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Thursday, April 21, 2005
Alliance helps in Mindanao peace work
By Laurent Thorigne
Ateneo de Manila-Intern
WHILE the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panels resume in earnest the long delayed peace talks elsewhere a coalition of non-government organizations (NGOs) are working to achieve sustainable development and peace in Mindanao.
Sumpay Mindanao, an Iligan City based network of more than 30 NGOs and people's organizations (POs) representing the Christians, Muslims and lumads, bared their programs in an interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Sumpay Mindanao program officer Amabella L. Carumba explains they live up to their commitment as reflected in their name, sumpay being a vernacular term meaning to connect or bridge.
Carumba also said the word sumpay "connotes unity, solidarity, cooperation respect and understanding" between communities which they want to promote in Mindanao.
She said most of the conflicts that emerged during the last 10 years in Mindanao are due to the lack of communication mainly between Muslims and Christians.
Carumba said through their efforts they help promote sustainable development and peace in Mindanao with their client communities being the direct beneficiaries of our projects.
Created in 1996, Sumpay Mindanao supports communities especially in areas touched by the war in Mindanao.
Working together
Mainly present in Cotabato, Maguindanao, Zamboangua, Sumpay Mindanao has also a lot of programs in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
One of the groups aligned with Sumpay Mindanao is the Ranao Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center (RDRRAC).
RDRRAC Director Adona G. Onquillas said their group was formed after the government's then all-out war in Kauswagan, Lanao province in 2000.
She said more than 17 NGOs from Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur met together and established a massive evacuation program following the war.
"RDRRAC wants to unify the efforts of all these NGOs. We sensibilize people to the importance of education and form local teams involved in our programs," she said.
Recently, she said, the RDRRAC has complemented different projects like the Lanao Aquatic Fisheries Community Center for Development where Muslims and Christians learn how to work together.
Relocation
Onquillas said the formation of a local disaster coordinating council in a lot of municipalities helps to prevent the occurrence of new conflicts.
She said when the all-out war in Kauswagan happened, the communities didn't know how to organize themselves. "In 2003, when a new conflict emerged in Balo-i, thankfully the people were more prepared to deal with the effects of the war."
Yet another NGO member of Sumpay Mindanao, the Iligan-bsaed Lig-ong Hiniusang Kusog sa Kabus (United Strength of Urban Poor) mobilizes resources to help the relocation of urban poor people.
Lihuk Director Elizabeth M. Padilla explained to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that they complement the program of the local government unit (LGU) concerning land acquisition and the relocation of squatters by coordinating with the different stakeholders involved in this process.
She said they lobby for financial assistance and added that land beneficiaries share the responsibility of maintaining it by saving money on their own and participating in various livelihood programs.
More than 2,500 residents have been help by Lihuk since 18 years, Padilla said.
Yet another group geared towards women named Paglingkawas provides various support services to women in difficult circumstances.
Paglingkawas chairperson Blenda M. Desiento said they provide psychosocial assistance to women abuse victims like temporary shelter to support them in filing their cases against their husbands.
(April 21, 2005 issue)
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