Marawi Aken September Issue

Ranaw of Tugaya, Lanao del Sur by Johaniah Yusoph

MCHC held activities for MSU’s 60th Nursaleha Dadayan

On September 1, the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center (MCHC) held simultaneous activities at the Torogan as Celebration of MSU’s 60th anniversary.

Upon entering the lobby, Katharo, the Meranaw Spoken poetry event greeted the guests.

The Tadman Exhibit that shows the old Marawi awaits at the second floor. On the other corners are the Meranaw-themed murals for the photobooth. Visiting parents can come with their children and bring them to the Thothol, a story-telling

activity for children where they can learn while having fun games. The Dulang coffee shop will also be open, serving different coffee blends from the different municipalities around Lanao Del Sur, along with Meranaw mamis such as browa, and locates, among others.

The MCHC joins MSU’s 60th anniversary celebration by adding the colors of the Meranaw culture through the activities to be started at the Torogan, and will continue to be held as staple activities at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center.

Gandamra gives SOCA Jonada L. Aripo

On his last year in the office, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, makes his State of the City Address (SOCA). On August 28, Friday, 1pm, the City Address is attended by other officials of the city. Projects under his administration in the last 5 years are enumerated.

Gandamra’s administration has served almost two terms and has faced two major problems under his time: the Marawi Siege in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019.

These problems has challenged him and his administration and instead of putting blame on others, Gandamra says remaining proactive will lessen the problem and we need to reflect to these problems together.

His SOCA highlights the mention of COVID-19 wherein he admitted that no one was prepared. However, his administration’s teaming up with agencies of the Local Government Units of Lanao del Sur and frontliners in Amai Pakpak Medical Center has helped in handling the virus.

“On the first months of COVID-19, we did not take everything lightly.

Everyone was devoted [to fight against the virus]”.

The government of Marawi has

Vaccination Rollout at Marawi City Hall “So far so good. Kaya wag matakot magpa vaccine. Mas matakot ka [sa virus].” Says Aniya Abdulrahman. She is one of those who finished second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Marawi City Hall vaccination site.

Aniya narrated shortly her experience when she got her first dose of Sinovac vaccine.

“Ang naramdaman ko lang, miyabr’g ako but after 5 minutes miyada bo. Kasi yung Janssen daw na pamakagdam kawn sa sakit a lawas. Sa Sinovac na wala.”

Sinovac vaccine effectivity according to scientific studies consists of 65 to 91% vs. symptomatic COVID-19. 100% against severe COVID-19 and 86.3% effectivity against COVID-19 death.

Aniya got her first dose of Sinovac vaccine on July 7, and her second dose on the August 4. That is 21 days after her first dose.

Aniya encourages people to get vaccinated and be part of the solution.

“Mas magandang magpavaccine ka da oba ka sa ginawa nga.”

She said that being vaccinated will help you to be immune and safe from the virus. Get vaccinated because you are concerned about your health, not because you can’t travel to places that require vaccination card.

“Yung iba magpa vaccine sila kasi di sila makapunta ng Iligan.

Hindi dapat yun.”

Vaccination site at City Hall starts at Monday to Friday. A1(frontline workers) to A3 (A2, senior citizen.

A3, people with comorbidities) are the priority to be vaccinated.

established Marawi City Community Quarantine and Treatment Facility, a separate office for contact tracing and efforts to identify if a person is infected of the virus.

When it comes to vaccination rollout, City Health Office has been able to vaccinate 17,924 people.

Gandamra says these vaccinated people will help in curbing the virus instead of spreading it.

Cash assistance and establishment of Biomolecular Laboratory in Amaipakpak Medical Center worth 2 million pesos has been also provided by the city government.

And another 1 million pesos worth assistance for APMC to strengthen COVID-19 response has also been given by the city government.

When it comes to peace and order, Gandamra says peace and order in the city has changed and become better.

Police visibility and installation of CCTVs in some areas in the city helped monitored crime scenes. It also monitors traffic situation.

At his SOCA, Gandamra encourages people to be cooperative to achieve the real peace and order in the city by taking part of the

responsibility.

“We need to take part by supporting the various programs of the government.” he says.

Issue of tax collection is also in his speech. Gandamra says tax payers should properly pay taxes because it can help the government to come up more projects needed by the city. Those taxes are used solely for the needs of the city such as establishments of schools, purchasing laptops and printers for teachers, and for people in need due to man made calamities.

Jonada L. Aripo and Jonairah O. Bantasan Based on Aniya’s experience, there are no requirements so far.

You just have to come early on the vaccination site and fill out the form they will provide. After that, you just have to wait your name to be called and be vaccinated.

Same as Aniya, Sir Tawano Macapanton, a senior citizen, said that he did not experience side effects from Sinovac vaccine. However, his food appetite went down a bit.

“Sii ko experience akn na mapipiya ginawa akn.. kumiyan ako na matudtud a miyakan akn.Ogaid sii

ko mga pud a symptoms na da. Da miyagudam akn nun taman imanto.”

Sir Macapanton, got his first vaccine on May 21, 2021 and June 21 on his second dose.

Vaccination site facilitators remind public to avoid fake vaccination card (and other documents) because they will need it when they travel to places that require such documents.

Fake vaccination card could easily be identified according to one of the workers of vaccination site.

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A Semester After

By Nur-Saleha D. Dadayan

Technology was already encroaching on the traditional classroom environment. Students attended and participated in class with phones, and teachers also made use of projectors and laptops. However, nowadays, virtual classrooms are held through phones and computer units at home. Learning relies heavily on technology more than before. As much as the use of technology before was beneficial, the switch of devices and settings has changed the learning environment, experience, and processes.

In the article by Parthiba Kumar, Online Learning is The Future of Education: Here’s Why, they find online learning to be promising because they se it to be flexible and convenient by letting students take learning at their own pace; the comfortability of their homes would also lessen stressors and help in retention, and that it is more costeffective.

However, that does not seem to be the case for many of the students in MSU Marawi. In an interview with students from different departments, there share similar frustrations with the online set-up. When asked to compare the first semester of online classes and the second, they all agreed that the problems faced in the first still existed in the second and for some, it even became worse.

“Last semester, most of my instructors were very lenient as we were all adjusting to the new set-up of

learning. But with the experience we had last semester…most instructors depend on giving more activities for us which is a bit stressful for us students because of some barriers like the internet connection.” Shares Anwas Abdul, a 3rd Year BS-Social Work student.

“I feel like the struggle and challenges faced in the previous semester have not been resolved and still are problems in this current semester… we also need to give attention to the needs of the students especially those who are underprivileged who also want to continue learning. Especially those living in far-flung areas with really poor or no internet connection at all. I know we’re facing a huge problem but I hope this won’t be the reason to really mark the boundaries between the privileged and underprivileged people.” Answered Jamael Bungawan, a 2nd Year student of BS Chemical Engineering.

“We focus on the submissions and not on the learning.” Says Sahliha Mangondato, a 2nd year BSEd Science student.

Online learning is also not flexible for some as it is for others. A stable internet connection is what offers flexibility in online classes. As said by Reihann Edris, a 3rd year BS-Nursing student, “…It [online learning] is also exclusive – meaning not everyone has access to what it offers. Online learning is a privilege, the convenience and flexibility depends on what is inside a person’s pockets.”

Regarding the cost, if they used to pay for fares, now they constantly pay for cellular data – which, for some is cheaper and for some, is costly.

Each student has their own way of coping but many agree that, ‘If you can do it now, then don’t do it later.’

However, procrastination is easier to look at than to be in; as it is an emotional problem dealt to students in an area where mental health is barely even talked about. Aside from that, this new learning landscape is making it difficult for all; where the gap between privilege has become more apparent when the resources have become what is modern, and limited to those who can afford.

September 2021

Health and The Virtual World During Pandemic

By Prof. Sittie Adaweyah L. Macabago

Digital technology took a stronger hold on the limelight since the start of online classes from primary to tertiary schools around the world. Gadgets became both the mode of learning and recreation for learners. But are we conscious enough of the mental stress and the physical impact of gadgets?

As we are already on the second year for online classes, balancing the virtual world with our physical world is needed.

According to studies, mental stress is the number one effect of prolonged exposure to gadgets whether the purpose is for education or recreation.

Before Online Classes was implemented, mental stress was already present due to the pandemic. Thus, transition of from face-to-face classes to virtual classes is a big stress to our minds, causing more anxiety to the users of these gadgets.

In addition, sleep deprivation is another effect that gives physical stress to the body and affects brain functioning.

This is due to the bombardment of requirements to the students that sometime overseen by the educators.

When the brain gets involved, emotion is surely affected, which results to mood swings and irritability. Finding the proper space with less distractions in the house is another struggle for all learners. Time spent on online classes have increased, challenging the students to double their efforts, often, without grasping the whole of the lesson given to them. Another thing is less physical movement results to fewer muscles being moved which then causes muscle pain and cramps.

And above all, the quality family time is at stake as the students and even working individuals are focused on online transactions more. These are just few among the struggles in this new normal that everyone encounters.

In some cases, internet connection and availability is a reason for some students to discontinue their online learning.

With these various challenges, managing our time in our virtual transactions is a must. One effective way is to set a time where you have to break your mind and body away from the gadgets. Research says, two hours is the maximum concentration of the brain for absorbing information thus it is recommended to take a rest for at

least 15 minutes from those gadgets and relax your mind. It is helpful also to divert your attention to anything that gives comfort to you like pets or flowers.

Quality family time is a sure way out to all the stressors that virtual world gives nowadays. Exercising regularly has never been old as this is the way for our blood can regulate properly and our neurons in the brain will be recharged.

Drinking beverages such as milk and tea can help you relax and revitalize your brain functioning. Simple neck exercise while sitting while doing works or class is advised. Eat healthy foods and refrain from acidic foods that can add up to your discomforts when lacking sleep. And above all, recharging your connection and trust to the Almighty that this new normal will be over and with all other positive thoughts that will help your mental health.

Mental health is the first one to be conditioned before anything. Virtual classes have brought everyone to the new world of adjustments training us to be more flexible in the future. As online classes become almost normal, we must remember still that the radiation is there and taking breaks from these gadgets is a big help. Let these tips be applied not only to yourself but more importantly to those children who spend a lot of time on their gadgets. Proper explanation will make them realize the beauty of playing outdoors, allowing them to experience a more natural environment in between the wide limelight of gadgets.

The Ticket Home: Grit What it took for an LSI to get home

By Nur-Saleha D. Dadayan

Her pass earned through grit, Prof. Maulida “Mau” Manaol, an MSU Faculty and PhD student in UP Diliman, became one of the first batch of the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI) to arrive in Marawi.

It was the first Friday of March 2020. While in class that afternoon, her plan of visiting a friend was cancelled when her instructor in UP warned the class about the CoViD case in Greenhills. So instead of going to Greenhills to visit, after class, she went straight to the house she was staying at in Marikina. Mau had just moved from her boarding house at UP to her relatives’ house in Marikina while looking for another place to stay until she finishes her doctorate degree.

Only three days right after the warning with Greenhills, the nationwide lockdown was announced.

Already depressed from the paranormal experience that drove her away from her boarding house, Mau was caught surprised by the nationwide lockdown. ‘How long would the lockdown last?’ Afraid of the thought of staying in Marikina away from her family in Marawi for a very long time, she began to look for ways to go home as soon as possible.

She connected with other LSI through facebook groupchats. With Marawi inactive, She connected with Zamboanga, because there were Muslims there, then with CDO. But she got only little to no relief upon experiencing the inequality between

them. Despite having been told that the Muslims will leave together, Mau recalls, the LSI grouped according to their home province and Davaueños were given priority because of political connections. They had a plane booked for them to Davao and they left quickly without swab test or processing papers. After a few weeks, Zamboanga followed. But it seemed like Marawi City was out of coverage area. There was no one actively communicating with them or responding actively for the Marawibased to go home. With no immediate response from the Marawi City governor, Mau had to rely on herself to fight for her ticket home.

To be able to travel, she needed to acquire some papers: travel pass,

travel authority, acceptance letter from her provincial governor, medical certificate and results of her swab testing. Swab tests could only be performed in selected places such as Mandaluyong and Makati which then cost 18,000 pesos. But Mau was able to get an endorsement from Marikina so she could get a swab test for free.

But just because it was free did not mean it was easy. She was rejected and redirected several times.

“Feeling ko sinisave nila yung oras. Sinisave nila yung gamit. Yun nga, benebenta yun [swab test materials]...”

At the Marikina Hotel, swab tests were performed on frontliners on a daily basis. Mau arrived as the only civilian Muslim woman in the batch of

FEATURE

September 2021 soldiers who were about to undergo the swab test. Ignored by health workers, nervous and exhausted, she had no time to be shy. She approached the doctor in charge and insisted on getting a swab test.

“Dun, you need to be strong, you need to stand for yourself. Kay pag medyo mahiyain ka… masyado kang tintamaan agad sa sinasabi sayo, wala kang matatapos.”

After hours of waiting to be attended, she finally underwent the swab test and got her result. She was CoViD-negative.

Still, she underwent 14 days quarantine after her swab test. She stayed at her relative’s house in Marikina, in her room, and she was monitored by the local officials to make sure she did not show any signs of being CoViD positive. Finishing the two weeks, she went on another series of inisisting, she got her medical certificate for passing the swab test.

Getting papers for travel authority from the city hall also was not easy.

“Lahat ng pupuntahan mo [dun] actually is a struggle. Struggle sa paghahanap ng motor...ng tatanggap sayo...sa pupuntahan mo.”

After running back and forth to get her certification from the baranggay chairperson, she insisted on getting the results as soon as possible. She personally went to the city hall and said she would take her papers to the police station herself.

She was promised she will recieve an email of her papers the following day.

“Pag sinabi sa iyo yun, wag ka na maniwala sa mga ganoong statement.”

She personally went to the station herself and they only made her travel authority when she appeared and waited for it.

On June 8, Finally arriving at Laguindingan Airport, Mau had to fill up repetitive documents that awaited

her outside the plane. From there, she took a van that carried her through the 3-hour drive from Cagayan De Oro to Lanao Del Sur. Arriving at Sagonsongan, the driver happened to park on the sloping road. When they got off, she heaved a lot of baggage, many of which were food which she brought, as she was instructed by her friend, just in case she had to be quarantined. Maulida ran to catch her luggage rolling down the road, the midday sun scorching the Sagonsongan area. Exhausted and angry, she threw aside her food meant to keep her fed throughout her possible quarantine. The driver who took her there only watched her struggle.

“Parang nandidiri sya.” She said, voicing out the possible reason why he didn’t help.

She arrived early but she, and other people to from Marawi, was not catered. There were 2 cases of CoViD

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from Marawi then.

“Parang pinandidirian nila yung Marawi [because of the existing CoViD cases].” She said.

Mau had to stand in line under the heat of the sun for rapid testing.

But when her turn comes, the worker in the booth redirects her to the next booth and she had to stand in line again. Ultimately, She phoned a friend to help her process her rapid testing documents. Her friend, who was also her workmate, brought a relative who spoke to the doctor on Mau’s behalf.

“Sa pagod di mo na kayang makipag argue.” She said.

Six hours after arriving at Sagonsongan, she was released from the shelter when proved to be CoViD negative and she travelled home.

Nowadays, she shares the struggle in online classes with many MSUans. She continues her degree in UP from her house at Bo. Salam MSU, Marawi City.

MSU Cactus and Succulents Craze

By Nur-Saleha D. Dadayan

High elevation. Fog. Cold peace of mind mo...Atsaka family weather. Moss is what commonly grows bonding.” Says Mr. Mikunug. everywhere in this kind of biome. Our An MSU resident, Emily Diampon, weather is not the natural climate for became a plantita during the lockdown desert plants. But during the lockdown and so did her 7-year old son, Andre. months, some MSUans became Emily finds relaxation in her CnS plantitos and plantitas of all types of collection. “Mawala akong stress mag Cactus and Succulents (CnS). The tan.aw [sa akong succulents].” As she MSU Backyard Gardening recognized became busy with her plants, her son succulents and cactus as its best- helps her take care of them and is also selling plants. Various kinds of CnS growing his own CnS collection. were introduced during the lockdown Mr. Mikunug introduced some months and invited several residents types of beneficial plants, many of which to become enthusiasts. Some began to are available at his store: Sansevieria, collect and some began to sell. more commonly known as the snake The MSU Main Campus has its plant or “Espada” in the local dialect own flower shop, the MSU Backyard is Mr. Mikunug’s most recommended Gardening. The establishment can type. Sansevieria can be an indoor plant be found at Bo. Salam Highway, 4th that absorbs radiation and toxins in the St. It opened in February and it is air. It is also an air purifier and releases where you can buy seeds, plants, extra oxygen at night to help people and gardening tools. Mr. Mikunug, sleep better. There are several types of Agricultural Technician II of the College Sansevieria available at the Backyard of Agriculture, runs the MSU Backyard Gardening starting at 75 pesos up to Gardening as an extension of his demo 300 pesos. The Fortune Bamboo Plant farm. serves as an anti radiation with a price At MSU Backyard Gardening, you range of 75 pesos to 650 pesos. Plants can buy ornamental plants and edible belonging to the Pothos family act as air plants. Cacti, Succulents, and other purifier and costs 250 pesos to 2,500 indoor plants are the best-selling types pesos. The Monstera, a vine-like plant to be found at Backyard Gardening. serves as filter and airpurifier costs 375 “Kung plantitos/ plantitas ka, dito pesos up to 900 pesos. lang sa bahay nakukuha mo na yung “Ang price ko dito, di natin

aabuting yung price ng sa Manila. Kasi di rin tayo makakatulong...kung ganon ang price natin… Isa sa function natin sa Backyard Gardening makatulong sa kapwa natin…”

The best sellers are the rare Cactus and succulent types. The Zebra costs 330 - 900 pesos, the Moon Cactus costs 350 - 370 pesos, Korean Succulents costs 90 - 350 pesos and the Rose Cabbage costs 85 - 450 pesos.

The Aglaonema, although not a Cactus nor Succulent, is a best-selling plant known for being attractive. It can incite allergic reactions when the sap is touched. The handler is advised to wear gloves when tending the plant and wash hands right after. Caladiums are similar to Aglaonema and must be handled the same. Another dangerous plant is the “Kachubong” or Brugmansia, a trumpet-like plant, commonly grown as an ornament, can cause delirium when ingested and contains harmful toxins.

His advice to new plant owners is to know what type of plant they are planning to grow. Ask the seller how to take care of it or do a little bit of internet

research to know how to care for it best. The plant parent must also know when to water a plant. Some plants, like the Chinese Temple, requires to be watered every 2 or 3 days while cactus and succulents only need water every 2 weeks. The soil as well must be healthy to make sure the plant grows well.

Mr. Mikunug recommends planting vegetable crops as well using a method called Pot Gardening. In a small space, you can grow Pechay, Kangkong, Eggplant, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Spring Onions, and Ginger.

Home grown crops also assures you fresh and good harvest. You cultivated it on your own, and you know the kind of fertilizer used and the process it goes through before reaching your plate.

The MSU Backyard Gardening is Mr. Mikunug’s own design – a concept inspired by the accumulation of ideas he had taken from the various field trips they have done in the College of Agriculture. It is a concept that focuses on practical application, to help MSUans budget by teaching them backyard gardening for their own supply of healthy food.#

“ANG SINGIT NING DAPIT” Octobre 1981, nagsugod ang pangandoy sa usa ka batang lalake nga mamahimong enhiniyero sa umaabot nga adlaw apan tungod sa kawad-on napadaplin ang maong pangandoy tungod kay mas gihatagan niya og pagtagad ang pagpangita og panginabuhian bisan pa sa linghod nga pangidaron.

“Ako si Rudolfo, nagpuyo sa Sitio Wago ug adunay 5 ka anak. Ang akong pagka kwaridor ang naghatag og suporta sa 5 nako ka mga anak. Wala ko nakalampus sa elementarya tungod kay nakita nako nga kinahanglan na motabang sa ginikanan sa pagpangita og kwarta ug tungod kay walay laing trabaho nga pwede ang akong pangedaron, ang pagka kwaridod ang nahunahunaan sudlan”. Matud pa niya nga dako iyang kalipay kay sa dugay’ng panahon wala’y nagkainteres og pagpakighinabi kaniya ug wala po’y misulay pagpangutana kon unsa ang mga kasinatian niya isip usa ka kwaridor.

Didto ko natandog sa dihang nihisgut si Kuya Rodulfo sa iyang kaagi nga namatyan siya og 2 anyos, anak ny’ng batang babaye tungod kay wala niya kini namatikdan nga naligo sa suba (rriver) samtang nagkalingaw siya og panguha’g balas.

Nakita na lamang niya nga naanod na ang bata. Matud pa ni Kuya “sakit kaayo kanako ang nahitabo tungod kay bugtong nakong anak nga babaye ang maong bata”. Akong nakita kong giunsa pagpugong iyang emotion.

Namula iyang nawong, uneasy ang iyang mga lihokohan.

There was a long silence.

“Aduna sab koy mga pagmahay tungod kay bisan nakabalo ko sa kadaot nga naresulta sa pagkwari didto sa kinaiyahan apan wala koy laing mahimo tungod kay nakadepende man ang akong panginabuhian. Gawas wala koy laing nahibaloan klase sa panginabuhian” Followed by another silence.

Nakita nako ang nagkalain-laing emosyon sa iyang mga mata samtang nakighinabi kanako. Dako iyang kahiubos tungod kay wala sila hatagi og igong pagtagad.

Kasakit tungod sa ilang kapobrehon Apan mapasalamaton tungod kay bisan pa man sa ilang kahimtang anaa sa himsog nga panlawas ang iyang pamilya. Nibati usab ako og kahingawa tungod kay adunay mga bata nawad-an og paglaum nga makab-ot ang ilang mga damgo tungod sa kawad-on.

Kent Jules Dinago, Mademoiselle Singcay, Najib Amer

“Ngano man nga magpakabungol ug buta ang mga tawo nga nasa gahum ang mga problema nga giatubang og mga pangandoy namong mga kwaridor. Ako naghinuot nga pinaagi aning interview – mahimo kining instrumento aron madunggan sa mga tawo ang singgit sa mga gagmay’ng kawridor ning dapita” Kwaridor, ang tawag sa mga tawo nga ang panginabuhian gikan sa pagkolekta og balas ug bato sa suba aron ibaligya. Usa kini ka desenteng trabaho nga ang puhonan mao ang imong lawas og kusog. Sayon ra hunahunaon apan piligroso nga trabaho ilabi na kon kusog ang ulan ug adunay pagtaas sa tubig sa suba.

Usa kini ka trabaho nga singot (sweat) ug dugo (blood) ang imong ihatag bugti (in exchange) sa sa gamay’ng kwartang madawat.

Sa sobra ka gamay halos dili makabuhi ug usa ka pamilya.

Matud ni Kuya Rodulfo, nagkinahanglan og 90 ka kahon (boxes) aron mapuno ang isa ka truck. Ang palit matag kahon og Php7.00. Kon unsay among halin, amo kining bahinon sa mga kwaridor nga mitabang trabaho. Among nasayran nga aron masulo sa pamilya ang halin, ilang anak ilang e partner panguhag balas. Mga bata nga nag edad pa pa lang kasagara 10 anyos - pataas.

Ang inadlaw- adlaw nilang dili pa gane igo sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga galastuhon. Matud ni Kuya “sama namong pobre mas gitagaan og gibuga-aton ang pang adlaw-adlaw’ng gasto ug ikaduha na lang ang pageslwela sa prayoridad. Isip usa ka ginikanan, akong pangandoy nga mahatagan unya og pagtagad ang among mga anak pinaagi sa paghatag ug scholarship aron ang ilang maayong kaugmaon.

Kini ang singit ni Kuya Rodulfo kauban sa uban kagosan ka kwardor ning dapita.

Kini ang among singit.

Hinaut pa unta inyong madungog.

The authors wish to thank Prof. Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph for her mentorship.

“Ang kwentong ito ay isinulat para sa Kwentong Kalinaw: workshop ng Mindanao Media Camp Serye na inorganisa ng People in Need at pinondohan ng European Union.

Ang mga nilalaman nito ay ang tanging responsibilidad ng may-akda at hindi kinakailangang sumasalamin sa mga pananaw ng European Union.”

Culture and Faith:

The Early Marriage Tradition of the Badjao (Sama Dilaut) Community, Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan, in Iligan City Aquila Kahay, Asrifa Diamaoden, Omiekalthum Macasapal, Jamela Domato A world where poverty is harsh and unfair. Poverty is a disease where voices of faceless unheard individuals not only stripped-out of their own identify but also deprived of basic essentials (food, education, shelter) in life. Mela together with 3 other Meranaw girls was their first time to visit the Badjao (Sima Dilaut) community, Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan Iligan City, recalled “We did not expect of what we saw. Our visit has awakened us that poverty is a serious socio-eco political issue that kills their humanity. Their story needs to be told and deserved to be heard!”

The social phenomenon of their constant movement, migration is influenced by the push and pull faces

of society, entwined both with sad and happy memories. For this Badjao borthers and sisters – it seem all roads are leading to Barangay Tambacan, Iligan Ciry. It was the armed conflict (Sulu) that brought Kuya Kaloy; for Ate Cristy from Basilan it was about finding and falling in love to the man of her life (a native of Tambacan) but for Ate Fermin it was in search for better life for her family that that forced her left the shores from Cagayan de Oro City.

The Badjao is among the marginalized ethnic groups in the region and considered one of the poorest tribes in the Philippines.

According to Ate Christy, they’ve been deprived in receipt of government benefits, voiceless, almost none existent, barely no education, much less deprived

to be treated us co-equals among humans.

In her words “in public, we’re shunned because we are illiterate, beggars, thieves, dirty, stinky, we smelled like rotten fish” she said with a smirk on her face. “But still this is a best place I have ever lived. In this place, me and my husband plan to raise

our family, my 4 children, my eldest is now in his Grade 8. Life in Cagayan (de Oro) was difficult, the shore heavily silted, little fish to catch, unlike here”.

Ria Askari, (16) sixteen years old with lovely two children who had the courage to tell a bit of her story as a badjao woman,

a teenage mother, and member of the badjao community. Ria is just one among hundreds of teenage mothers as a result of early marriage. According to her, she lives in Tamabacan since birth. Her ancestors migrated to Iligan to see a greener pasture.

Her mother used to be janitress in the eatery (in town) and at present occasionally begging on the streets. Her father was as a fisherman but now in his old age he stayed most of his time at home.

Ria at the interview was very coy and seldom talks until “I got pregnant when she was fifteen years old”, finally she said and turn her head away. We’ve learned her marriage was pre-arranged by her parents.

Practice on early (pre-arranged) marriage was long been entrenched and part of the culture. The badjao in Baragay

Tambacan was no exception. At the age of 13, according to Ate Cristy young girls are expected to get married, if not you can be socially excluded and mocked as old maid, ugly, undesirable. “Old maid girls/ women in our culture hardly find a husband because young men prefer young women as wives” While chit-chatting with my newly found friends, I came to realized that early marriage is pushing them Badjaos (family) to abject poverty. In addition to lack of stable income, this young couples are barely able to support their children as they hardly had jobs. In the case of Ate Cristy, she has to quit school when she got pregnant not only that she will be bullied in school but her culture also expects here to quit school

My other Meranaw colleague turned to asked Riza “are you familiar of any of the family planning methods” with no replies.

We waited for Riza to answer. It was a long wait. But still no answer from her, only indistinct murmurs from other young women in the circle. Riza seem looked confused. We’ve learned later that badjao (women) are not exposed to sexual health education, even understanding their menstrual cycle is a topic considered taboo in their culture.

More than the culture, these young teenage mothers also believed having more children is gift from God. The average family size has 8 members. On our way out of the Badjao community, we have seen of girls as young as 10 years old carrying their little bothers/sisters or could

“Balas, Baha, Bahay at Buhay” “Tabang! (Help!) Tabang! (Help!)” says a mother who 10 years ago, terrified still vividly recall crying for help while a raging flood carries mud and logs swiftly cashing down their house; That faithful early morning of December 15 made her homeless together with other hundreds of families; many sheltering in evacuation centers. Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi, 2011).

Each time it rains bring fears, anxiety, depression and trauma amongst the people living within the slum and tight community of Barangay Mahayahay, City of Iligan. Our group, felt that pain. From what we taught from school combined with our personal experience - unlike many years ago where the onset of rain is defined and predictable, this recent years; each day, at any possible time is an agonizing wait.

If each drop of rain carries heavenly blessing and hope for the farmers but to the residents of Brgy. Mahayahay living under the bridge and lying along the stretch of the infamous Tubod river cause them fear, worry and curse of finding themselves waking above a knee-deep muddy flood.

The agony of the residents are as high as the river rises and enter into their homes, soaked everything it comes in contact and the violent water start to tear down parts of their shanties they build for decades of hard work.

Aling Rosa a 61 year- old is one among the hundreds living in the community for more than fifty- years. She is a solo mother- strong, resilient raised and pampered with love her 3 children alone but with pride. It’s a common knowledge that this place is frequently flooded. We already get used to it. I grew up here and this is home. Born landless, me and my neighbors has nowhere to go. Who cares? Nobody. She said, almost audible and without a smile.

“Baha” or flood wiped- out Aling Rosa house 10 years ago when wrath of Sendong catastrophically hit Iligan City. Without a roof left by Sendong, I and my children decided living under this bridge. Looking around, I saw Aling Rosa house made of recycled drift woods, used and partially dilapidated taurpulins and old bamboo poles. We’ve learned later from Ate Marive, a distant neighbor, that the piece of land where Aling Rosa house her neighbors stood proud is a no built zone area.

The frequent flooding affects Aling Rosa and many others in a multitude of ways.

be their own siblings around their waist while playing with their friends.

It’s their culture and beliefs defines them who are now.

What is culture is culture and children is Gods gift.

This is what the Bajao in Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan, Iligin City believes and embrace!

The authors wish to thank Prof.

Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph for her mentorship.

“This story was produced during the Kwentong Kalinaw: Mindanao Media Camp Serye workshop organized by People in Need and funded by the European Union.

Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.”

(Saiven M. Romuros, Khalid D. Daud and Khayranie Panolong Mustapha)

“Most affected are the pregnant/lactating mothers, the children, the disabled and sick, the elderly members of the community,” Aling Rosa told us.

Later Ate Marivic, a distant neighbor told us “the land where Aling house and her neighbors stood proud is a no built zone area” They have been offered relocation by the City government but many including Rosa has decided to stay” she narrated to us.

The sky was dark and gloomy, signals for the coming of another rain. I saw Nanay Rosa’s tearful eyes as she says “… hindi ko gusto (umalis) kasi nandito yung livelihood namin na maliit tulad ng pagkuha ng buhangin” (… I don’t want to leave because our livelihood is here like quarrying sand.)

For a solo- mother like Nanay Rosa, the same river that washed away her house (years ago) yet in a twist of faith it is also the river that symbolize her hope; an avenue for survival and a source of her existence. “Balas” or sand is what pushed Aling Rosa and her neighbors to stay in the area. Floods isn’t all bad, Aling Rosa admitted, her face light up with smile. We got used to it, it becoming normal. Floods also bring us together, we wept together, cleaned-up together, we build camaraderie and goodwill.

Above all flood from upstream bring us more sand. By 20 pesos per sack, it can feed my and my children empty tummy. That manifests that despite any catastrophes, it is nothing to an empty pocket bread winner.

The life of Nanay Rosa is as never ending as the river flows without end.

Her dream combined with faith on God’s mercy for her children is solid as rock, unrelenting. Resiliency is indeed at its finest with Nanay Rosa’s soul for she wishes, “Ayaw kong maranasan ang mga paghihirap na naranasan ko ngayon, paglaki ng mga anak ko. Sanay ay mabigyan sila ng bahay na malayo sa baha. *Balas (sand), Baha (flood), Bahay (home) at Buhay (life) floats calmly above the river…

The authors wish to thank Prof. Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph for her mentorship.

“Ang kwentong ito ay isinulat para sa Kwentong Kalinaw: workshop ng Mindanao Media Camp Serye na inorganisa ng People in Need at pinondohan ng European Union. Ang mga nilalaman nito ay ang tanging responsibilidad ng may-akda at hindi kinakailangang sumasalamin sa mga pananaw ng European Union.”

6

OPINION

CoViD-19: a Hoax?

Jonada L. Aripo

It has been over 1 year since the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world into a quick-shifting struggle and crisis. The world is facing this health crisis and millions of people already lost their lives. However, some people still believe that it is “made by powerful people” to pursue powerfulpeople’s personal agendas.

There are over 1 million infected of the virus in the Philippines. We declare COVID-19 infections everyday ranging around 6 to 8 thousand infection. It could be because many people believe that there is no virus at all.

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a laboratory testing method used to detect the presence of a pathogen such as the coronavirus to confirm if a patient is currently infected with it. This is a method to identify the person with infection.

Most people do not know about this method and label everything as ‘hoax’ saying COVID is made by government to steal money of people. They tend to believe that everything is “politicking.” They believe opinionated statements from other people who know nothing about science instead of believing in science which is fact based.

I think the government should be more accountable and transparent to tell and show people their standing in society. People don’t believe the existence of COVID-19 because those in-charge are not transparent enough on matters involving their action towards development and actions against the virus.

We have to strengthen the importance of Science and Technology in our country to fully make people understand how things flow such as the COVID-19. At the same time, strengthen the health care system in the country to combat health issues fast and effective.

The whole world is dramatically on despair and malevolence. Before we label COVID as ‘hoax’, let us maximize our understanding by doing our own research and to be responsible on certain

ERA NOW: MERANAW Johaimen H. Abbas

July 4, 1959, when Lanao del Sur was created under Republic Act 2228, the act mandated the division of old Lanao into two parts: Lanao Del Norte and Lanao Del Sur. Lanao del Sur is the home of Meranaw where you can find Meranaw antiques carved with various Meranaw designs, poetries in the field of literature, sweets and food, and observable arts designed on their clothes and homes. On every special occasion of the Meranaws, there is a showcase of their mamis (sweets), the playing of Kalilang, the Kasipa, the Singkil and Sagayan, the Kasida, the Kambayok of the Onor with Kapopodi-podi (recognition), katobatobad, and many more. Moreover, Meranaws are known to be masakaw, maginawa, mawaraw, and, as Muslims, are very protective towards women.

Usually, Meranaw youths are introduced to these unique Meranaw activities and traits. These are passed since time immemorial, from generation to generation orally, through observation, and a few documents written in the form of Kirim. So that the future generations of Ranaw are holding up similar culture and belief, that Meranaw shall remain Meranaw. Meranaw youths, as the expected future people of Ranaw, have to be well grown Meranaw People. Sadly, in today’s time, We find only a few youths who have known the real reflection of a Meranaw and few keep themselves to be a Meranaw all the time.

With the integration of world interconnectedness brought by globalization through modernization and advancement of technology, it saddens me that several Meranaw youths are not used to our culture anymore, that even speaking Meranaw language is not fluent, and often have a difficulty in understanding our language.

Maybe because we went with the flow of time and surrendered ourselves to the influence of others. We prefer the greetings of other culture instead of “Mapipiya ka?” We can even find some who are not proud of being a Meranaw, shy of being called taga-Ranaw, but no matter how hard one tries to hide his identity his blood will continue to reveal his Meranaw being.

With that, it is surprising that there are organizations that help to preserve the Meranaw culture, such as the MSU-Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center and the Tindeg Meranaw. They are here for us to remind us of who we are and what we have. Let’s grab this opportunity to turn in another direction. Surely, We can’t go back to the past once we regret, indeed we have to move forward and the best option we have is to turn to another direction. Let’s be the youths advocating the preservation of our cultural identity, one Ranaw! Meranaw Ako!

w

September 2021

BAGO A INGED KO PORIPAW O DANSALAN Inisorat i Mohammad Nadhif R. Hadji Nabel | Opinion

Miyaka pat ragon den a lomipas ipoon ko mori a kiya masae tano ko inged tano a Dansalan odi na giyangkae den a Marawi City. Malingaw pen a di so lomelengen a ranaw a kitotoladen tano ko mazazaman angkoto a inged tano. Khailay ta si bapa ko di pamamasaanan sa mga laget, si babo ko phamamasaanan sa pangenengken, si ina a di mamamasaan sa nisisita o pamilya niyan, si ama ko mga dagangan sa panongkas, so wata a gogorawken iyan so mga CD, ago mga estudyante a mabebereg mbabanog ko di pamamasaanan sa mga karatas...

Masakit sa ginawa, ka langon anan miyategel a kinirampi iyan ko mga pipiya a tademan...

Sii ko kiyagombasay a inged tano a Dansalan na ayaden mambo inonotan a kiyagombasay o mga pagtaw ron. Miprerengan a kapkhatonag o mga pagigimo so kapkhatonag o panginam. Misasarikat ko kapkharopet o mga walay na so kapkharopet o mga puso o omaniisa sa rata a ginawa. Miyabembar so pagtaw ko kalama-lama o ranaw na domiyasang so tabang ogop o mga salinggogopa ko diyowang kawanan.

Miyaka pat ragon den na giyanan peman i miyazaman o pagtaw ko ingad tano a Dansalan. Ogaid na lagid o lalayon tano pkhaneg a pakhaisa, Ino mangaday, makapembalingan tano pen ko inged tano a rasay?

Giyanan i pakaisa a lalayon tano pkhaneg ogaid na da a mathithitho a sembag mampen katawan tano so pagisaan tano ron. Taroon ta i benar na siran man so mga datu tano. Na ino tano bes di kathithitowi sa sembag? Sabap ko mga tepeng o Allah a di tano mikakaep.

Sii ko kiyamasai ko ko miyazaman a inged ko a Dansalan sii ko miyalenggay a masa, na khathito akenden a kiyada a Dansalan. Aya sabap na khawma so masa a kaphagintaw o mga bago kisarapiyag na aya kiranden maphamola so bago a bontal o inged. Inged a di ta maptharo ba giyaya a Dansalan ka daden a ba niyan papata a phakathito ron. Sa ayaden a khaswa na pagonot peman ko kapagodas tano a miyakamasa ko thito a bontal o inged so mapiya a thotholan ko Dansalan sa ranaw.

Social Media Influences Jalanie Ariman Maguinca

We seem to embody the influence that internet culture has on our generation.

As college students, we’re connected to the internet almost every second of everyday, whether it be through social media sites like Snapchat and Facebook or through more academically-related pages like Blackboard.

Accordingly, this has significantly shaped the ways in which we speak and act in everyday life.

Social media has been a major part of our daily lives. It totally affected our culture in positive and negative ways.

There are so many positive impacts of social media on our culture. Social media increased the connections between people and created an environment where you can share your opinions, pictures and lots of other stuff. Social media improved creativity and social awareness for our society by interacting with other people and sharing new ideas and opinions. It is also important for any business because at some point, you need to use social media in your business.

Social media developed international business and marketing. People prefer to buy stuff online. Social media created an opportunity to widen your world and make new friends from other countries. It is easier to learn about breaking news on social media because it has unlimited access and flexibility.

On the other hand, social media has influenced our culture in negative ways. People can share whatever they want to on social media and some of them might be inappropriate pictures. People have become more conservative about each other’s point of view. People started to argue about each other’s perspective related to political view, religion, social rights and culture. Social media had negative effects on youth. It reduced physical activities. People prefer to sit all day in front of computers and chat. Social media also has influenced you in negative ways. Kids might be affected and manipulated by some sites where there is inappropriate information. The ugly part of social media is that there is tons of unnecessary information shared by people. Bullying and harassment on social media has increased. People can make brutal and negative comments about anything and anyone. Social media has good, bad and ugly impacts on our culture. But our internet culture has and will continue to influence the way we communicate and interact with one another, both in person and online.

OPINION

September 2021

7

Kapanganakan sa Ranaw ko Miyaona a Masa (Early Meranaw Courtship) Rocaira R. Gumal

Mataan ko mapiya i paras ko pangilaylayan o kadakelan so kabibidang o manga bai ko pithibarangan a kandiyalaga, kambitiyara, ago kakhawing a pephakiilay sa ngkai a bithowan iran sa “social media.” Ipekhasoy niyan sa pamikiran so manga piyaninagadan a manga masa. So sabaad ko sabagi rekitano na lagid o ba iran mambo pekhatademan so gowani ko manga masa mambo a kiyambitiyaraa ago kiyakawinga kiran na datar o ba siran pephakangoda. Ogaid na so peman so sabaad ko sabagi, babolabaw so piyaginetaw ko masa a da kalipati so piyakamawag o biatan o Meranaw, na malo pephakaporo so manga kiray iran ago gii siran di makapepangerengkerem. Apiya so kapanganakan na mawatan den so kiyaalin iyan. Aya den kiyaonotoan o minisalimbago a giyangkai a gii kiran di kambiata a “social media” a lagid o ba siran mambo pekhaawat ko ayan iran ko kamemeranawi kiran. .

Pananademan tano so gowani a paparangayan pantag ko kapanganakan. Sii ko miyanga oona a alongan a dapen tanto sabota so Agama a Islam na mapapadalem den ko manga bilangataw a raga so di iran kapembinayara ko kataid iran. O sa imanto aya na minidayamang so “niqab” na gowani na pinalot a ipherending o manga raga ko manga bontal iran. O matatampar sa kawanan so kanakan a mangoda na rawiin so pinalot antaa ka binokhot sa kawanan. O sii peman maomag sa diwang na sakamawto mambo a rawiin sa diwang.

So kapanganakan gowani na pira den soson.

Aya sasosonon na siden si Bapa ago si Babo i gii meloloba sa khababayaan iran a makamong kiran. Aya den a lalayon na sii gii zasamili so manga lokes odi na manga tonganay ko manga bagowataw ko manga papakaradiyaan ago kalilang. Ino nda miyakowa basa so “raga sa kalilang” a giyoto so idad o bagowataw a

pangangaromaan.

Pephamagamasamasen ago gii pakandadaitaan o mbalabala a lokes so manga raga a gii kholintang ago so manga datu a pephagagong antaa ka pendebak ko debakan.

Sakamawto mambo so gii zasadoratan odi na pephemalomalong odi na pezayaw sa singkil.

Aya ikadowa soson na phagokit ko papakaradiyaan o manga kangodaan a man den so “kanggugurowa.” Pembantowan o Datu odi na so Bai ko inged so manga ngongoda ago manga bagowataw ko paganay a gawii ko kalamalama o Datu. Amay ka makatalingoma so manga raga a ndiditar phiyapiya na pakabolosen siran ago pakaontoden siran. Sii ko sabala ko lama na pakaontodenon mambo so manga kanakan a mangoda. Samanoto na zagit siran sa bilangan.

O sapolo so manga raga na sapolo mambo so manga ngongoda. Papageletan siran o guro a bai ago guro a datu. Amay ka megay so Datu sa sogoan a pephoonan so pakaradiyaan na gomanat so mangoda na phapakarani ko guro a datu na itong iyan ko manga guro so ngaran o kiyabarayatanon a a bagowataw na komasoy ko ontoda iyan. Isa peman ko manga raga i gomanat sa ipagetong iyan mambo ko manga guro so ngaran o mangoda a malo on mambo kiyabarayatan. Amay ka miyasalak a sekaniyan bes so minitong o mangoda na miyapokas sekaniyan ko pakaradiyaan.

Aya ped a okit a poonan o kapanganankan sa Ranaw na so kapamanipanik o mangoda ko manga torogan a aden a bagowataw ron.

Aya di ron salakaw na so manga kalilimod a pekhadarepaan o manga ngongoda ago manga bagowataw. Aden peman a soden so manga lokes i gii makandaidait ko manga wata iran mampen di khatawa so manga moriyataw iran.

Apiya antonaa i okit a kiyasabapan sa kapephakatoon o mangoda sa khababayaan iyan mangaroma, na manik den sa walay o bagowataw

ka modas ko manga wali a pagphoonan iyan so kapanganganakan.

Miperarakhes den o kapanganakan so kapaniwaka. Antonaa i siwaka?

Aya siwaka na giyai so pamemegayan o mangoda ko raga ago so manga ped ko pamiliya niyan.

Giyai so manga ikhakamotan, pamemedakan, nditaren, ago pangenengken.

Piyakay o manga lokes so kandawnga gowani ogaid na kenaba lagid imanto a miyakariphes so “text messaging” ka pephakaokit sa manga bayok ago pananaroon. Ayapen a pekhatoosan aken a miyapanothol o Ina aken na apiya so kapakaoniya ko kobing ago insi na gii ron pephakaokit sa mapapadalem ko manga poso o manga ngongoda. Ogaid na daden pharowa o manga lokes o ba mibagak ko darepa so mama ago babay o ba da a makadadarepa a madaseg iran ka piyananggilaan iran o ba makapanginesop so saytan a iblis.

Amay ka matangked sa ginawa o mbala a lokes iran a miyakandaita so manga wata na mampen mataalik so kazonggoda sa diyalaga di bental. O pagayoni iran so khabaloy a mapeloloto o mangangaroma na go bo mabitiyara so phamakatalondog a okit okit sa taman ko katalingoma o kakhawing. Baanda mayon kano a lagid o ba maregen a kapephakaokit iyan ogaid na aya katharo iran na so piyanamaran ago phiromasayan o taw na mataan a mbegan iyan mambo sa arga. Giyoto nda i sabap a gii makapelokesana so ndadarodopa gowani na madelag so kambelabelag.

Aya mataan benar na asar ka mokit sa mapiya ago sii ko lalan o agama Islam so langowan a galebek na o begay sa limo so Kadenan a da phayag maana so Allah Subhanaho Wataála na matatap den so kanggaring o mililang a mizorot a da makaraw nggibasa sa ironotan sa gagaw.

Writers Resorting to Internet Mosmirah Abduljalil

When I started writing an article, I felt like a tryhard, fake writer. It was as if I was pretending to be a “writer”. But as a teacher, I shall say that I am basically a writer. In fact, I am writing every day for my lesson plan, for my instructional materials, for my lectures and for my reports. All teachers are writers—we write emails, lesson plans, newsletters, assignments, and so much more. We may not often think about it, but there are many benefits of writing for ourselves and for an audience, and there are many venues for publishing our work. The first step to accessing all these benefits is to accept a simple truth: We’re already writers. Writing reflectively is a quick but impactful way to improve both our professional and personal lives. We can process success and plan improvements after failures when we document our days. Writing can help us become better writing teachers. We’re able to empathize with our students’ positive and negative experiences as writers when we write ourselves. The goal is just to write—not

necessarily to write well. Writing is hard for everyone; writing well is near impossible. But that’s the beauty of writing—that intense feeling of struggle when we’re putting pen to paper, or fingertips to keyboard. It is not exclusive to teachers. Our students feel it, too. And being able to have authentic conversations with students about the hardships of writing creates a more supportive writing culture in the classroom. The things that I have mentioned are all practically applicable in a class room setting we called “face-to-face”. We all know we are adopting to flexible learning nowadays since distance education became ubiquitous as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, how does internet helps us to be an effective writer? Because of these circumstances, online teaching and learning have an indispensable role in early childhood education programs, even though debates continue on whether or not it is beneficial for young children to be exposed extensively to Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

I should say that a digital method of teaching with the help of internet has pros and cons when it comes to effective writing. One of the advantages of using Internet

is that we can find every information we want to. The thing we are searching will be surely found in one of the millions of pages. What is more, the searching process is very short and the Internet portals like ‘YAHOO’ and ‘AltaVista’ are created to help us with it. In addition, if we have the Internet at home, we don’t have to go to the libraries. In this way, we are sparing our priceless time. Another advantage is that we can communicate almost with everyone through the Net with help of e-mails and messengers. It’s cheaper and faster than the traditional mail.

On the other hand, the disadvantages are a serious problem for today’s world. Aside from the fact that it makes both teachers and students dependent to information available in the internet, the Internet is causing one of the worst diseases - the Internet addiction. It somehow supersedes the essence of having physical books and other research materials as references. We can’t instantly rely on the originality of writers because copy paste is normal now a days. Hence, the Internet is very necessary but to make of use the internet in such way that it will not affect our skills in writing.

Ngaran

If 8 Billion

Editor-in-Chief:

n.d.

Johaimen H. Abbas

Ingaran ko so Ranaw ka inged ko so Ranaw Inged ko so Ranaw na ropaan ko so Mawaraw Mawaraw ka phoon ko Paramata Bantogen Minsan pen marangit ogaid na mepepenobo a ranon Ka mapasang bo e kapangalimo ago kapanganogon.

Nur-Saleha D. Dadayan

Do yourself and nature a favor

Associate Editor/Publisher:

and bring your own eco bag

Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph

And don’t buy things with plastic package

Writers and Contributors

If you don’t need it that bad

Na aya pangimbenar akn na so ngaran ko na bolawan Bolawan a di karames a arga nago didn mipsasambi Ka bapya anda ako marondang na ingaran akn so Ranaw Ka bapya ako siyolasog na diko mbokaaan so mapya ngaran!

Ingaran ko so Inged ko a Ranaw a ropaan o Mala e Gagaw a Mawaraw.

And at your house, when you get home Invite your family so you don’t do this alone; Take time to sort out your trash: Cardboard, metal, plastic, glass.

Na pangimbenar akn a ropaan akn so malay gagaw a Mawaraw Ka so gagaw akn na obangka badn taksa na dingka magaga, Na kalodan pen man a lo’ a pekiliyo o gagaw akn Na opama peman ka badn pagilaya na so kawaraw Na bapya andakongka bokae a darpa na makapembalingan ako den!

And by lessened buying you reduce What you can use again, please reuse It is very helpful so don’t be fickle You’re a good example when your recycle!

Na antonay mangaday mambebetad akn sa emanto aya?

Ginawa ko pandapatingka oba rekita kaalong so ngaran ta, Ginawa ko andaden so nditaren ta a midadait rekita?

Ginawa ko na pagnao ka phoon ko mamis a taginepen Mbalingan ka! Ka so inged ka na sisan rekaden.

Jonada L. Aripo Jonairah O. Bantasan Rocaira R. Gumal Kent Jules Dinago Mademoiselle Singcay Najib Amer Aquila Kahay Asrifa Diamaoden Omiekalthum Macasapal Jamela Domato Jalanie Maguinca Johaimen H. Abbas Sittie Adaweyah L. Macabago Farraniva S. Acmed-Ismael Mosmirah Abduljalil Mohammad Nadhif R. Hadji Nabel

If every one of us

Literary Writers Johaimen H. Abbas n.d.

Is careful of our mess— Then that’s 8 billion plastic -

Cover photo by: Johania Yusoph Thanks to MCHC for this issue

And hurting nature less!

1

Write the Meranaw equivalent for each underlined color in the sentence.

ACROSS

2

1. Fatmah’s veil is white.

3

4

2. We have violet yams.

3. The mamandiang is blue.

4. Sittie’s dress is pink.

4

2

3

DOWN 1. Ahmad’s jacket is red.

2. Leilah’s abaya is black.

3. The walls of the Torogan is painted yellow.

4. The ricefields are green.

Realization on the Cultural Significance of Meranaw Tutul Farraniva S. Acmed-Ismael, Ph.D. | Academic Paper

Tutul refers to Meranaw stories such as legends, fables, myth, and funny stories (Madale, 1997). The Meranaw are known to have a long tradition of storytelling, whether recited, chanted or sung.

Moreover, for instructional purposes, the tutul suggests itself as ideal. Meranaw tutul are not only entertaining, but also engaging in that readers find it easier to relate to the characters, their motivation, actions and fates, as these are realistically drawn, that is, these relatively short narratives easily draw traction. Moreover, these short narratives, specifically those of the didactic variety, are a rich source of insights and lessons. To quote what Bettelheim (1977; in Franco, 2008) said about fairy tales which should apply as well to folktales: Listening to a fairy tale and taking in the images it presents may be compared to the scattering of seeds, only some of which may be implanted in the mind of the child. Some of those will be working in his conscious mind right away; others will stimulate processes in his unconscious. Still another will need to rest for a long time until the child’s mind has reached a state suitable

for their germination, and many will not take root at all. But those seeds which have fallen on the right soil will grow into beautiful flowers and sturdy trees – that is, give validity to impart feelings, promote insights, nourish hopes, reduce anxieties – and in doing so, enrich the child’s life at the moment and forever after.

The Meranaw tutul could be found significant by several groups of people.

Teachers could use Meranaw tutul in teaching literature classes and in other subject areas like Mother Tongue, Values Education, and Social Studies. This could serve as a springboard or a stimulus to designing and developing more engaging and motivating community- and culture-based instructional materials for reading and writing classes. As learners hone their reading and writing skills, teachers also absorb the meaningful content or information about their culture. As instructional material-makers, teachers’ creativity is challenged; they are weaned from parasitic dependence on readymade materials. As the prime-movers in the learning avenue, teachers make persuasive and powerful advocates of the appreciation and high valuation of the native cultural heritage.

On the other hand, this tutul could also teach children to develop an appreciation for native

materials/texts that inform them on the ways of life and culture of their ancestors, and helps them understand better what makes a Meranaw.

Learning about cultural heritage through folktales could provide children the skills that they should need in order to become fluent speakers and readers. This could provide them an avenue to understand the meaning of those cultural lexical words. Furthermore, for the Meranaw people, they could learn to appreciate and make use of their own language. Perhaps, they should realize that although they are a minority group, they are not ‘minor’ or inferior in terms of cultural assets or wealth. They should take pride in the richness and uniqueness of their culture, the tangible material as well as the intangible. It is thus imperative that the Meranaw not only document their traditional practices, customs, and oral narratives, but to make these as part of their lives, as living traditions. For, as shown in countless studies, the success of any preservation effort depends on the people themselves. No initiative of the government or any other institution can be sustained or go far without the active involvement, interest, enthusiasm and commitment of the people.

Finally, this story could aid the non-Meranaw to understand the Meranaw people, their

language and oral narratives. Knowledge and insights gained by non-Meranaw from the tutul could serve as planks on the bridge to mutual respect and deeper understanding.

Such understanding, so vital in a diverse society, is the aim of any diversity training.

Indisputably, the oral traditions of a people serve as a vital foundation for the understanding of their culture, social traditions, and history.

In societies without a written tradition, oral heritage constitutes an important link from the past, and to the present and the future. As Alan Dundes (1965) sums up the value of folklore for a people, these invite serious inquiry as units of worldview. The Meranaw oral traditions, in particular the unwritten literary products from the past, is an integral part of the Filipino national literary heritage. It is believed that folklore materials can be one of the most effective keys to understanding the cultural values, aspirations, and sentiments of the Meranaw as a group, and as a people. More for this than for anything else, the Meranaw must realize the significance of these folktales in their lives and help preserve the richness and uniqueness of their cultural identity.