Newly-restored classrooms: Inspiring pupils in Butig's war-torn school to embrace learning

For the first time since 2016, learners and teachers at Ragayan Elementary School in the municipality of Butig in Lanao del Sur found themselves in classrooms that weren't just functional but also inspirational.

The school, which bore the scars of the 2016 firefight between government troops and the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group, was finally rehabilitated through the collaborative efforts of various army units in the province and the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC).

The restoration project involved the construction of eight classrooms, with one being newly erected and seven meticulously restored to their former glory. In order to create a conducive learning environment for the students, PAFCPIC also provided a stage, a shared restroom, a playground, tables and chairs, and a flagpole.

The completion of the project was made possible through the joint efforts of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, the 553rd Engineer Battalion under the 55th Engineer Brigade, and the 5th Infantry Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade, demonstrating the power of unity in rebuilding communities.

Before the restoration, Ragayan Elementary School faced the daunting challenge of accommodating learners in makeshift classrooms that were far from ideal for effective education. The harsh reality of studying in makeshift classrooms, contending with leaky tarpaulin roofs during rainfall, has left students lacking motivation to attend school.

However, with the recent turnover of the new facilities, a wave of happiness and gratitude has swept through the school community. 

Parent Analiah Bakie shares that her child is now motivated to go to school because of the newly rehabilitated classrooms of Ragayan Elementary School in Brgy. Ragayan, a war-torn village in Butig town. (Photo by DCC/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

                            

      Teacher Almira Bao conveys her joy for the new classrooms of Ragayan Elementary School as she sees the positive impact of the new learning space for her students. (Photo by DCC/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Parent Jasmine Ampatua Ansary expressed her happiness, highlighting the positive change in her child's attitude towards education. "Dati noong hindi pa ito nagagawa, tamad talaga siyang pumasok. Pero ngayon naging excited siya dahil maganda na ang paaralan at hindi na sila nababasa kapag umuulan [Before this was done, he was really lazy to go to school. But now, he has become excited because the school is beautiful, and they no longer get wet when it rains]," she said.

Parent Analiah Bakie echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the significant impact on the pupils' motivation to learn. She said, "Malaking tulong ito dahil noon walang mga upuan na maganda, pero ngayon mayroon na at kumpleto na sila ng mga gamit sa school. Kaya masaya ang aming mga anak na mag-aaral. Maraming salamat sa tulong nila sa mga anak namin. Gumanda din ang lugar namin dahil sa bagong school [This is a big help because before, there were no good chairs, but now they have them, and they have all the school supplies. That's why our children who go to school are happy. We thank them for helping our children. Our place also improved because of the new school]."

The teachers, who faced the challenges of teaching in suboptimal conditions, expressed their joy and appreciation for the positive impact these new classrooms and school facilities will have on the students. 

"Very happy kami. Before ang mga student namin minsan, hindi pumapasok kasi kapag umuulan walang bubong na maayos, so minsan nauulanan kami. Ngayon mas naencourage silang pumasok at na motivate na mag-aral ng mabuti. Kaya taus puso kaming nagpapasalamat [We are very happy. Before, our students would sometimes not attend classes because when it rained, there was no proper roof, and we would get wet. Now, they are more encouraged to attend and motivated to study as well. That's why we wholeheartedly express our gratitude]," expressed Almira Bao, a Grade 5 teacher.

Grade 6 teacher Hania Panolong also conveyed that the learners and their parents were indeed happy with the rehabilitated school buildings. She said she was able to speak with some parents who shared that the excitement of their children is different now compared to before. Accordingly, some kids are even eager to come to school early because they are excited about the new classrooms and playground.

Ramdam namin 'yung tulong ng gobyerno. Ramdam namin na hindi lang kami ang humaharap sa problema bagkus nandito ang national, nandito ang LGU na tumutulong sa amin. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami, and hopefully hindi lang ito yung tulong na mareceive namin. Hopeful din kami na mas marami pang sponsor ang maengganyong tumulong dito sa Ragayan [We feel the government's support. We feel that it's not just us facing the challenges. The national and local governments are here to help us. So, we are thankful, and hopefully, this won't be the only assistance we receive. We are also hopeful that more sponsors will be encouraged to help here in Ragayan]," she said.

As Ragayan Elementary School embarks on a new chapter, the support from the Philippine Army and PAFCPIC stands as a guiding light. Its story is one of triumph over adversity, illustrating that unity and convergence can indeed be a powerful force for positive change. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

0

Spinning threads of hope, peace in ‘Aretes Style’

In this material world that seems to be overwhelmed by hustle and bustle compounded by inevitable turmoil, it becomes easy to lose sight of the power of creativity, positivity, and tranquility. 

However, in the heart of an Islamic community, several inspired peace champions are working tirelessly to cultivate these values and spread their message far and wide.

Handcrafting, to include weaving and dressmaking, has often been perceived as a sanative and alleviating task, but for several individuals, it goes beyond just a mere vocation as it comes as a wellspring of hope and a means to cultivate inner peace.

The best example of this is Jalalodin Mustari, who paved the way for the foundation of Aretes Style.

Naturally born and raised as a Maranao, Mustari looked back on the humble beginning of his endeavor, which was rooted in his realizations after the haunting five-month warfare in this city in 2017. He affirmed that while the rehabilitation process is underway, a poignant reminder remains for the affected locals, saying that they will always have a flashback to how their populace was hastily generalized as terrorists, thus barely enjoying some of the basic human rights.

Nonetheless, this gloomy scenario did not hold back Mustari even for a second. He became more fueled to aid in addressing limited socio-economic chances; otherwise, this issue would be a prime factor in drawing victims into unwanted coping mechanisms such as illegal drugs and human trafficking.

Giving birth to a socio-cultural enterprise, Mustari and his Aretes Style unlocked the door to income opportunities for worthy internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He realized the need to make use of his talent and the experiences he had enjoyed in order to portray the Meranaw and the Bangsamoro communities in a picturesque manner and show that they are more than the battles, gunfire, and conflict that the media portrays. He did this by viewing the historic siege through an optimistic lens.

“I really believe in the power of creativity and, in general, the creative industry in addressing pressing issues, especially in promoting and cultivating peace. It is a powerful tool to touch hearts, minds, and souls,” he said.

The benevolence behind Aretes Style

For Mustari, Aretes Style is a noble legacy that speaks of the narratives of their strive for peace and corrects misconceptions about them, from being extremists to artists.

“This creates pieces that tell the story of our community, especially focusing on peace, to show the world that we are creative and not terrorists,” he said.

To date, 15 local weavers and 10 artisans make up the enterprise of Mustari, and most of them are single mothers who are eased from their struggles after belonging to the marginalized sector and being left facing physical, economic, and psychological barriers.

Named Project Omekulay, he shared that this undertaking has been near to his heart as he saw mothers playing a significant role in the rehabilitation process.

Apart from this, Mustari takes pride in his group, which opens the platform for dialogue while showcasing the Meranaw culture featured through the langkit intricately woven in their fabrics.

The tale of uplifting lives

The optimistic citizens who benefited from the Aretes Style's well-known goal of developing a rapport with the founder have painted it in a positive light ever since its inception.

Ate Joh, a partner weaver of the enterprise, described the invaluable moment she had from working with Mustari.

She attested that the social entrepreneur served as a bridge for them to nurture their skills, promote their products, and earn independently.

“It helped us a lot. It is beneficial for myself, my children, and the entire family. This kind of venture saved our lives," she said.

Ate Tata, who has also worked as a partner dressmaker for the organization, echoed the same sentiment.

With this, she was grateful that she encountered Mustari, whom she treated as her own son, sibling, and mentor.

Ate Tata detailed that she has been receiving additional pay for producing various handiworks.

“He really helped me as I sew his products, such as tote bags, veils, and jackets. Sometimes, he would even increase my wage to help me and my children. A never-ending thanks to Sir Jal. Without you, Tata’s Tailoring will never have an income,” she said.

Journeying toward sustainable peace

The crusade of Aretes Style is seen to still trek a long way, but regardless of the obstacles and with its consistent perseverance, it will surely attain its triumph.

Mustari has guaranteed that he will always be an advocate of sustainable peace through advancing social entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

Alongside this assurance was his call to strengthen the support system for the Bangsamoro creative industries by amplifying their motivations both nationally and internationally.

“Our collective efforts can uplift our socio-economic status, which plays a vital role in peacebuilding. Together, we can craft hope and peace,” said Mustari.

The Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) of the regional government highlighted Mustari and his business partners' admirable deed as he was named the 2023 Bangsamoro Peace Champion, reaping heartening fruits from the sown decent seeds. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Paving way to game-changers: SK federation sets limelight on ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’

Every nation will always be necessitated to heed the youth ideas because perfusing a society with qualities of game-changers like them will surely never go wrong. 

This has been emanating since then, particularly in the province of Lanao del Sur, which ensured that not only adults but also the young populace take the lead.

True to this, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in this place has become a platform for the youths to be capacitated and emerge as competent leaders, ready to steer their respective localities into the light of advancement through the potent branding ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’ (Voice of Meranaw Youth). 

Such a crusade commenced five years ago when Jamil Faisal Adiong was seated as the SK Federation president with nothing in mind but to amplify the voice of his fellow Meranaw youths to secure a bright future and embrace inclusivity so everyone could take part in the decision-making process. 

From 2018 to 2023, this young executive, with his co-officers and youth groups, championed the significance of unity, especially amidst unraveling crises and challenges concerning the entire constituency. 

“Kagaya nga ng isang komunidad, kapag isa lang ang sumasagot sa bawat problema na mayroon tayo, parang mahina. Hindi gaanong lumalakas at empowered ang ating community. Because of that, hindi nasosolve ang ating mga problema sa community,” he said. 

Continuing his advocacy, Adiong set the tone of young voices so they could be listened to in any way they were and should be essential. 

The birth of ‘Boses ng Kabataang Meranaw’ 

When Adiong assumed office after winning the local polls in 2018, he took on tough challenges with the primary purpose of changing the citizens' viewpoint about SK and the kind of service it could offer. 

He confirmed that they kept their promise of not politicizing their actions, instead delivering what the locals deserved.

Adiong emphasized that they embraced the responsibility that came with the power given to them, recognizing the weighty task of ensuring that the authority would benefit the people. 

Installed as the SK president, he recalled being determined to be the voice of Meranaw youths. However, this changed upon realizing a pool of diverse youths bearing different needs and perspectives from their lived realities. 

From this, turning up the volume of voices of youths became one of the priority agenda of Adiong

.

“Hindi pwedeng ako lang ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (It is not proper that I alone would be the voice of Meranaw youth). Believing in the concept of Mashuara (consultation) and democracy, we should be able to allow people to speak and stand for themselves. Collectively, we could do more if we are together,” he said. 

Innovating transformative youth programs

Adiong's administration became an era that highlighted and brought young voices into the spotlight.

This, as numerous programs and activities were conducted and participated by thousands of youths. 

Among these were youth conversations, Mindanao International Studies Society Convention, skills development training for young women, SK presidents’ continuing mandatory training and enrichment program, Young Women Empowerment Summit, Datu a Bantogen sa Ranaw, Ranaw Young Leaders Academy, advocacy for peace, annual celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan (Youth Week) and Lanao del Sur Youth Volunteers’ Day, and the separate gathering of Lanao volunteers, young women and youth organizations.

Additional initiatives were also materialized under the helm of Adiong Ranaw, such as the Project Grant Program (RPGP) and Ranaw Youth Parliament, where youths grabbed the opportunity to pursue their project proposals with the funding of the local government and its sponsors and serve as local legislators during a period.

Adiong likewise helped answer the clamor for insufficient attention to some aspects to satisfy the desire for complete social protection.

He secured approval for the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 while representing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and successfully passing several bills he authored, ensuring the continuous implementation of his youth programs.

Youth partners of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Lanao del Sur gather during the organized convergence. As manifested, this sector receives enough interventions, especially pushed by outgoing Lanao del Sur SK Federation President Jamil Faisal Adiong. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Keeping the momentum of Adiong’s legacy

For the past five years of heading the SK Federation, the constituents of Lanao del Sur province cannot deny nor contend that Adiong had set the bar high for public servants and officials in the government. 

He stood as a testament that despite the little connections from the beginning of his term and groping how to have a remarkable kick-off of programs, at the end of his stint, a stellar service could be proffered that would leave anyone in awe and look up to it as worthy of emulation. 

Although Adiong has already made his graceful exit, his legacy would be preserved and sustained with the usurping leader expressing his commitment. 

“Lahat ng ating sinimulan ay confident ako na magpapatuloy. Hindi lang ang aming opisina o mga kabataan kung hindi tayong lahat ang magpapalakas sa boses ng kabataang Meranaw,” he said. 

(I am confident that we will continue all that we have started. It's not just our office or the youth; all of us will strengthen the voice of Meranaw youth).

During the Convergence of Ranaw Youth Partners on November 30, the outgoing SK Federation president handed over his gavel and the Ranaw Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025 to his successor, Abdulmalik Adiong III, to signal the unfolding of a new administration sharing the same mission.

The latter ensured that the inspiring and invaluable legacy of his predecessor would continue to live on in the spirits of every Meranaw youth.

“I believe this opportunity brings me not only privileges but a great responsibility as well. I pledge to ensure the implementation of the Ranaw Youth Development Plan 2023-2025 with the help of my fellow SKs,” he said. 

Outgoing Lanao del Sur Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Jamil Faisal Adiong (left) hands over his gavel and the Ranaw Youth Development Plan 2023-2025 to incoming SK President Abdulmalik Adiong III (center) as a sign of new governance for the youth council. (RCG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Now more than ever, the youth council of Lanao del Sur is confident that although they have never perfected their mandated jobs, the current situation of their sector is better than before.

With this, the call of the young game-changers continues, but this time, louder and clearer. Collectively, they echo, “Patuloy nating palakasin ang boses ng kabataang Meranaw (let us continue amplifying the voice of Meranaw youths).” (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

1st Lanao del Sur Inter-LGU Culinary Festival: A gastronomic feast showcasing Maranao cuisines

Known for its colorful culture and traditions, the Province of Lanao del Sur is also a thriving hub for gastronomic delights.

This was showcased in the Inter-LGU Culinary Festival, a cooking demonstration competition flaunting the rich and diverse flavors of Maranao dishes. It was organized by the Provincial Tourism Office as one of the highlights of the 64th founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr. said the festival was designed to promote "Maranao culture-preneurship" by showcasing the vibrant Maranao culture and at the same time spotlighting the talent of local cooks and chefs.

18 LGUs, 54 cooks

Eighteen local government units (LGUs) across the province participated in the culinary festival. These are the municipalities of Balabagan, Balindong, Binidayan, Buadipuso-Buntong, Bubong, Kapai, Kapatagan, Lumba Bayabao, Lumbatan, Madalum, Marantao, Masiu, Piagapo, Pualas, Saguiaran, Sultan Dumalondong, Taraka, and Tugaya.

Each local government unit (LGU) has three contestants tasked with preparing an appetizer, soup, main course, dessert, and drinks.

Their dishes were judged according to taste, presentation, and cultural significance by international halal chefs Mayumi Pascua and Ismael Abaya, together with Farm and Grill Restaurant owner and chef Ansary Benito Cali.

The raw ingredients were provided by the provincial government through a farmer’s market established at the venue, where cooks can buy the ingredients they need. Most of the fresh ingredients were locally sourced from farmers and fisherfolks in the province.

Beef randang and chicken piyaparan

Among the many Maranao dishes, beef randang and chicken piyaparan shined the most at the culinary festival.

"'Yung main course namin is beef randang. 'Yung beef randang kasi is parang kultura at tradition na yan ng mga Maranao. Lahat ng handaan, mga events natin tulad ng Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, kahit na may kambing ay nandiyan pa rin yung beef [Our main course is beef randang. The beef randang is like the culture and tradition of the Maranao people. All our feasts, events like Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, even if there is a goat, the beef is still there]," said Farhana Lomudag from Tugaya town.

She said it was her first time joining a culinary competition. She and her teammates were nervous but excited at the same time, as they would be able to showcase their Maranao dishes at the culinary event.

Farhana shared that if the provincial government holds the same competition next year, they will participate again as they find their first experience memorable and meaningful.

"The main dish [we prepared] is a whole chicken, which we called "Matarintis a manok." The term "matarintis" means perfect or whole package. Since the trend nowadays is fried chicken and in our culture the way of cooking the chicken is piyaparan (with shredded coconut), so we decided to combine them together," said Majar Mariga from Sultan Dumalondong.

Mariga said the names of their dishes were also coined from the main ingredients, such as the appetizer Parezan," which is a combination of pareya (bitter gourd) and puzan (small salted fish).

Hadja Aliah Dimalna from the municipality of Marantao, who cooked chicken piyaparan, said she also enjoyed the experience. "Sumali kami for fun. Sinubukan lang namin and okay naman 'yung experience. If may ganitong event next year, InshaAllah sasali kami [We joined for fun. We just tried it and the experience was okay. If there is another event like this next year, in God’s will, we will still join]," she added.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Tourism Officer was surprised to witness a fusion of traditional and modern ways of cooking Maranao dishes.

"Nakakagulat na nag-evolve na rin ‘yung mga cuisines natin. For example, yung biyaring dish na nakasanayan nating raw (ang pag-serve).This time, dito ginawa nilang fried [It was really surprising to see that our cuisines have also evolved. For example, the biyaring dish that we usually serve raw, they have fried the ingredients]," Tamano stated.

With this development, Tamano said the citizens can hope for another culinary event at next year's founding anniversary of the province, targeting promising cooks from the different schools in the province as participants.

For the first culinary event, the cooks from the municipality of Balabagan were hailed as the champions, while the first and second runners-up were bestowed on the municipalities of Bubong and Marantao, respectively.

The champion received a P50,000 cash prize, while the first and second runners-up got P30,000 and P15,000, respectively. Other participants received a consolation prize of P5,000 each. Aside from the cash prize, all participants were also given P5,000 to defray their transportation costs. (APB/PIA-10)

0

Abaca farming: Piagapo’s hidden agricultural gem

While farming may be a common livelihood for many, more often than not, the first things that come to mind when we mention the trade are produce like fruits and vegetables, often rice, and less often farm animals like pigs, cows, and goats.

Even though the Philippines is an agricultural country, there are only so many ways to make money in farming. However, farmers from Piagapo seem to have struck gold when they got into the underrated abaca business.

Despite already being registered with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) since 2014, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative’s President, Badria Dimacaling, revealed that they didn’t enter the abaca industry until 2017, when they realized its high demand in the market. 

"Nakita namin kung gaano kahalaga ang abaca hindi (lang) sa buong Pilipinas, (sa) buong daigdig. Demanding talaga yung abaca fiber," Badria said.

(We saw how important abaca was not just to the Philippines but to the whole world. Abaca fibers are really in high demand)

When they first started, it was clear that they had to establish a buying station at Bobo, Piagapo, instead of setting up in their village in Basak. This was because their roads were essentially impassable, and having a buying station closer to the town center and neighboring municipalities made it easier to deliver their products.

At first, they made little income selling to traders in neighboring municipalities, but it all changed when they received P1.7 million worth of equipment from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Now with six decorticating machines, two spindles, one billing press, one weighing scale, and one solar dryer, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative makes over P100,000 a month thanks to DTI’s shared service facilities (SSF), which they divide among their members. 

It was this increase in income that allowed them to broaden their horizons and register with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) in 2019 so they could start dealing with New Tech Pulp in Balo-i. This also paved the way for several opportunities for their members and their families. Some of them successfully put their children through college thanks to abaca farming, while others who were forced to put their education on hold due to financial difficulties were now able to pick right up where they left off in pursuit of their degrees. 

Very few people know of the opportunities that lie in the farming industry, much less in the abaca industry. Currently, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative has 132 hectares of land allocated for abaca farming and 88 members whose lives have forever been changed for the better thanks to the high market demand for abaca fibers. (PJF/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur) 

0

Green thumbs and greener grass

MARAWI CITY (PIA)--By now, we’ve all heard of the old nursery rhyme "Magtanim ay Di Biro" (Farming is No Joke), having been taught it in elementary school, and while most of us are not blind to the hardships of our farmer, very few of us have had to go through their lived experience in both the figurative and literal field.

Like many of us, Salapidaw Organization Human Capital Manager Amenodin Gadia also knew little about the craft before he was forced back into his hometown of Balindong after the siege left Marawi and its surrounding municipalities in ruin in 2017.

Having previously worked in the trading industry in Boracay, Aklan, farming was not the sharpest tool in his shed when he returned home, but during a time when everyone was desperately trying to make ends meet, he had little to no choice but to get his hands dirty and learn it the hard way.

When he first started, he shared a small plot of land with his fellow farmers, which they utilized to plant bell peppers. 

After some time, when they had gained some experience and were more confident in their skills, they agreed to start tilling in their own backyards as well to produce more crops and slowly work their way towards their goal of making a name for Balindong as a producer of fresh and high-quality crops.

When USAID and Plan International’s Marawi Response Project (MRP) came into town, Salapidaw immediately caught their attention. 

Seeing their potential and determination to recover from their traumatic experience, they took Salapidaw under their wing and provided them with training seminars to further enhance their knowledge and skills. MRP also gave them a grant for a vegetable farm to help them reach their goal of becoming a well-known provider of high-quality produce. This will give them a better chance of reaching their goal.

With their combined experience and newly developed expertise in farming, members of the Salapidaw Organization set off and began passing on everything they'd learned to farmers from neighboring towns who didn’t have access to the same opportunities they had, and it wasn’t long before a sort of brotherhood began forming among their members.

What started as a simple means of livelihood turned out to be so much more thanks to MRP, but none of it would have ever been possible without Salapidaw’s drive and ambition. Today their crops make it to Cagayan de Oro City, and what only started as a dream for the organization is slowly coming to fruition. (PJF/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

0

Building bridges of hope and opportunities

From the stigma of constant armed conflict to opening its gates and embracing the opportunity to show the world the natural wonders it has to offer, the municipality of Butig in Lanao del Sur province has had, and overcome, more than its fair share of problems throughout the years.

While the local government unit and non-government organizations are working towards ending the stigma once and for all, some community-based problems get left on the back burner. But make no mistake! It’s not because they are deemed less important, but simply because they are in farther and remote areas where government agencies can’t reach as easily as they wish they could. 

This used to be the case for Samer and Caloyan-Tambo, two far-flung villages of Butig.

Separated by one or two rivers, depending on which route you take, the villages were akin to star-crossed lovers, in constant trade and communication, but never truly connecting. That is until the non-government organization Community and Family Services International (CFSI) came into their lives.

Samer Punong Barangay Mangontawar Amatonding Jr. explained how most of the residents in Caloyan-Tambo are farmers and more often than not, they had to either transport their produce via horseback and cross two rivers, or if they were in a hurry and didn’t want to go to round-about way, tie their products to a zipline and zip it over the river to Samer. 

Both ways of transportation had their drawbacks. The former meant longer travel time and a higher travel fee because they had to transfer their products from the horse onto a motorcycle before making it to the main market. Sometimes, a lot of their products get either bruised to the point where they would be rendered unmarketable, or worse, lost. The latter on the other hand, while saving time and money, ran the risk of the river rising - especially during the rainy season - and their products sometimes ended up falling into the water and getting lost. 

Thankfully, with the help of CFSI, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the involvement of the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP), Samer’s local government unit was able to build a hanging bridge and finally connect the two communities.

Now with a stable and safe means of transportation between the villages, the bridge serves not only as a more efficient route that saves residents’ resources but a symbol of a brighter future for its constituents. 

Amatonding Jr. shared that there were doubts along the way. “Sabi nila hindi daw pwede, yung parang, malayo daw baka hindi namin matapos pero Alhamdulillah, natapos namin yung proyekto,” he shared. 

[They said it wouldn’t be possible, that we’re too far away and we might not be able to finish it but praise be to Allah, we were able to see the project through to the end).

He even shared that they plan on adding railings to the bridge to further stabilize it and make it safer for motorcycles to pass by for easier access.

Amantonding Jr. also expressed his gratitude to CFSI for making Samer's residents’ lives easier. He likewise encouraged the citizens of Samer to treat the bridge as a community heirloom to be passed down to future generations. 

As the people of Butig slowly eradicate the stigma surrounding their town, the lives of its residents slowly become easier. If and when their goal of making people see Butig as the hidden gem it truly is becomes successful, their new bridge is only the first step towards its journey towards a better economy. (PIA Lanao del Sur)

0

Scars: A story of survival and revival

The air was thick with death as the Samsoden family crawled through the corpses of neighbors and terrorists alike in a desperate attempt to get to safety. Carrying nothing but the clothes on their backs and holding on to the hope of safety on the other side, they swam across Lanao Lake and never looked back.

Thursday, May 23, 2017.

  

Whispers of ISIS movement were already making their way through the village. Maruhomsar, the head of the family, recalled seeing individuals in all-black, not knowing that they were in fact the terrorists they refused to believe were in their midst. They could hear explosions in the distance, but instead of fleeing, he ordered his family to stay indoors and hide.

“Sabi ko sa pamilya ko ‘magsafety kayo sa loob ng bahay kasi semento na iyong bahay natin. Hindi na iyon matatablan ng bala,” he said. 

 

[I told my family to hide inside. Our house is made of concrete, so we will be safe from bullets.]

As the firefight continued outside, the family waited with bated breath for the conflict to subside. Most residents were still in denial about the attack, and no one expected it to blow up to extreme proportions. On the same day, however, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao and gave residents four hours to evacuate before the government would retaliate.

 

Upon hearing the news, it felt like the ground beneath their feet gave out.

“Kami ay nabigla talaga. Sabi namin bakit kami bobombahin? Hindi man lang kami binigyan ng palugit ng ilang araw,” Maruhomsar said.

 

[We were shocked. Why would they bomb us? They did not even give us a couple of days' allowance.)

It was right then and there that the severity of the situation fully dawned upon them. Unfortunately, it was too late. By then, the armed conflict was at its peak, and as civilians, they were nowhere near safe. One of his children, eleven years old at the time, was even hit by a stray bullet as they tried to get away. Thankfully, it only grazed his skin. To make matters worse, news was going around that the terrorist group was capturing eligible men and forcing them to join their ranks – those who refused were shot dead. They had secured every entrance and every exit, even if the Samsodens were to take their car, Maruhomsar and his sons would be taken away. No, running into them was absolutely not an option.

In a desperate attempt to escape the carnage, the family crawled through sewers filled with fresh corpses of neighbors and terrorists alike. Once they reached the lake, all thoughts other than “survive” left their minds and the family swam across to escape Marawi – no assurance of safety on the other side, no means of knowing what could possibly await them, just the human instinct to live pushing them through.

From then on, the Samsoden family scattered throughout Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte; some found refuge in Madamba, others in Ganassi and Malabang. A few of his children made it to Masiu while others wound up in Iligan and Cagayan. They eventually reunited in Ganassi after everything died down and they moved between different municipalities before finally settling in Marantao.

 

Now that the family was together again, they faced a whole new problem: finances. 

The Samsodens were by no means a small family. With 21 children and two wives, Maruhomsar was caught between a rock and a hard place. They were living in the homes of strangers who made it clear that they did not appreciate having refugees within their walls. They were sleeping on cardboard boxes stacked on top of each other, and living off relief goods to feed themselves. Sometimes, they could barely even eat once a day. It was a far cry from their life before when they could just hop in their car and visit Iligan and Cagayan whenever they pleased.

Maruhomsar felt like he had reached rock bottom the day they were eating fried bananas and his youngest child looked at him, confusion painted on his face, and asked, “Abi, ano ba itong kakainin natin? Ngayon lang ako makakakain ng ganito.”

 

[Dad, what are we going to eat? This is the first time I’m going to eat something like this.] 

Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, including frustration, exhaustion, fear, pity, anger, sadness and loss, Maruhomsar simply hugged his child.

“Magtiis ka na lang, anak. Ganito na lang. Ito na ang buhay natin ngayon. Iba na ngayon.” 

 

[Let us just endure this, child. We have to accept it. This is our life now. Things are different now.]

But just as the family was ready to resign to their life of suffering, they received word about a housing program for families who lost their homes to the siege. All they had to do was go to Marawi City Hall and submit the necessary requirements. Of course, while that stirred the dormant hope that lay in their hearts, there was still one thing that stood in their way.

They were in Marantao town and left all their assets in their ruined home. They had no money and had nothing to sell. Still holding on to hope, they trudged on despite their difficulties and eventually made it back to Marawi. There, they found their names in the list of beneficiaries for the permanent shelter. Little did they know that the housing program was only part of a much bigger movement called Rebuilding Marawi Through Community-driven Shelter and Livelihood.

Implemented by an international non-governmental organization UN-Habitat, Rebuilding Marawi was funded by the People of Japan in collaboration with the Philippine government through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM). Under the program, internally-displaced persons not only received permanent shelters but also went through skill-training seminars under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority that would help them restart and rebuild their livelihood. 

It was under their care, as well as the community they fostered that the Samsoden family finally managed to take small steps toward healing. Now, they live on as a complete family in Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residence at Dansalan in Brgy. Kilala along with other beneficiaries of the Rebuilding Marawi Project. 

Unfortunately, as much as they would like to put the nightmares of the siege behind them, some scars never truly heal. Even now, Maruhomsar's sister still screams and desperately runs away whenever she hears a sudden loud bang as if she is still trying to escape the bombing and gunfight. At 32 years old, the trauma they went through forced her to regress to when she was seven, and now she believes and lives on as if she is still a child.

It is easy, unfairly so, for most of us to look back on the siege of Marawi and see some distant dark chapter in our country's history. We picture it as haunting, horrible and tragic but distant all the same that we forget the people who had to live through it. As much as the Samsoden family strives to live with even a semblance of normalcy, their past will never truly let them go. Five years later, life is good but the scars still remain. (PIA Lanao del Sur)

0