government’s “way of doing its job” as far as the peace talk is concerned (MOA-AD used as a carrot and stick strategy).

The government’s indecisiveness and its high-handed manner of handling the Mindanao problem is viewed in the context of being unfaithful in its pursuit of a truly lasting peace in Mindanao. The Imperial Manila doesn’t really care. Thus, a general feeling of distrust in the government’s real intention in the resumption of the peace talks. (Were the people of Mindanao given the chance to have a say on who will be in the GRP panel for the resumption of the peacetalk?)

The Lumads were not consulted despite their ancenstral domains being threatened / compromised by the MOA-AD.

Kita nga mga nitibo, gibilin sa atong mga katigulangan , ang yuta natong natawhan, adunay Republic Act 8371, nakabutang sa maong balod nga kita nga mga tribu may dakong katungod sa pag-angkon ug pagkultibar sa atong Ancestral Domain (Lumad – Farmers)

There are also several interesting responses that appeal for some reflections:

1. For me, malapit sa imposible ang pagkakaroon ng peaceful Mindanao dahil kulang sa edukasyon at isa pa kahit mga Muslim mismo di nagkakaisa….mahirap at imposible kasi nga kahit sa teritoryo ng mga Muslim ay di sila nagkakaintindihan dahil nga sa mga datu. (Muslim - Business)
2. Dapat sa ibang Muslim na magkaisa. Sabi ni Allah: hindi ko ibigay ang nais nyo hanggat di kayo magka isa. “Kaya sabi ng gobyerno, di nga kayo nagkakaisa, pano namin kayo matutulungan? (Muslim – Ulama)
3. The one who should lead the Muslims should be a true Muslim. (Muslim – Professionals)
4. Sorry to say but those Muslims who where educated are the very people who fooled their fellow Muslims. (Muslim – Professionals)
5. Kailangan mag-usap muna nang maayos ang MILF at MNLF bago humarap sa peace talk. (Muslim – Professionals)


QUESTION NO 3. ON THE BROADER PEACE PROCESS.
What other steps, activities or programs should be undertaken to achieve peace in Mindanao?

The various recommendations from among the responses included sincere governance, responsible development programs, fair labor policies, and policies justly implemented (walang kinikilingan);

Across groups and sectors, the role of mass media in the area of peacebuilding is considered to be negative. Responses vary from being insensitive, unjust, biased and irresponsible.
Reforms in the education sector is highly desired to effectively compliment the peacebuilding initiatives in Mindanao. Education is viewed as a major aspect in solving the Mindanao problem although much is still desired as far as access, content and educational management are concerned.

There are responses that aspire for an improved economic atmosphere through just implementation of development projects, and a more vigilant approach to corruption in the government line agencies.

QUESTION NO 4. ON PERSONAL COMMITMENT.
What can you personally offer, commit or even sacrifice in order to have meaningful peace in Mindanao? How do you intend to bring it to reality?

Across groups and sectors, the religious orientation of the participants are expressed as an integral component in the attainment of peace in Mindanao.

The participants’ responses are along the line of continuing the various personal and sectoral peace advocacies they are currently engaged in.

Dialogue (Inter-faith and Intra-faith) is perceived as an effective approach in resolving issues.

SPECIAL FEATURE STORY: Voices of the Children in the Conflict Area of MAKIMA

Peace from the hands of a child artist
during the pre-MWOP 2009 painting

HEAR US!

Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum (MAKIMA) are the three municipalities of Sarangani Province that were hit by armed conflicts last year and flashfloods recently, that added to burden the community who was once the 2nd poorest province in the Philippines (NSCB 2003).


After the tanks and guns were silenced, emergency reliefs were given, peace talks had been initiated and many voices had been heard and consulted from the armed groups, government, and various organizations – children are often neglected.

Psychosocial needs to process their trauma were never addressed.

Stories of struggles, hopes and dreams and what they wanted to tell the community were being heard during the conduction of Child Friendly Activities (CFA) by Kapayapaan Kapatid Council and ACT for Peace Programme.

To hide the identities of these children, we will call them Khamer & Ali (both muslim), Tudal Lawa (Lumad), and Casper (Christian).

EXTREME FEAR.
Caught in the crossfire, Khamer , 13 years old was traumatized by the eight-hour-gunfire that entrapped them between the armed fights. “Bullets were all around – in air or in the rice field near our school – I thought it is a dead end for us,”Khamer said. He always wanted to vacate the place where schools were made into camps of armed groups resulting to the alarming decrease of pupils’ attendance.

Khamer is just one of the undetermined number of children who suffered extreme fear. Together with other children, they were haunted with this trauma every time they hear and see a helicopter hovering their place. A group of children recalled their plight of going down the slopes even during night time each time they hear the helicopter’s roaring sound. To them, it signaled another armed conflict.

The playgrounds of mostly all schools in the conflict affected area are immediately empty after classes. Children and teachers are always in a hurry to go home. “It is really hard living in a place where war is already part of our lives” shared by one of the teachers who had been teaching in the place.

ARMED CONFLICT AND FLASH FLOODS.
Three B’laan grade 5 pupils recalled traumatic experiences both armed and natural disasters in Barangay Gasi, Kiamba.

These pupils walked back and forth more seven kilometers from their house to the school everyday. They all saw the burning of the barangay hall and a day care center near their school during the peak of the armed conflict.

The entire barangay fled in exodus leaving their homes, belongings, farm animals, and livelihood. They crossed rivers and ravines cuddling and tugging their children in a single file. Their fathers and some of their brothers were left behind to attend to their properties. The three recalled how nervous they were hearing the gunshots in the nearby mountains.

The flashflood that struck their place recently intensified their trauma. Boulders, cut logs, and rapid waters were everywhere. The small stream near their school was dislocated. All books were washed away. The playground was full of debris – stones, uprooted trees and logs.

These pupils do not know how could they get away from fears and anxiety when there are heavy rains and armed groups visiting their place.

DISPLACED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE HARASSED BY LOGGERS
Tudal Lawa, aged 13 together with more 300 internally displaced persons or IDPs children in Lomasal Maasim, is braving the new world after the conflict.

These children have been in the temporary rehabilitation area since last year when the conflict between MILF and the AFP took place. They are not able to return home in the mountains because of fear that the conflict is not yet over.

Another conflict surfaced from a mother interviewed in the community who recalled harassments from the loggers if they will not participate in their activities of cutting trees. Meantime, children were sent to school for the first time but many of them stopped schooling. Their frail bodies cannot sustain the daily walk of several kilometers to reach the school. Many children were malnourished. They only eat root crops such as “balinghoy” (cassava) and “kamote” (sweet potatoes) everyday. They do not have notebooks nor pencils for they have no money to buy them. Some children stopped for their parents cannot afford to pay more than P100 for the “miscellaneous fees.” Many of them got sick and relied only on their customary herbal medicines.

INFLUENCED DREAMS – ARMED SOLDIER.
Significant numbers of children draw and write their dreams in the manila paper of becoming a soldier in the Arm Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). From the eyes of these children, the realities that are happening in their communities influenced their dreams and ambitions. To them, being a soldier is a noble ambition to protect their families and also an opportunity for a livelihood in poverty stricken areas.

Ali, 13 years old and a Grade 6 pupil, has been absent from his classes from time to time – often a month of absence. According to him, he was sent to a military camp of MILF for training by his MILF father. His young mind is greatly influenced by his family.

Casper, sees his dreams to be in the AFP to eliminate the rebels and to have an income to support his family. Rescue and relief operations are very vivid noble memories he witnessed with them.

How many Alis and Caspers will still be dreaming to become an armed soldier to protect their families and have an income? Are we expecting another cycle of violence once these children reach maturity and become a full-pledged soldier? The cycle of violence has to end… only when we address how the child perceives peace…

WHAT IS PEACE IN THE MIND OF THE CHILDREN.

Konsult Mindanaw, a Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC) just initiated consultation in SOCSARGEN area highlighted peace as: 1) “pagkain sa hapag kainan” (food in the table), 2) respect among tri-people – Christian, Lumad and Muslim, 3) review the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA AD).

During the psychosocial interventions of more than 4,000 children near the conflict area aged 13 years old and below by the volunteers of the KKC in the MAKIMA area, almost every child say “ Peace is no more troubles. No more wars; no more fights between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Army (Arm Forces of the Philippines –AFP).”

Significant numbers also say - Peace is food. Peace is education. Peace is when they are able to play.

WHAT THEY WANTED TO TELL THE COMMUNITY AND THE AUTHORITIES

Khamer, Tudal Lawa, Ali, Casper and many of the children in the conflict area of MAKIMA wanted to tell the community, the politicians, the government, the armed group, businessmen and professionals and to whom their voices may concern:

1.“Hindi tayo mag-away, lahat magkaisa para walang gulo… pag walang gulo, Masaya tayong namumuhay sa ating lugar kahit na mahirap basta’t walang gulo”.
2.“Gusto kung makatapos ng pag-aaral para makatulong sa pamilya at ibang tao”.
3. Pansinin ang aming pangangailangan sa pagkain. “Palagi kaming gutom. Ang iba sa amin naghinto na ng pag-aaral. Hindi na makaya ng kanilang katawan kasi “balinghoy” at “kamote” lang ang aming kinakain. Lumalakad pa kami ilang kilometro araw araw para marating ang eskwelahan”.
4. “Bigyan ng trabaho ang aming mga magulang. Para matustusan ang aming pag-aaral.”
5. “Gusto naming bumalik sa aming lugar. Napahirap dito sa (temporary) resettlement area.” – B’laan children in Lomasal, Maasim.
6.Ihinto na ang pagputol ng mga kahoy.

Note: The writer had been documenting the events during the displacements, relief operations, psychosocial interventions and recently rehabilitations activities done by Kapayapaan Kapatid Council in some areas MAKIMA. This is a special project with the PROBE Foundation and UNICEF.

MWOP 2009 Set on November 26 - December 2, 2009

The SOCSARGEN Peace Network set the schedule of activities for the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) 2009 in DXCP conference room on November 9, 2009. The following were the scheduled activities:

Pre-Mindanao Week of Peace:
Nov.7-Quiz Bee on Air, Essay Writing for Peace, Art for Peace Painting @ DXCP (KKC)
Nov.20-Medical & Dental Mission at Glan Sarangani, 8AM (KKC & Hearts & Brains Inc)
Nov.21-22-Tapestry Creation Workshop, 8AM Kalimudan Office (Kalimudan Arts)
Nov. 25- Peace Exhibit, 8AM, NDMU Marbel (NDMU Peace Center)
- Inte-religious Dialogue, Polacion Palimbang, SK (Justice & Peace)

MWOP 2009:
Nov.26-Pilgrimage of Peace/Opening,6:30AM Pananag, Maasim (KKC & Peace Network)
Nov.27-28-Peace Camp, Marbel, 8AM (NDMU Peace Center)
Nov.28-30-Peace Exhibit, KCC Mall of Gensan, 9AM (KKC & Kalimudan Arts)
Nov.29-Race for Peace 1st Tour de Saranggani, Maitum to Glan, 8AM, (RMN)
-Kidz Art for Peace, KCC Mall of Gensan, 1PM (Kalimudan)
Nov.30-Kite Festival, Oval Plaza Gensan, 2PM, (NDDU Peace Center)
- Panaghoy Sa Kalinaw Season 2, KCC Mall, 1:00 PM, (KKC)
Dec.1-Festival of Farmers, Fishermen, & Students, NDMU Gensan, 6:30AM (KKC)
Dec.2-Closing Celebration,6:30AM,Tuyan Malapatan, 6:30 (KKC)

Pre-Mindanao Week of Peace Activities

For the past two years, advocacy and information campaign about Mindanao and local history has been initiated by the Tri-Youth Volunteers (youth arm of the Kapayaapn Kapatid Council and SOCSARGEN Peace Network). While volunteering for many peacebuilding interventions in the SOCSARGEN area, the volunteers is also aware of the importance of continuing peace education and Mindanao History Information Campaign.

As a support to the annual Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration and mainstreaming of peace education by the Department of Education, the Tri-Youth Volunteers of the network would like to continue this effort, thus this proposal dubbed as 2^nd Mindanao History and Culture of Peace Information Caravan for the Youth (MH-COP-ICY) Project.

This effort started in 2007 when the then Technical Working Youth Arm of KKC started a poster-making contest for secondary schools in General Santos City. With a twist of including input on Mindanao History before the competition, that effort gained positive response from the participating schools. In addition, the posters were used as backgrounds of the 2008 official calendar/ promo-collateral of the GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme. In 2008, with the aim of increasing advocacy and awareness about MIndanaao History, the Tri-Youth Volunteers with the support of other stakeholders started the 1^st MH-COP-ICY that includes poster-making, essay-writing, and the highlight was the first ever quiz bee devoted to Mindanao History and concepts of peacebuilding. The project was supported by more 20 participating schools in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

Cognizant to the goal of providing venue for peace information and dialogue, the Tri-Youth Volunteers/ Movement (the youth arm of the Kapayapaan Kapatid Council), would continue the massive information campaign to the youth on the culture of peace and the local history. The 2008 experience showed that there is now appreciation of local schools who participated about the relevance and importance of local history and Mindanao History yet there is still a need to increase awareness and to support the DepEds’s mandate on mainstreaming peace education at the schools. Only Mindanao State University has a tertiary course/ subject in Mindanao History (History 3). The Tri-Youth Movement would like to continue this campaign through a project dubbed as Mindanao History and Culture of Peace Information Caravan for the Youth (MH-COP-ICY).

This year activities is participated by 20 Secondary schools in SOCSARGEN having 138 participants, 29 guests and 40 youth volunteers. The project was headed by Mr. Ernesto Casiple Jr.

The Quiz Bee on Air (Facilitated by Mr. Ernesto Casiple)

a. Utok K’linaw: 2nd Mindanao Week of Peace SOCSARGEN Mindanao History and Culture of Peace Quiz: This activity will create an explicit venue for the secondary students to learn their local Mindanao History and the concept of the Culture of Peace. It will be a start-calling activity for the schools to include in their teachings the importance of emphasizing Mindanao History and inculcating the value of the culture of peace and other related concepts in peace-building. It will also highlight some local terminologies (languages and dialects used among the tribes of Sarangani, General Santos City, and South Cotabato).

1st - Justin Dwight Invidiado, Daniel Tulang, Adriano Solano (MSU-CETD)
2nd - Donna Alagao, Camella Arellano, Christine Pagaduan (MSU-CETD)
3rd - Earvin Maguiling, Yvonne Harley Templonueva, Van Harley Domingo
(Polacion Polomolok, National High School)



Essay Writing ( Facilitated by Reginns Jumilla, judged by Mr. Ernesto Casiple & Mrs. Ched Caldea)

Sulat Kalinaw: 2nd Mindanao Week of Peace SARGEN Essay-writing Contest for the Youth: This activity aims to gather the thoughts of the youth regarding the recent conflict in Mindanao with emphasis to Sarangani Province.

This essay-writing contest is supposed to create a twist among common essay writing contest. The participants of this contest will write not only write about their role as a youth in peacebuilding but their concrete/ specific plans that will contribute to lasting peace in Mindanao.

Knowledge of Mindanao History and local peacebuilding activities are a plus to participants.

Important Note: While the project components will evolve on the 2009 MWOP theme that is “Think Mindanao, Feel Mindanao and Bring Peace to Mindanao,” it is always important to devise a theme for the project that is relevant and attainable by the participating youth.

Essay Writing for Peace (Activity Proposal) Results:

1st - Larry Illiyeh Souribio (Tupi National High School) "Technology Peace Discussion Using Facebook & Friendster"

2nd - Marinell R. Rosales (Ireneo L. Santiago HS) "Having Youth as Peace Builder"

3rd - Jessica Danielle Datoon (NNDU-IBED Espina Campus) "Sumulat Ka at Umawit Para sa Kabataan"

C. PAINTING (Facilitated by Alnezzar Ali )

Hulagway sa Kalilintad: 3^nd Mindanao Week of Peace SOCSARGEN Poster-making Contest for the Youth: This activity will allow the youth to express their ideas on peacebuilding in Mindanao through posters/paintings. It is a direct avenue for the youth to deliver their message of peace.


HULAGWAY SA KALILINTAD: A showcase of artistry and advocacy for Peace

by Kenneth Lacson

Student artists of different schools in SOCSARGEN area gathered together to participate in one of the pre-Mindanao Week of Peace Activities which is the ART FOR PEACE last November 7, 2009 at DXCP compound, General Santos City.

“We are not here for competition”… Thirty two (32) student participants having with them pencils, oil pastels and some brought paintbrushes assembled at the DXCP compound having in their mind that the competition will be tough for them. “Kulbaan ko kay murag mga maayo ang mga participants”, one of the student artists said. But before anything else gets fired up because of the competition in their mind, the facilitators announced that this is not a competition. You can see in their faces the sign of surprise and happiness maybe because they are thinking of what to draw or maybe they are puzzled out why they were there. “Bakit kayo nagdala ng mga gamit?”, Kuya Ernesto Casiple asked the participants during the opening program because they were not asked to bring any drawing or painting materials. The facilitators made sure of the fairness and equality in terms of the materials so as to promote peace among the participants.

“All geared up”… After the opening program, the participants were instructed to go to their designated area which is the St. Gemma Orphanage and in that place, the volunteers are constantly waiting and preparing the materials needed for the event. One canvas, one pencil, one fine paintbrush, and a tablespoon of colors (primary colors, black and white) were provided to the participants. Some were excited while some are nervous when they received their materials.

Before the participants were allowed to paint, Mr. Alnezzar Ali, one of the renowned artists in Mindanao, gave the participants some advice and ideas how to attack their subject. Mr. Ali showed the participants some of the works of the different artists in Mindanao. Mr. Ali emphasized the importance of art as a way of expressing and advocating peace.

“Imagination presented on a canvas”… after they were given the instructions to start their piece, the participants find they own place wherein they are suitable and they could get some inspiration. Others made their piece under the shade of the trees, some are in groups, some chose to be alone and some even chose to do their work on the top of a slide. Mentors were also busy taking care of their students. Some brought some food for them and some gave some advice. Most of the participants didn’t expect that they would use paint in doing their piece that’s why many had hard time finishing their work.

About 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the finished work of the participants started to file up. They were displayed at the main venue which is the DXCP compound and it was judged by the head of the painting event, Mr. Alnezzar Ali.

“The award goes to…”… The most awaited part of the participants is fast approaching- the awarding ceremony. You can see in the faces of the participants that the view of competition is almost eliminated. The participants were happy with their new found friends and newly acquired knowledge and skill from the said activity. Among the thirty-two participants, top 5 were chosen. Robert S. Doronila from NDDU-IBED Espina and Rae Joseph Arao from Norala National High School garnered the special awards. The 3^rd placer was Ronnie John Escucha from Norala National High School, 2^nd placer was Jonathan Tupas Della from Malandag National High School and the 1^st placer was Alvin L. Cristobal from Malandag National High School which presented an innovative style in painting.

“This activity is truly a good experience for all the participants,” one of the teachers of the participants said. Even some of the participants were not given the award, they were still proud about their work. This is just one of the little ways how we as Mindanaoans could spread peace and unity. Seeing the young participants do their best for the purpose of doing their little way in advocating for peace makes you feel that peace is as clear as the paintings’ of the young artists. Truly a HULAGWAY SA KALILINTAD!!!

R-L (First, Second, Third Placer)

Art for Peace Painting Results:

1st - Alvin L. Cristobal (Malandag National High School)

2nd - Jonathan Tupas Della (Malandag National High School)

3rd - Ronnie John Escucha (Norala National High School)

Special Awards:

a. Rae Joseph Arao (Norala National High School)

b. Robert S. Doronilla (NDDU-IBED Espina)

The schools who participated were:

South Cotabato: Tupi NHS, Landan NHS, Lake Sebu NHS, Pangyan NHS, Poblacion Polomolok NHS,

General Santos City: Shalom Crest Academy, Ireneo NHS, RMMC HS, GSCNSS of Arts and Trades, New Society NHS, NDDU-IBED Espina, Silway 8 NHS A & B, MSU CETD, Holy Trinity College

Sarangani Province: Malandag National High School, Kawas NHS, ND of Maasim,