Sinagtala JANUARY 2020
Tahanan na may hangganan Ang pag-abuso sa kalikasan ay itinuturing na ngayon bilang ikaapat na pinakamalaking krimen sa buong bansa. Ayon sa report ng United Nations Environment Program, umaabot na sa $258 bilyon at patuloy na tumataas ng lima hanggang pitong porsyento kada taon. Hindi lang ito nakaaapekto sa kaban ng bayan, kundi sa mas indibidwal at personal na buhay ng mga apektado. Higit na ang usapin sa climate change. Ang usapin na natin dapat ay climate emergency dahil ang ating sitwasyon ngayon ay nagangailangan na ng mabilisan at malawakang aksyon upang mahinto ang pagsira sa ating kalikasan. Kamakailan lamang ay nagulintang ang buong mundo sa isa sa pinakamalalang bushfire sa Australia. Mahigit 3,000 na kabahayan na ang nasira dahil dito, habang ang ibang uri ng mga koala ay extinct na. Ayon sa mga eksperto, mas lalong lumala at lumawak ang pinsala ng bushfires dahil sa climate change, at habang tumatagal ay lalo itong lalala. Tayong mga Pilipino ay hindi naman kaiba sa ganitong mga pangyayari. Ang lokasyon ng Pilipinas ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit
hitik tayo sa mga bagyo, lindol, at ang mga masasamang epekto nito Ayon sa pagaaral ng World Economic Forum, noong 2017, 61.5 na porsyento ng mga displaced ay dahil sa mga climaterelated na mga trahedya, samantalang 38.5 na porsyento naman ang dahil sa bakbakan. Ang ganitong klaseng mga pangyayari ay nakakaapekto sa lahat ng tao sa mundo at sa bansa. Wala itong
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pinipiling edad, kasarian, at estado sa buhay. Ngunit mahalagang isipin na mas nakamamatay ang mga epekto ng ganitong kalamidad sa mga mahihirap at sa mga hindi naaabot ng mas malawak na tulong mula sa iba, lalo na mula sa gobyerno. Kapag nagkaroon ng bagyo at pagbaha, ang unang nakararamdam nito ay ang mga pamilya na kinakailangang lumikas dahil hindi angkop ang kanilang barung-barong na bahay para sila ay protektahan. Madalas ay wala silang iba pang maililikas kundi ang kanila lamang mga sarili, mga anak, at kaunting mga kailangan. Pagkatapos ng sakuna, mahihirapan rin ang pamilya na bumangon muli dahil sa simula palang, sila ay dehado na.
Ang buong planeta ay hitik sa yaman ng kalikasan. Ang lahat ng ating kailangan ay ibinibigay ni Inang Kalikasan, ngunit imbis na pasasalamat, ang nakukuha niya ay pagsira. Nandito ang polusyon mula sa malalaking mga kumpanya, ang maliliit na pagtapon ng basura sa mga katawan ng tubig, ang pagputol ng mga puno sa gubat, at marami pang iba. Ngunit hindi pa tapos ang lahat, malaki ang magagawa ng mga maliit nating pagbabago gaya ng pag-iwas sa paggamit ng plastik, pagtatapon ng basura sa tamang lugar, o di kaya ang pagrerecycle ng mga bagay na maaari parin namang magamit. Liban dito ay nasa ating mga kamay rin ang pagtawag ng atensyon ng malalaking kumpanya na patuloy na sumisira sa ating kalikasan. Marami tayong pwedeng gawin gaya ng pag-post sa social media ng mga hindi magandang practice ng mga kumpanya upang mas maraming makaalam nito. Sa kasalukuyan, nagtetrending na rin ang pag-boycott sa mga masahol na kumpanya na walang pakundanga sa kanilang mga empleyado at sa kalikasan. Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na mahirap ang ganitong mga uri ng pagbabago, ngunit ito ay kailangan nating simulan, Magandang ang sentro at pinaghuhugutan natin ng lakas ay ang katotohanan na mayroon lamang tayong iisang tirahan.
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Advocates appeal for justice and action as Mindanao martial law expires
News Jan. 2020
Mikhaela Dimpas
Two years and seven months or after 953 days, martial law in Mindanao has been lifted. Moro advocates, however, reminded their fellow displaced that there is still “much more to be done” for Marawi City. “Let us give importance and look back on what happened to Marawi. We must join our forces and help our fellows rebuild their lives and return to their homes,” said Moro Consensus Group chair Drieza Lininding in a statement via Facebook Live last year, December 31. Martial law was first declared on May 23, 2017, a days after the Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated Maute group laid siege to Marawi City. Congress granted two extensions for the entire years of 2018 and 2019. Upon the recommendation of the security sector, President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to not ask for extension anymore. “The security sector believes that the objective of the martial law
has been achieved. The rebellion in Marawi, Lanao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao have been effectively stopped. They are confident that they can maintain the current peace and order in Mindanao and that an attack similar in scale to Marawi cannot be waged by the remnants of the Mautes or by any other terrorist groups in the future,” said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Lininding, however, questioned why they are still prohibited from returning to their homes in ground zero despite the expiration of martial law. He also raised that authorities and officials from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority have claimed that the debris and bomb-clearing
A military officer checks the identification of the car passengers as they pass through a checkpoint going to Marawi City. Photo by IDEALS Inc.
operations are already finished. “There is no more martial law, it has expired and not extended anymore. They (the government) have no justification left to prohibit us from returning to our homes in the Main Affected Area,” he said. He urged the citizens to act and for the government to take the communities’ concerns seriously. “People forget that we are the victims here. Many of us lost not only
their properties, but their loved ones as well. We have sacrificed so much, especially those in the MAA, and the government should take us seriously. We deserve an answer from the local government units and the Task Force Bangon Marawi,” Lininding appealed in a statement. “Maybe they got used to our silence, our lack of protests, but now is the right time to act.”
Caraga messaging hub launched EAI-PH
Equal Access International Philippines launched the Caraga Messaging Hub on January 10, completing the eight OURmindaNOW regional nodes across Mindanao. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between EAI PH Country Director Exan Sharief and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Ferdausi Cerna to make the NCIP-Caraga Regional Offices as the MH’s host among the Technical Working Group members in the region. The TWG composed of representatives from universities, line government agencies and private sectors also gathered for a one and a half days strategic planning prior to the launching. The event marked as the start of continuous collaboration, knowledge and information sharing and amplifying peace through positive and alternative messaging.
It’s complete! Equal Access International Philippines launches the Caraga Messaging Hub las January 10. Photo by EAI PH.
News Jan. 2020
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EAI-PH joins Bangsamoro youth agenda consultation EAI-PH
Iba’t-ibang uri ng sports ang sinalihan ng libong mga delegado sa BARMMAA 2020. Mga kuha mula sa BARMM Moral Governance at UPI LGU.
Palarong BARMMAA 2020, sinimulan na sa Upi, Maguindanao Opisyal na sinimulan ang Palarong Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (BARMMAA) sa host Division Maguindanao 2 sa Upi Central Elementary School nitong January 16. Ang palarong BARMMAA ang pinakamalaking sports competition sa Bangsamoro. Tinatayang nasa 6000 ang dumalo kabilang ang mga atleta, coaches, mga magulang, at mga opisyales. Ang mga delegado ay nagmula sa iba’t-ibang school divisions ng Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao Del Sur, at Maguindanao, kasama na rin ang Marawi at Lamitan City. Inanyayahan naman ni Upi Mayor
Ramon A. Piang Sr. ang iba pang mga taga-Mindanao na dumayo sa Upi at makiisa sa mga kaganapan para sa BARMMAA. “Sana po ay maipakita natin ang ating pagiging Pilipino na hospitable. Magkaisa po tayong lahat para ang ating mga bisita ay maging masaya, memorable, at maging maganda ang kanilang paglalaro sa ating bayan,” ani niya sa isang mensahe sa social media noong January 15. Ang temang para sa BARMMAA 2020 ay “Sports Excellence A pathway for united, peaceful, and prosperous Bangsamoro.” (May mga ulat mula sa BARMM Moral Governance)
BAKA IKAW NA ANG HINAHANAP NAMIN. MAY MGA KWENTO, LARAWAN, O TULA KA BANG NAIS IBAHAGI? ANG SINAGTALA AY TUMATANGGAP NG MGA KONTRIBUSYON! Mag-PM lamang sa S’bang Ka Marawi o S’bang Ka Maguindanao Facebook Page.
Various line agencies and select youth-serving ministries in Mindanao converged at Bajau Hall, Office of the Chief Minister, BARMM Compound for the inter-agency consultation of the Bangsamoro Transition Youth Priority Agenda on September 20 in Cotabato City. Among the representatives was EAI-PH’s country director, Salic Sharief, Jr., who attended the consultation resulting to agreed roles and contributions of numerous agencies with regard to the finalization of the Bangsamoro Youth Development Agenda. Sitting there as both the former regional director of then Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs and now a partner agency of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), Sharief said EAI-PH is more than willing to support the commission in pushing for the priority youth agenda.
The Bangsamoro Transition Youth Priority Agenda is BARMM’s more contextualized version of the Philippine Youth Development Plan to address specific social context, considerations, and conditions, as well as the pertinent needs and challenges confronting the BARMM youth. The BYC, the policy-making and coordinating body of all BARMM Youth-related institutions and PPAs of the Bangsamoro Government, is leading this agenda. Lo Ivan Castillon, a Peace Promotion Fellow and alumni from the OURmindaNOW Tech Camp Batch 1, serves as a member of the BYC Technical Working Group and presented the background and objectives of the workshop. Castillon is joined by Mho Sugadol in the group as a volunteer who is also a fellow and alumni of the same program.
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Features Jan. 2020
Latip-Yusoph:
BARMM CHALLENGE Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph
“I LOST my job after serving for almost 20 years now. I have been my best all the time, but now I am a certified housewife in 2020.” These are the words that struck are yet to be done via the BARMM Job me when one of my friends confirmed Portal which is currently crowded and their removal from office due to the is having technical glitches. mass dismissal of the thousands Accordingly, there are few of employees from the defunct employees left to work as skeletal Autonomous Region in Muslim members but some are not even the Mindanao (ARMM), now the new needed persons to sign important Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in documents for the continued social Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). services. This means that hiring of new What is challenging now is the employees from top to bottom has to current function of every office. How can be done as soon as possible in order they continue working and serving the to make things run smoothly especially people of the region? Allegedly, there for the Marawi rehabilitation to work were only four remaining personnel on well. a skeletal function in every office. How In most BARMM provinces, line soon is the continuation of work and agency employees have been asking how fast is the employment of the new for support from local government to applicants or re-applicants? assist them for their separation pays. The feared last part of the phase- As understood from the law of this out process that was due in the last country, a separation pay has to be paid week of December 2019 when there to employees for any reason other than will be no more funds for the current voluntary resignation. It is a statutory employees, has now come. Many lost concept under Article 283 and 284 of not just their jobs but their dreams and the Labor Code of the Philippines. their children’s dreams. The ability to The picture today is more of a O THE COMMUNITIES find resources for this month is such vacuum. Offices have been emptied, a vague process. There is no clear separation pay given to most if not all of the workers especially the recent The picture today batch of laid-off employees. What is interesting in this transition is more of a vacuum. is the promise that nobody will be Offices have been displaced. Yet, according to a former employee, “If there is phasing out by emptied, cleared and batch, simultaneously, there shall be vacated. However, as hiring in order to pursue operations. However, what is happening today an observer, I cannot is the opposite.” Her statement is help but be wary. relatively true. Hiring of new employees
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cleared and vacated. However, as an observer, I cannot help but be wary. If this vacuum would last for another month and all deserving employees will not be rehired, many of the feared challenges are yet to unfold. A concerned citizen spoke to me about a possible rally to be done by the displaced employees. Chaos is again about to start. I do not want to be sceptical but I smell danger if this vacuum won’t be addressed soon. Many of our ordinary people who are not given the separation pay may not have the financial capability to sustain their daily needs and the food for their families. As they say, when the stomach is empty, the brain won’t work well. It may send angst to the brains of these people. As I feared before, if BARMM will not do things right, we are given the shortest way to self-destruction. We need to see this situation on an objective point of view yet vigilant. We cannot just allow our people to destroy one another just because of a failure to see this future. As an ordinary citizen, I am calling out to those who are in the best positions to help in facilitating this myriad of unspoken complaints from the thousands of displaced employees. They may not be vocally expressing themselves with the fear of not being rehired for now. But deep inside them, their souls are crying and shouting for justice. We need to hasten the process, become more transparent and responsive. This way, we can consecrate the main goal of a new
Bangsamoro, united and peaceful. Let us all be reminded that we are Muslims who would never allow unjust actions towards others. As what the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in his Hadiths - “Whoever has done any wrong to his brother, let him seek his
“We need to hasten
the process, become more transparent and responsive. This way, we can consecrate the main goal of a new Bangsamoro, united and peaceful. forgiveness today before the day of resurrection, when if he has good deeds, some of his good deeds will be taken and given to the one who was wronged, and if he doesn’t have any good deed, some of the bad deeds of the one who was wronged will be taken and thrown onto him, and he will be thrown into Hell.”
This article is originally published by SunStar Cagayan De Oro last January 5, 2020. No edits were made by the Sinagtala Editorial Team.
The ‘invisible’ Moros: Ex-MILF fighters and their battle for legal identity Gianna Francesca Catolico
In a far-flung village in Mamasapano in the province of Maguindanao, Asad* sits down in his makeshift hut with a .45 caliber ‘guarding’ him. His village sits in the infamous ‘SPMS’ box’, where armed clashes between the armed forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a runaway faction of the MILF, normally takes place. He has to protect himself and his comrades against foes Last year, Asad had another reason to rejoice -- he received his birth certificate for the first time. He was one of the beneficiaries of the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services’ (IDEALS) mobile birth registration initiative. In 2019, IDEALS provided assistance to Maguindanao-based ex-combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who have difficulties in obtaining their birth certificate, which is a requirement for them to receive cash benefits by the government under the decommissioning process. To reach out to ex-combatants living in secluded villages in Maguindanao, IDEALS collaborated with civil registrars in each municipality in the province. Despite his feared reputation and risky line of work, Asad is a doting father to his children. His eldest son, who graduated with a degree in Education and recently passed the licensure examination, has a large tarpaulin in front of their humble home tucked kilometers away from the bustling city of Cotabato. Seeing the success of his son gave him joy and pride, he said. No parent will not be proud of bragging about their children’s academic achievements, after all.
“Today, he is at
the frontline in persuading fellow ex-combatants and villagers to register their legal identities in the civil registry.
Now in his forties, Asad later realized the importance of obtaining a birth certificate apart from submitting it to the Independent Decommissioning Body. Today, he is at the frontline in persuading fellow ex-combatants and villagers to register their legal identities in the civil registry. “Kailangan ng recall kasi sa pamilya namin, matatandaan kung sino ang ninuno. Nakalagay diyan ang nanay, lolo, lola..talagang importante ‘yan,” he explained, citing that another reason why his parents didn’t record his birth was the inaccessibility of the local civil registry back then. When asked the reason behind his late registration, Asad shared that his family didn’t prioritize his registration. “Hindi kasi ‘yun natutukan ng pamilya ko. Taga-rito kami. Bakit kailangan pa namin magparehistro? ‘Yun yung nasa isip namin. Dito na kami ipinganak [at] dito din nakatira mga lolo namin,” he said. “Noong nagpunta dito ang mga kasamahan ninyo, binibigyan kami ng libreng birth [certificate], kaya masaya kami kasi ito ang unang beses na [may] dumating at nagbigay ng libreng birth [certificate]. Kasi sa totoo lang, maraming matatanda dito kagaya ko na ngayon lang nagka-birth certificate.” More than 1,000 ex- MILF combatants were decommissioned in September last year and 12,000 more ex-combatants will process their turnover during the second phase this year. Decommissioned ex-combatants will receive a million pesos cash for their livelihood and financial support. As of present time, almost all ex-combatants in Maguindanao have received 100,000 PHP (approximately 2,000 USD) as an initial payment from the government. For Honney Unas-Kalon, local civil registrar of Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DSA),
and Jonathan Balodo, local civil registrar of Shariff Aguak, many Maguindanao residents fail to register their and their children’s births for a ‘battalion’ of circumstances. Erupting from the prevalence of armed strife up to families’ negligence of this birth document, civil registrars like them have to step up their game in registering their constituents. Given that DSA and Shariff Aguak are also located in the ‘SPMS’ box, some residents left their homes for greener pastures within the Philippines. According to Unas-Kalon, DSA’s peace and order situation lured residents to relocate elsewhere. She said, “Hindi pa bumabalik ang mga internally-displaced people at sa kani-kanilang mga area kasi may
entry. Bago pa lang kami gumamit ng kompyuter. Noon, sa makinilya kami gumagawa ng birth certificate. Kapag may erasure, nahihirapan kami. Sinabi ko kay Mayor na para mapadali ang services sa mga tao, kailangan tulungan nila ako,” she capped off. The next tactical plan To boost the percentage of birth registration in Maguindanao, both civil registrars assert that Moros must be enlightened about the importance of having a legal proof of identity. Without their properly-documented birth records, Moros and ex-MILF combatants are at risk of statelessness and divestment of their human rights. With the support of civil registrars, IDEALS will continue conducting mobile
A military officer checks the identification of the car passengers as they pass through a checkpoint going to Marawi City. Photo by IDEALS Inc.
bakbakan ang ilang mga grupo.” In addition to recurring power outages in their modest office in Shariff Aguak, Balodo encountered cases of late registrants, or his elderly clients who are seeking for their birth records, can’t recall their parents’ names or their ancestors. He explained, “Ang pinakamahirap sa kanilang mga Muslim ay hindi nila alam kung sino ‘yung lolo’t lola nila. Hindi nila kabisado ang kanilang family tree,” (The most difficult problem for Muslims is that they don’t recall their grandparents. They don’t memorize their family tree). Reflecting on her years of experience as a civil registrar, Unas-Kalon narrated that it will be easier for her to encode data and digitalize birth certificates if the current local government will provide more computers, printers, and an IT specialist who can help them avail the Philippine Civil Registration System. “Bago namin ma-transit [‘yung impormasyon], kahit sumasakit na ang leeg ko, talagang chinecheck ko ‘yung
birth registration in the remote villages of ex-MILF combatants who have little or no access to civil registrars in their municipality. Balodo is pleased that the number of ex-MILF combatants who obtained their birth certificates in compliance with the decommissioning process is increasing. He concluded, “Maraming nagparegistro na dating MILF. Dito sa Shariff Aguak, marami nagparehistro ng pumasok ang Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Likewise, Asad, Balodo, and UnasKalon echoed the sentiments of most Filipinos in Maguindanao sans the hasty gun-firing, bombings, and lurking of armed groups. By achieving peace and order, residents can freely visit government offices and at the same time, civil registrars can entice more Moros to register and establish their legal identities.
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PAYING IT FORWARD!
As we usher in the turn of a new decade with the hopes of promoting lasting peace and prosperity for Mindanao, Equal Access International-Philippines is organizing the OURmindaNOW Summit 2020 with the theme “Turning the Loop: Bridging Generations of Peace Influencers� from January 30-February 1, 2020 in Cagayan de Oro City. Recognizing the efforts and initiatives done by local, regional, and international actors in ushering peace
Specials Jan. 2020
and development on the island, the OURmindaNOW Summit 2020 offers an opportunity to discuss the role of collaboration, communication, and coordination to push for sustainable peace. The Summit 2020 aims to bring together key players and peace influencers of different generations from different areas to co-create a shared vision of a better Mindanao. Stay tuned on Equal Access International Philippines social media pages for future updates!
Sinagtala EDITORIAL BOARD
The Bangsamoro Youth Peacebuilding project by Peace Fellow Lo Ivan Castillon, had their first immersion activity with the young orphans of Markadz AlAytam. They had fun-filled time of sharing, and games to young orphans of Markadz Al-Aytam ages 7-18 in their first immersion as BYP participants. The orphans shared their experiences and appreciation to every game and activity. The young peacebuilders were given the opportunity to learn from their interactions and for leading in the group activities. They also extended shared how meaningful the activity
during the post activity session emphasising the fun and meaning experience with the orphans. It was indeed full of hopes. Peacemaking with fellow orphans, love, respect, and understanding were highlighted in the event. Thank you The Goldin Institute for supporting this initiative of BYP in Markadz Al-Aytam Orphanage. BYP is a peace promotion fellowship project of Equal Access International - Philippines in collaboration with Positive VIBES and Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs. (With reports from Equal Access International Philippines and Bangsamoro Youth Peacebuilding)
Mikhaela Dimpas Editor-in-Chief Diane Lim. Raizza Bello Managing Editors Mikhaela Dimpas Layout Director Patricia Leuterio Graphics Naimah Abdulrahman. Sittie Kadir Researchers Bladimer Usi Editorial Cartoonist
Dada Grifon. Equal Access International - Philippines. Bangsamoro Youth Peacebuilding Project. Upi Local Government Unit. BARMM Moral Governance. Photos Val Amiel Vestil. Diane Lim. MIkhaela Dimpas. Equal Access International Philippines. Gianna Catolico. Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph. Writers Sinagtala is the official newsletter of the Muslim Youth Voices for Peace Project. It is produced by IDEALS Inc. in partnership with Equal Access International Philippines.
Mangyans on a mission Bea Del Rio
35-year-old Lenie Ginamtan readies herself for yet another toiling day. As a volunteer for their Local Civil Registrar, it is her duty to go to remote areas and interview her fellow Mangyans--the name of the indigenous people native to Mindoro. The pouring rain presents another challenge to her already tough task, but Lenie’s warm and easygoing disposition defies even the grey weather. Her laugh crisp, full, and contagious-- manages to shine amid bouts of exhaustion. Clearly, Lenie is passionate about her mission: Ensuring that the Mangyans aren’t deprived of their right to identity by helping them obtain birth certificates. She is a member of the Buhid tribe, one of the eight Mangyan groups which collectively comprise roughly ten percent of the total population in Mindoro. “Yung pagkakaroon ng birth certificate, [nagpapakita] kung sino ka, at ano ang pinanggalingan mo,” she asserts. Aside from obtaining the right to a name and citizenship, it also allows them to vote, study, and access certain privileges such as becoming a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilya Program. Sadly, many Mangyans reach old age without being registered, primarily because of financial limitations, geographical inaccessibility, and cultural reasons. Volunteers like Lenie—in partnership
with local civil registrars and nongovernment organizations—have thus taken it upon themselves to make sure the Mangyans are given the basic right. This herculean chore requires Lenie to traverse rough roads, mountains, and rivers several days a week. Sometimes it takes her as long as six hours by foot to get to certain communities, forcing her to endure tests of hunger and exhaustion. “Minsan, [habang] nasa daan, maiisip mong kumain. Pero di ka pa rin makakain kasi inisip mo na lang makarating na agad duon. At least pag nakarating ka na agad, makakapagpahinga ka nang maayos,” she reveals. “Syempre napapagod [ako], pero kung iisipin mo ang pagod, wala kang mararating at wala kang matutulungan. Kailangan talaga ibigay ko ang time ko sa kanila para sila ay maipabilang sa populasyon ng Pilipinas.” Despite the lack of pay or recognition, she does all this with exceptional enthusiasm. She says she was inspired by her father who taught her of the joy in helping others. “Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi kami kami lang din,” she quips. From February to August of this year alone, she has interviewed over 200 Mangyans, 60 of whom have already been successfully registered. But while Lenie’s record is impressive, there is still a long way to go. Ultimately, she envisions a future where Mangyans are treated like first
class citizens. Aside from their right to identity, Lenie wishes accessible education and healthcare for the Mangyans. “Number one na kailangan sa malayo, yung gamot,” she insists. “Kasi di kagaya ngayon, di na kaya [lahat pagalingin] ng halamang gamot.” This sentiment was also highlighted by Laida Gadong, another Buhi who dedicated her life to helping the Mangyan community by working with volunteer doctors. Laida currently works as the admission and TB-in-charge for the rolling clinic of the German Doctors, an international organization whose primary goal is to provide healthcare to the poorest of the poor. They have different offices around the Philippines, including one in Oriental Mindoro. “Pumupunta sila doon sa mga remote areas na hindi kayang puntahan ng government. Especially sa ka-Mangyanan sa bundok.” Laida explains that facilities such as hospitals and health centers are too far from the community. “Minsan five to six hours maglalakad papuntang main road,” she says. “At mahal ang gamot. Mahal ang mga doktor.” Apart from the rolling clinic, the German Doctors offer services such as providing free medicine, milk supply to infants, and food for malnourished children. One of their new projects is the Primary Health Care, wherein selected members of the community are taught
certain topics like family planning, maternal healthcare, communicable diseases, and immunization– specific issues they deem most necessary based from their 17-year experience with the Mangyan community. According to Laida, the organization envisions sustainability for the Mangyan community, especially since “hindi naman habambuhay nandito ang German Doctors.” After ten sessions, the participants are expected to share their new knowledge and skills to their respective communities. “Ang layunin ng PHC, ang kalusugan ay mailagay sa kamay ng mga tao,” Laida stresses. She adds that despite setbacks such as their lack of transportation allowance, the good turnout of participants shows the Mangyan community’s eagerness to learn. “Sobrang nagpapasalamat [sila] kasi nga may mga opportunity na ganitong training,” she says. Like Lenie, Laida hopes that the Mangyan people will eventually be given the same rights supposedly enjoyed by every Filipino. Until then, both women will continue to serve their community with just as much verve and passion.
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