PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT FOR PEOPLE’S ACTION TOWARDS HUMAN SECURITY The Official Biannual Newsletter of Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. PEACEPATHS Program JANUARY to AUGUST 2010 Vol 3. No. 1
The Long and Winding Road
Zenaida Pawid. Convenor, Workshop on National IP Agenda
There are, officially, 110 ethno-linguistic groups, numbering 10-14 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines. They are widely dispersed from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi in communities far from roads, communication facilities, social services and economic opportunities. IPs and their communities rank among the poorest, least served by government services, most vulnerable to natural and man-made calamities, least developed/developing and most unprepared to interface in a fast-changing reality. (continued on page 2)
A National IP Agenda Crafted in Pamulaan
Euangeli Doromal, PEACEPATHS Volunteer
WHAT’s INSIDE? National IP Agenda Peace-Building Curriculum
Recognizing the election of P-Noy as an opportunity for change, forty IP leaders coming from 24 tribes all over the country gathered for a two-day Workshop on a “National IP Agenda” at the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples Education last June 24-25, 2010. After two days of experience sharing and reflection, the IP leaders came up with an agenda that summarizes the hopes and dreams of the IPs as articulated in various national and local consultations and fora.
(continued on page 5)
Pamulaan Peace Education Hub In-Service Seminar Workshop on Indigenous Peace Building 2nd Cultural Mapping Workshop The Greening of T’duray Village Youth Pact for the Environment Women Power in Marilog Adult Literacy for Muslim Women Cattle Dispersal for Zambo Farmers 1
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The Long and Winding Road (continued from page 1) IP’s ironically are found in the most bio-diverse, natural resources rich and potentially mega development few remaining areas of the country. Left out of the mainstream, often by bias and prejudice, IPs are today the sacrificial lambs in the “altars of development”- mines, geothermal plants, hydro-electric dams, globally competitive agricultural plantations and eco-tourism sites. EDSA 1986 was a plateau in centuries of struggle to be meaningful parts of a country IPs always knew they belonged in but from which they were progressively excluded and marginalized. Martial Law years were a dark experience during which IPs became natural site for an ideologically based guerilla armed struggle that remains to date. The ascendancy of President Corazon C. Aquino opened the doors of dialogue and negotiation, contact and communication, awe and fear of the instant possibilities and their attendant pitfalls. Euphoria soon gave way to the harsh realities of being minorities, falling back on shallow benches of significant players and accepting that their own leaders could be their worst enemies. Republic Act 8371, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, was enacted into law in November of 1997, a “Social Reform” measure that was the product of ten long years of legislative struggle. IPRA raised the hopes of the IPs to an all time “high”, created a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, NCIP, and recognized IP rights. The landmark state policy was immediately subjected to legal challenge and an already hobbled agency, merged from a forgettable Office of Northern Cultural Communities and Southern Cultural Communities, was fatally disabled… EDSA also ushered in a second and hard push for mega-development with a cosmetic face. “Sustainable development”, “justice and equity”, “respect for human rights”, “environmental integrity”, “convergence” and “poverty alleviation” were the masks of mega-development, crony capitalism, militarization, modernization and globalization. Disadvantaged sectors were further exploited, the IPs most dramatically. The armed struggle never left IP communities. Indigenous peoples crave appropriate development and must make a “lead of faith” into the 21st century. Likewise, the Filipino majority, and especially the Philippine state, must take an even greater “leap of faith” toward a more humane and inclusive nation.
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In-Service Seminar Workshop on Indigenous Peace-Building Bong Jovita, PEACEPATHS Program Coordinator
A two-day In-Service Seminar Workshop on Peace Building and Multi-Cultural Studies was held last June 3-4, 2010 at the Pamulaan Center for IP Education, Davao City. More than 25 IP community leaders, peace advocates, educators and students participated in the workshop. The seminar-workshop is the 2nd of the series of yearly gathering of IP peace builders and peace educators to share about conflict and peace issues affecting the IPs and to generate recommendations for the enhancement of the Peace Building Course in Pamulaan. This year, the seminar focused on the Indigenous Conflict Resolution and Justice system as a core theme in IP Peace Education. After an enriching discussion on different conflict resolution practices in Mindanao and Cordillera, the participants came up with recommendations to enhance the syllabi for the 12 subject areas of the Peace Building Course.
To date, the syllabi are being used for the classes of twenty five IP students who taking up the Peace Building Course. The students are expected to serve as catalyst for peace and development in their communities, when they graduate.
Second Culture Mapping Workshop Euangeli Doromal, PEACEPATHS Volunteer
Last August 7-8, 2010, the 2nd Seminar-Workshop on Culture Mapping was held at Nazareth, Ulas, Davao City as part of the ADF’s efforts to promote the cultural integrity of the indigenous peoples, and to strengthen its culture sensitive approaches. The workshop was participated in by 30 community workers and IP leaders serving 13 IP communities in Mindanao. Underscoring the importance of culture mapping, Mr. Benjamin D. Abadiano, ADF President and the workshop facilitator, stressed that “Culture mapping helps us understand, appreciate, and celebrate our culture. It makes us appreciate the value of events and deepen our concept of the true essence of culture or Diwa ng Kultura.“ In the workshop, the participants were able to create tools for mapping out Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) on agriculture, livelihood, spirituality, health and governance. With the use of these tools, it is hoped that IP communities will be able to reclaim their cultural heritage and pass this on the younger generation. 3
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The Greening of T’duray Village Crisamutya Saway, Local Community Organizer
“Green…Green…What a nice scene” is a campaign slogan of a T’duray women group in Barangay Darugao, North Upi. Committed to make “food available in their table” (FAITH), twenty members of the group established their backyard gardens. They were able to plant vegetable and some herbal plants in their gardens with minimal assistance. The group underwent a series of trainings on Organic Gardening and Alternative Health with the support of ADFI and local government of Barangay Darugao since May. After the trainings, they formed themselves into a core group, so that they can work together for the well-being of their community. They are now raising funds for their group’s activities by collecting membership fees from all their members. Right now, the women are pleased to see that their efforts for the past months are paying off. As mothers, they no longer find it hard to get nutritious and healthy vegetables for their families. Their garden also adds beauty to their home. It is their hope that other mothers will also be encouraged to follow their example.
Youth Pact for the Environment OND-HESED
Last May 27, 2010, forty nine T’duray, Maguindanao, and Christian youth from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao signed a pact to protect their environment and to assist in educating their community about climate change. This event was part of the culminating activity of the three-day Summer Youth Camp organized by OND-HESED for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Kusiong and Badak.
The main objective of the Summer Camp was to enhance the commitment of the Sangguniang Kabataan to community service. Among the topics discussed during the gathering were the “Role of the SK in Community Development”, “Transparency and Accountability in Barangay Governance,” and “Causes and Effects of Climate Change“.
After the discussion on Climate Change, the youth participants came up with a plan to protect their environment. Their plan included concrete measures like tree planting in watershed areas and cleaning up of the sea coast. They felt the urgency of these measures because their area had already been hit by floods, drought and other natural disasters in the past years. In fact, their elders told them that their community had also experienced a Tsunami in July 16, 1976. 4
PEACEPATHS August to December 2009 Vol 2. No. 2
PEACEPATHS January to August 2010 Vol 3. No. 1
Women Power in Marilog Mila Chavez, IPHC Project Coordinator
Lessons on Increasing Women’s Participation: • Women need to improve their leadership skills so that they can motivate and mobilize other women. • Women should be assisted in theformation and strengthening of their group so that they learn to appreciate collective actions. • Women are interested to learn more on organic farming and other activities that will augment their family income. • Timing of activities should be convenient for the women. • Men should be motivated to share women’s work so that they can have more time to participate in community activities.
“Women have power when they are organized” is one of the guiding principles of the Institute of Primary Health Care in implementing the Kahimsug, Kalinaw ug Kalambuan Project in Marilog District, Davao City. Since 2009, the Institute has facilitated the formation of six women organizations in the area. These organizations are gradually taking the lead in managing the different health and sanitation projects in their communities. Instead of just staying idle in their homes, women members of these organizations are now preoccupied in various productive activities like establishment of organic gardens, processing of organic fertilizers, cooking of herbal medicines, and maintenance of the potable water system. At the start of the project, informal meetings were held to find ways to strengthen women’s participation in community activities. Building on the result of the meetings, women groups were supported to take on the initiatives started by the project. Consciously, the projects involve women in the planning process to ensure that their needs will be considered. Collaboration was also done to make credit and income available to women through the women’s group. In the process, women were provided with opportunities to gain the confidence of others and build their self-confidence through the leadership roles given to them. In most of the 6 sitios covered by the KKK project, the women groups stand out. They have actively participated in the project planning & management efforts. The women are now able to balance their time for the home, farm and community involvement. Truly, women have gained their Power!
A National IP Agenda Crafted in Pamulaan (continued from page 1)
After two days of experience sharing and reflection, the IP leaders came up with an agenda that summarizes the hopes and dreams of the IPs as articulated in various national and local consultations and fora. The agenda focuses on four themes: Karapatan sa Lupa (Land and Natural Resources: Tenure, Use and Management); Kapayapaan (Peace, Conflict-Management and Social justice) 3) Kultura at Karunungan (Cultural Integrity, Knowledge and Education) and; 4) Kasarinlan (Self-Governance and Policy). As a culminating activity of the workshop, the group presented the workshop results to Mr. Richard Dee and Mrs. Viel Aquino-Dee, who came over to Davao to attend the gathering. In response to the presentation of the IP leaders, Mrs. Dee promised to hand over the agenda to government authorities, with the hope that P-Noy administration will give particular attention to the IPs. (see full text of a “National IP Agenda” at the center page) 5
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National IP Agenda I - Land and Natural Resources “Land is Life” has guaranteed that indigenous peoples keep their ancestral domains bio-diverse, rich in natural resources, and as the few remaining areas of potential mega-development sites. 1. Fast track the identification, delineation, award and recognition of titles for all ancestral domain claims in the spirit and intent of RA 8371, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. 2. Review, validate, provide a process of relief and promulgation of a final disposition of ALL CADTs/CALTs/FPICs/IRRs/Office Issuances in accordance with law and IP traditional knowledge. 3. Rationalize and provide full support for an Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan in each of the ancestral domain titles and claims in recognition of indigenous knowledge, structures and processes. 4. Conduct urgent and continuing dialogues between and among IPs, government, developers and other stakeholders of largescale, exploitative and destructive projects toward the attainment of equitable sharing of proceeds from project operation, moratorium for corrective measures and cancellation of the same as agreed upon. 5. Enforce all laws, policies and agreements towards the rehabilitation of mining sites, forests, watersheds, conflict areas and settlements toward as close as possible to their original states. 6. Encourage community-based and government-supported entrepreneurship with food security, appropriate technology and environmental integrity as priority concerns. 7. Elicit, appreciate and implement IKSP in the recognition of indigenous knowledge and practices as basis for ownership, use and management of land and natural resources in ancestral domains.
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II - Basic Social Services and Infrastructure Accessibility, communication facilities, public buildings and basic social services are inherent rights of every Filipino, indigenous peoples included. Provision and delivery of the same are the responsibilities of government not that of exploitative industry or private corporations. 1. Recognize the agricultural sector, its issues and concerns, as the major economic enterprise for the majority of Filipinos, especially indigenous peoples. Provide timely and appropriate technology affordable capital and other inputs, support services, trainings and market assistance to small and medium scale farmers. 2. Prioritize farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, primary processing facilities, affordable power and means of transportation in far-flung agricultural areas. 3. Encourage organic farming, sustainable agro-forestry practices, and scholarships in agricultural courses. 4. Insure adequate accessible, safe and affordable potable water supply for every community. 5. Provide adequate, accessible and affordable medicinal facilities and programs including a health center and ‘botika’ in every barangay, health personnel, herbal nurseries, health insurance and first-aid training. 6. Financially support personnel services, facilities and programs devolved to local governments or return district/provincial hospitals to national government. 7. Develop and/or support culturally-based education and training programs that promote and enhance the best interest and welfare of all IPs. 8. Delineate the function of the Bureau of IP and Muslim education and approve the IP Draft Policy Framework that integrates into the educational system IPRA, IKSP and current issues and concerns 9. Give priority to qualified IP teachers in the appointment and promotions in schools within IP communities.
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III - Peace and Development A policy for peace, more than the absence of war institutes the ability to address injustice and to hold human rights violators accountable. A hallmark of this is respect of indigenous peoples domains, rights and practices by all parties in conflict and inclusion of indigenous peoples in peace processes that affect their rights, domains and practices. Human Rights 1. Investigate and prosecute all violations of human rights of IPs particularly those arising from abuses of government and armed conflict. Research and document threats to, and killings of IPs and create a mechanism for sustained vigilance. 2. Revoke and cancel permits and licenses, and prohibit participation in business and commerce or trade of individuals, corporations – whether local or foreign – that violate human rights. IP Justice System 1. Recognize, support and strengthen IP peace processes in the resolution of conflicts and issues regarding the violation of our rights. 2. In coordination with the Supreme Court, the Justice department and local government units, institutionalize an interface of customary law and the legal system as provided for in IPRA. Peace And Human Rights Education And A Culture Of Peace 1. Orientation, education and capacity-building of affected IP communities on agreements and laws impacting their security such as the CARHRIHL, the anti-terrorism law and the draft MOA-AD. 2. Stop referring to indigenous peoples in Mindanao and Palawan as Bangsamoro and immediately institute genuine dialogue processes between IP communities and concerned government agencies, and between IP communities and the Bangsamoro to clarify the concept on governance within the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity and existing tribal governance within ancestral domains. Peace Talks, Peace Processes And Protection Of Civilians 1. Create an independent IP peace panel to dialogue, negotiate and enter into agreements with the GRP-MILF, and GRP-CNN peace panels respectively on issues affecting indigenous peoples. 2. Creation of a ‘quick response’ intervention mechanism for internally displaced IP families. 3. State obligation to recognize, protect and fulfill the intent of indigenous peoples’ self-declared peace zones including withdrawal of forces and recognition of tribal peacekeeping structures and processes. 4. Stop indiscriminate labeling of indigenous peoples’ leaders as communists, secessionists and terrorists as a result of their assertion of their community rights. 5. Equally address grievances of families of victims of armed conflict in the context of the social integration program. 6. Put a closure to the settlement of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army program without having to open yet another negotiation process with other factions. 7. Address the peculiar situation of the Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao towards the soonest recognition of their Ancestral Domain in line with their customs and traditions.
IV - Policy and Governance Empowering through good governance is founded on respect to the right to self-determination, customary laws and practices as well as the promulgation and enforcement of responsive laws and policies that will guarantee the exercise of peoples’ rights to authentic and effective participation in decision-making on matters affecting their lives. It also entails a capacity to prioritize food security, land tenure and restitution for crimes committed against IPs. Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371) and NCIP 1. Selection of commissioners and other presidential appointees of NCIP be subjected to rigorous adherence to a process as defined by IPRA 2. President must give clear directions on the harmonization of laws affecting indigenous peoples and the IPRA and support this direction with cabinet-level support and oversight. 3. Restructure, reorganize and professionalize NCIP independent of DENR and other line agencies to make it more responsive, accountable and accessible to its constituents. 4. Develop and strengthen gender empowerment through an IP lens. National And International Policy 1. Ratification of relevant international declarations and conventions such as International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169. 2. Review IPRA and other laws in the context of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 3. Acknowledge the Philippine reports of the UN special rapporteurs, Professor Rodolfo Stavenhagen and Professor Philip Alston, and fully implement their recommendations. Specific Policies 1. Repeal the Mining Act of 1995 and enact an alternative mining law HB6342 2. Review the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process towards lessening the broad discretionary powers given NCIP personnel. 3. Implement the provision in IPRA on mandatory representation in local government bodies and development councils. 4. Strengthen provisions instituting community participation in the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects carried out in their communities.
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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PEACE BUILDING AND MULTI-CULTURAL STUDIES SPECIALIZATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 1. KEY CONCEPTS ON PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT The course focuses on fundamental concepts in peace and development and their significance and impact on the continuing initiative for peace especially in grass-root communities. It will also include efforts to discuss the dynamic relationship between peace and development. 2. PERSPECTIVES ON MINDANAO CONFLICT The course makes an in-depth analysis of the historical perspective of conflict in Mindanao, and the factors and circumstances that characterize the individual and collective struggles of the Tri-People. It traces the settlements of different peoples and cultures, and discusses the issues which resulted in displacements, revolutions, and self-determination/autonomy efforts, as well as the underlying causes for such undertakings. 3. NAVIGATING CULTURE The course aims to foster a deeper understanding of the role of culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, language, and other forms of sub-identity in creating a peaceful environment. The student is expected to study concepts and frameworks relating to issues of bias, prejudice, and discrimination, which most often cause social and cultural forms of violence. The unit further extends to explore the mechanisms, systems, and practices of multi-cultural communities that have succeeded in bridging cultural and ethnic divides. 4. THE ROLE OF CULTURE AND RELIGION The course provides a broad summary of the interaction between, religion, conflict and peace building, with particular emphasis on naturalist, Islamic and Christians. Students will examine the common sources of conflict with the multi-faith tradition of Mindanao. From this analysis and immersion, reflections and actions, which are appreciative and critical of the various religious responses during times of conflict, may be developed. The course will likewise enhance the cultural and religious sensitivity of participants, particularly in dealing with Moro, IP and settler conflict and peace issues. 5. COMMUNICATION, DIALOGUE AND MEDIATION The course explores the role of communication in dialogue, mediation and negotiation; it delves into the manner by which communication in the macro scale, including the media, may create, or amplify perceptions of risk and insecurity. The course likewise analyzes the framework by which communication on the micro-scale may either offer solutions or create misconceptions in consensus building, negotiation, and dispute resolution in a multi-party context. 6. POWER DYNAMICS IN PEACE BUILDING Power Dynamics in Peace building investigates the different power structures that may be found in communities, which either assist or hinder peace building initiatives. Gender issues will be discussed alongside with political and non-political undercurrents that influence the directions and decisions of communities in peace building initiatives. The course also analyzes and explores the basis of power, the gain and maintenance of influence, and understanding of community organizational dynamics. 7. JUSTICE AND COMPASSION The course provides a rare reflection on how the values of justice and compassion may be balanced with the idea of restorative justice. The subject explores the needs and roles of various stakeholders and outlines the principles and values of restoration. It addresses the challenges, dangers, and pitfalls of restorative justice, as well as possible directions that may be taken to ensure that justice lives up to its promise of bringing mutually beneficial and equitable resolution of conflicts involving individuals and communities. 8. PEACE AND JUSTICE ISSUES This course explores on the concept of social justice as one of the foundation for creating a peaceful society. It provides an in-depth analysis of social justice issues especially those directly affecting human security and peace in IP communities. It also examines development paradigms as key factor in promoting social justice and peace at societal level. Furthermore, it provides a glimpse of how to work for peace and justice as viewed in the life and works of well-known personalities and characters. 9. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The course introduces broad concepts of fundamental rights and responsibilities, and the conflicting views and justifications that have pervaded the consideration and history of human rights. In particular, it focuses on subjects that deal with the rights of Indigenous Peoples. From the foregoing discussions, students are expected to be able to peacefully and effectively assert, respect, preserve, and protect their human rights as indigenous peoples of Mindanao, while recognizing and fulfilling their corollary obligations and responsibilities in the local and national arena. 10. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY VALUES SYSTEMS This course provides the students an opportunity to study traditional and contemporary values systems and to analyze them in terms of elements, structures, impacts and relatedness with the present set up and development trends in IP communities and in society. It also studies how these values systems have developed or deteriorated/ diminished through the ages. 8
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11. JUSTICE AND COMPASSION The course provides a rare reflection on how the values of justice and compassion may be balanced with the idea of restorative justice. The subject explores the needs and roles of various stakeholders and outlines the principles and values of restoration. It addresses the challenges, dangers, and pitfalls of restorative justice, as well as possible directions that may be taken to ensure that justice lives up to its promise of bringing mutually beneficial and equitable resolution of conflicts involving individuals and communities. 12. LIFE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE This course will tackle the interrelatedness of life and the whole environment. It discusses how the relationship contributes to sustainability and the enhancement of the quality of life. In this view the course allows the student to explore the practices of indigenous ancestors living in harmony with their natural environment. This subject is particularly relevant in contemporary Mindanao, where much of the early learning of the past generations has been forgotten almost instantaneously with the advent of new and commercial practices and traditions; this loss has made man drift away from his intimate connection with nature. 13. IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON PEACE AND CONFLICT This course examines the dynamics of development and peace within a community development perspective. It explores developmental frameworks, allowing the student to capture and contextualize the same for possible interventions that may lead to genuine and lasting peace. The course studies, analyzes, and critiques the trends and practices of development organizations as they employ strategies motivated by either humanitarian or business concerns; actual effects of such trends and practices are also scrutinized. Finally the course focuses on human security development as an integral and comprehensive approach to facilitating and encouraging communities to identify their needs and problems, prioritize the same, and search for appropriate solutions that maximize community participation, and provide the proper environment for sustainability and peace building. 14. CULTURAL RESPECT AND SOLIDARITY BUILDING This course takes an intensive look at the skills and knowledge essential for the peace builder in the midst of conflict transformation in interpersonal and group settings. Beginning with the recognition that self-awareness and respect for others are a peace builder’s core values, the course then develops skills vital to facilitating conflict transformation such as listening, getting beyond posturing, issue identification, identifying and working with commonalties, problem-solving, group facilitation, methods for structuring conversation in group settings, and awareness of the impact of self on others. I5. NURTURING INNER PEACE This course meditates on the core of all peace-building processes, that is, inner and personal peace. It recognizes that all effective peace building, conflict transformation, and community development initiatives spring from self-care and personal transformation. Through reflective and experiential lessons, it equips the peace builder with fundamental and basic techniques of preserving the peace from within, in order to effectively take on the challenges and responsibilities of peace building efforts in their communities. 16. INDIGENOUS WAYS IN RESOLVING CONFLICT The course researches methods of indigenous conflict resolution and peacemaking, as revealed in oral traditions, teachings, and practices of the IPs in Mindanao. Essential portions of the course would be the sharing of personal experiences, and research into the actual ways by which the Mindanao forefathers resolved conflict within and between communities. From this cultural and traditional context, the student would be able to clarify historical, philosophical, and cultural meanings of the term “indigenous,” explore its world-view, and compare it with modern day frameworks. 17. COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PRACTICES The course aims to study conflict resolution as an innovative approach in a manner that merges previous theories on peace building with modern realities of the regional and cultural context. Emphasizing the situation in Mindanao, students shall examine, compare, and critique documented cases of conflict resolution practiced in Mindanao and elsewhere; they shall also consider, discuss, and practice alternatives to the Conflict Resolution Approach. I8. CONTEMPORARY INITIATIVES ON PEACE BUILDING This course examines the different approaches in recent years that have shaped the Mindanao Peace context. It offers exposure to the different Sanctuaries for Peace, Spaces for Peace, and other community initiatives that have managed to preserve community integrity, in the midst of the war and violence that has ravaged the island. The course emphasizes and reflects upon the various lessons learned and directions taken by the communities themselves, in order to strengthen and forward community initiatives. I9. DISASTER RESPONSE AND MANAGEMENT The course provides an overview of issues related to disaster management including methods and techniques used to lessen the potential impact of disasters, approaches related to policy, sustainability, public education, disaster exercises, programming, and environment. It also covers how people, groups, organizations, communities and governments manage disaster in the immediate aftermath and long-term including social, physical, business, and infrastructure problems as well as intra and inter-organizational issues. 9
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Adult Literacy for Muslim Women Inoray Moner, Adult Literacy Volunteer Teacher
The Prophet Mohammed said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation of every Muslim.” These words have inspired thirty five Muslim adult women to pursue their quest for knowledge through the adult literacy class in Barangay Bongabong, Kapatagan Lanao Del Sur. The literacy class was opened last June 12, 2010 through the initiative of a volunteer teacher. With the support of the Human Security Program of the Municipality of Kapatagan, the volunteer teacher wishes to contribute to the goal of achieving zero illiteracy in her community. Teaching the adult learners is a great challenge to the volunteer teacher. At first, both the teacher and the learners have difficulty in adjusting to their learning environment, however due to their motivation and persistence to learn, the learners were able to adjust rapidly and showed progress in reading and writing simple words including their names. The literacy class have raised the confidence level of the learners to participate in the community activities and deepened their appreciation of one’s well being. Apart from literacy, the program also provides avenues for women to acquire livelihood skills like organic gardening, sewing and handicraft. The women are now able to produce baskets made of coconut sticks and bamboos. They have also put up their backyard vegetable gardens for their family’s food consumption.
Cattle Dispersal for Zambo Farmers
(Tirso Omboy, ADZU-CCES Project Officer) Eleven farmers beamed with hope when each of them received a cattle in a simple turn-over ceremony at Barangay Dulian, Zamboanga last August 2010. The farmers have long dreamed to have their own cattle because they can be more productive if they have working animals in their farm.
The farmers are part of the Abante Siembrador Association, a farmers’ organization that was formed by the Center for Community Extension Services (CCES) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University to promote sustainable agriculture in their area. With the support of Assisi Development Foundation, they were trained and assisted by CCES to set-up communal and individual organic farms.
Although only eleven farmers have received their own cattle for now, Mr. Jovito Tabuena, Chairman of the Association, gave an assurance that other farmers will likewise benefit from the program. As part of their policy, the 1st farmer recipient will raise the animal until it gives birth to 1st offspring. The 1st born calf shall be given to the next recipient on the waiting list, and the mother cow shall remain at the original recipient. The 2nd recipient should raise the breeding stock well because he/she has the responsibility to pass on the gift to other members as well.
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In support of the Association’s goal, the Barangay Council recently passed a Barangay resolution adopting the dispersal policy. The resolution mandates the local government to assist in the enforcement and monitoring of said policy.
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PAMULAAN PEACE EDUCATION HUB An Unfolding Dream
HOW IT STARTED The dream of putting up the Peace Education Hub in the PAMULAAN Center constantly came up in the gathering of IP elders, students, educators and peace advocates to discuss the strengthening of the PAMULAAN Peace Education Curriculum. It started as a response to the need for learning resources in carrying out peace education activities in the Center and in other IP schools. WHAT IS IT FOR The PEACE EDUCATION HUB connects individuals, institutions and communities from different faiths, cultures and traditions to educate the youth towards celebrating diversity and forging solidarity for peaceful and culturally-rooted transformation. This facility supports PAMULAAN’s vision of developing IP leaders who will serve as catalyst for peace and development in the communities. It is, therefore, an integral part of the learning system of the Center, most especially for the Peace Building and Multi-Cultural Studies. It is also one of the Center’s contributions to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue and solidarity in Mindanao and the rest of the country. WHAT WE HOPE TO OFFER • A space for indigenous peoples conversations and dialogues on peace sensitive development frameworks and approaches; • A sanctuary for exploration and discernment of inner journeys towards healing of conflict and violence related experiences; • A facility for documentation and research on non-violent responses to conflict and human security issues, particularly in indigenous peoples communities; • A resource center for learning materials on peace building and multi-cultural education; • A web-site that links peace organizations and communities for information and resource-sharing on culture based conflict transformation and peace building. HOW TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN The concretization of this dream has been initiated through the partnership of the PAMULAAN Center, HOPE International, CORDAID, CIDA, FIDES Foundation and ADF. Because of this partnership, the construction of the Peace Education Hub was made possible. The Hub, however, is a work in progress. Students, educators, elders, community leaders, peace advocates and practitioners can participate to make this dream happen. Your comments, suggestions, and contributions are most welcome. We are all in this together!
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Pledge of Support to a National IP Agenda We pledge full support to a National IP Agenda which we summarized from a 7 years agenda setting of different IP groups, networks and programs. We present this agenda today to his Excellency President-Elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his administration’s information and action. We thank his Excellency for sending his family Mr. Richard Dee and Mrs. Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee, who reflect his own concern for our sector. Done this 25th day of June 2010 in the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples Education, University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal, Davao City. (Originally Signed by 40 Workshop Participants)
Special Concern of Island Groups We the original, least numerous, often invisible and most neglected of indigenous Filipinos, most warmly welcome your family’s concern, advocacy and commitment to helping us become more participative in our building of a more inclusive Filipino nation. With apprehensive but hopeful hearts, we ask you to adopt us and give particular attention to our issues and concerns and prioritize the same under this administration. We are the Mangyans of Mindoro, the Ati, the SulodnonJalawodnon of Panay Island, the Dumagat/Agta of Quezon and Quirino, the Mamanwa of Surigao and Agusan del Norte, and the Aeta of Tarlac.
The PEACEPATHS is a biannual publication of the ADF-PEACEPATHS Program. It serves as a venue for the different communities to share the developments of their programs as well as on their experiences and insights in promoting peace and development among the tri-people of Mindanao for inquiries, you may contact:
Pablo Rey Pio D. Fuentes Program Manager
Ferdinand G. Jovita Program Coordinator
Rene G. Higia
We deeply appreciate the invaluable concern and attention your family has and will, we pray, continue to provide us.
Program Officer
Bebie Rose Tacal Volunteer
(Originally Signed by 8 representatives of Island Groups)
wishes to thank:
Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. Units 503-506 Prestige Tower F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center Pasig City Philippines. Tel. No. (+632) 632-1001 to 03 Fax No. (+632) 632-7844 Visit www.assisi-foundation.org
...Local partners, Church partners, Bangsamoro partners, Community partners and People’s organizations