Grassroots Art Stories Magazine

What's inside?

grassroots art stories

peace art story of young higaonon

peace art story of young women

peace art story of young teduray

peace art story of young Moro

peace art story of young erumenen woman

selected visual arts

ABOUT THE magazine

The Grassroots Art Stories is a collection of selected narratives and stories written and painted by young tri-people from Iligan, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao that reveals a peculiar and different set of stories of predicaments and struggles, but they all shared common aspirations and convictions to build JustPeace, solidarity, and dialogues among TriPeople communities in Mindanao

I am Oplay Hildalgo Sisayan, 39, of Higaonon tribe. I was born and raised in Barangay Kalilangan, Iligan City a place where birds are free to fly and cattles and buffalos have the luxury to roam around. I have always been accustomed to a simple life, being a hardcore farmer myself Despite living in a place situated in the heaps of the mountains, we were not really isolated from the happenings in the urban scene

My daily routine as a farmer would not bother my sanity ---- from planting to harvesting, and I would do it time and again as it is really the core of my daily life as a farmer. The seeds that I would accumulate from harvesting would be the ones I’d use for another planting season The plants that I farm were mostly legumes and root crops: red beans, potato and cassava These crops do not necessarily need fertilizer so I’d just let them as they are until they are ready to be gathered for harvest. Once harvesting is done, especially when it is plenty, I would deliver them to the nearby city to sell for a profit I also sell them around the barrio: to my neighbors, fellow farmers or friends.

Life was great until a conflict ravaged my place It was 2019 and before the encounter between the armed forces and the NPA we were living in Midsamid, Upper Kalilangan We were forcedly evacuated to a school near a police camp (BPAT) and a barangay office We were told that If we want a peaceful life then it is better for us to stay around the place (BPAT). We did stay.

Story of Young Higaonon

Iamveryhappytobeableto serveasamouthpiecetomy fellowyouthwiththecauseof solidarityanddialogueamong Moro,LumadandChristian people.Thegiftofrespect, understandingandgoodwillare amongthethingsthattruly matteratatimewhenlifeis uncertain.”

Fortunately, I was able to make a living off by making cabinets and tables for classrooms and the teachers would pay me in a subjective manner Carpentry was one of the skills I have apart from farming What happened in my place was the armed rebels (NPA) would approach us occasionally and would give suggestions like what if I become a “community police” sort of a thing. There were instances that whenever the armed troops (armed forces) gets in, they (NPA) would would ask me to steadfastly indignate myself and I would refuse They insisted I was in the position to do so but I was incessant in telling them I wasn’t in the first place since I merely welcomed them as friends and what they did to me did not necessarily followed that I would become one of them. I am afraid the soldiers would implicate me for anything (for a serious crime, perhaps)

We were all resentful but there is nothing we can do about it In order to survive, we must weather everything. Despite the hardships, what matters is that we are living safely and peacefully here in Brgy Kalilangan So far, people from the NPA do not come to approach us anymore and we are as thankful But despite that, we are also delighted because we felt that their hearts have been touched after hearing what we went through before (with all the chaos that have been happening thereon). Because of their incessant fighting with the government, living in the mountains is somehow affected and for someone like me who has been accustomed to living off a far-flung life it is kind of an inconvenience to have them fighting off with the troops Actually, I wouldn’t want to have this life now any other way because ever since we were not used to dreaming about going to school or having to obtain a college degree

This is the life that we got to used with but as I have immersed myself in the realities of my time being, I have come to terms and ended up having a vision, most especially for the people of my community.

Apart from farming, I also engage myself in educating my fellow barrio people regarding the importance of pursuing something they want to, the value of peace, respect, understanding and unity and the power of keeping abreast with whatever challenge is coming. That is what I continue to do now I also encourage my fellow young people to attend any educational and learning events (a meeting or a workshop perhaps) just like what the AKMK is doing to strengthen the role of tri-people youth in the promotion of solidarity and dialogues through creative arts and cultural learning With the help of this peace art project, we had interactive activities such as song writing and poster-making about what we were going through I was very elated knowing I have done the things that I was not able to do when I was younger. I am deeply grateful for your facilitating work because I have learned so much everything about my song writing capability

Story of Young teduray women

My name is Rica Mae A Antan, 23 years of age and a resident of Brgy Sanyag Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Presently, I work as an SK Chairman in my barangay keeping myself busy with the clerical, governmental and socio-economic responsibilities since my assumption in the office. I am a graduate of BS Biology at Sultan Kudarat University in Sultan Kudarat During college, I started to engage myself in volunteering works, most especially with volunteerism program in Region 12. Most of the time, the activities were composed of tree planting (the causes were mostly environmental conservation and management)

I was in third year college when I joined INAKTUS Philippines, an organization in my university which focuses on social enterprises. I was assigned to a committee along with a few colleagues where we pick a certain community to sort of transform Finally we have decided to choose the Badjao people, specifically the mothers of the tribe in Tacurong City. Personally, I struggled with the community that I was rendering as these people (the Badjaos) have a quite peculiar way of living. Their point of view in life does not go well with ours, so to speak

I was able to discover something worthwhile to do with my time. I wish I always had a guitar with me so I could pull off the lyrics right Thinking about having to write my very first song, I felt real happiness as I was able to compose songs about the experiences as a barrio man through hardships and happiness

Through your seminar, I learned a lot about getting inspiration from the things around me for my music pursuit With all the learning that you have imparted, there is still a lot to do especially with the formation of youth in my community Basic errands like waste management, environmental, and art activities are yet to be integrated among the youth in my place….the things that the school teachers may not teach the young people but the seminars can inculcate Those we were not able to attend the seminars are hoping to participate in the future. Those who already joined were as engaging to the future participants I am very happy to be able to serve as a mouthpiece to my fellow barrio people with the cause of solidarity and dialogue among Moro, Lumad and Christian people The gift of friendship, understanding and good will are among the things that truly matter at a time when life is uncertain.

Ultimately,Artsis powerfulchannelto useinorganizingmy fellowIndigenous Youthtotakepartin thepromotionof solidarityand dialoguesamongTripeoplecommunities.”

CONT. Story of Young teduray women

Between 2017 and 2018, I was introduced to Timuay Justice Governance (TJG) in Upi, Maguindanao, as the place I was situated in was a battlefield and war-stricken. From them, I was able to engaged with various activities related to IP rights assertion.

Armed conflict was really a problem in my community as we have experienced the horrors of living with fear ourselves. There was a time when the whole barrio would be held hostage by the armed groups. I was in my second year in high school at that time. Also, we did not know what particular armed group took us in captivity since peace talks were being conducted at that time. If they were from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) or whoever armed rebel group, we didn’t have an idea. What clearly comes to mind when I recall the gruesome chaos was when these armed men stormed our houses, the sari-sari (convenience) stores being ransacked, videoke houses being destroyed ---- it was really a horror before our eyes. Men were brought to a nearby school while women were told to stay in their respective houses although the commander of the armed group reminded them to stay calm and assured everyone that it shall pass and they were “just looking for a way”, something like that.

Despite the assurance, we were still frightened since we would occasionally hear from one of the armed men that once the dawn breaks, they would “do something” to the women. That brought us to a level of anxiety where we panicked ferociously. We fought with our fears and were able to escape by crawling our way down away from our houses. We were able to escape, nonetheless. We crossed by the river and we just learned from one of the barrio men that a certain group was able to negotiate with the armed rebels which freed the rest of the people from my Barangay.

Yes, our community is really a battlefield since it is a melting pot composed of various tribes (tri-people). Consequently, in my community sits atop the Camp Omar of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and also a neighboring place to New People’s Army (NPA). Hostages were also done by these groups since they could just freely penetrate the community. Our place is also near the grave site of the horrendous 2009 Maguindanao Massacre. I do not know if we were strategically geographic as a vulnerable danger haven or was it just the perfect bad timing ---- it was eerily confusing. Our community became a military area and the rearing sound of big military trucks and war tanks have become normal to everyone. Volatile ambushes were that rampant. Local government unit’s words of assurance to the people would not suffice since we would hear series of ambushes particularly the recent ambush incident involving the Chief of Police

Around 2018, I was sworn into office and became the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Affairs) Chairman of Barangay Sanyag. I fulfilled my promise to serve despite having a college degree where I must find myself in a comfortable, nice-paying job. I felt that I should not leave my fellow barrio people that I decided to stay and work in my community.

Currently, I am working under Member of Parliament Sangke’s office. It was a clerical job I started just last year. It became a job order kind of work since I couldn’t be placed under double compensation. Personally, I am at a point where am comfortable at what I am doing. I was just going down with the flow, as they say. Volunteerism and civic engagement are two of the things I am focusing on doing right now.

What I enjoy most with my work are the field works, community organizations at a grassroots level, strategy planning and monitoring works. I learned that every community, every person, every place have different stories to tell and immersing myself in these aspects taught me a lot about life. Volunteering for Civil Society Organization (CSO’s) for example, made me traverse a worthwhile journey of civic works.

Well, in terms of challenges, I must say organizing from an Indigenous Youth’s end was quite a journey. I also had contemplation and discernment about myself as a struggling youth striving to become successful. The hindrances of attending social functions and educational seminars and lectures, where some of the people I invited decline at the last minute of the event ---- I was able to understand them, genuinely.

After graduating from college, I clearly did not have anything to do with my life. I experienced job crisis at Davao City, I came home only to be quarantined because at the time Covid-19 was already lurking around. I have to admit, if not for this advocacy work I am in now, I’d probably go insane. Maybe I am destined to be doing things like this because there are programs where people pick you so representations can be done to your end, especially the IP community.

The engagement with the Peace Art Project of AKMK was really a breath of fresh air. It was exciting because it promotes peace, solidarity solidarity among Tri-People with the uses of art as an outlet to discuss certain matters. I asked John again if he could invite again for another activity and he responded in a definite way. I really enjoyed the activities like song writing, poetry writing….since I am a book worm myself. Not until the next activity did I come to an expectation where the project would produce a single composition, an art and culture exhibit and to establish network, respect and solidarity among the participants as well.

At the activity proper, what amazed me was the painting done by a fellow participant and I have come to terms with myself in a sudden thought that it takes an immense talent and patience in order to come up with a masterpiece. I realized how hard it is to paint and put the colors and object together. Suddenly I felt the urge to engage in a worthwhile advocacy.

Ultimately, Arts is powerful channel to use in organizing my fellow Indigenous Youth to take part in the promotion of solidarity and dialogues among Tri-people communities.

I grew up in the most conflicted area in Maguindanao, most of the time a group of assailants attacked our villages. They burned houses, stole animals, and other personal properties. These types of attacks happened repeatedly Amid the hostilities experienced by our community, I nurtured my ambitions despite knowing that so many others in the community didn't get the chance to realize their dreams I, myself wanted to get higher education so I could chart my own path in life

In 2000, Former President Joseph Estrada ordered an “all-out war” against the MILF. It was being touted as the ultimate solution to wipe out the MILF and subsequently put an end to the insurgency in Mindanao The villages in Mt Firis Complex, Maguindanao were caught in the crossfire

I was 7 years old when this happened and I witnessed many people died and their properties were destroyed because of an exchanges of fire, and airstrikes by the military Multitudes of families were forced to leave their lives behind

Aside from causing massive displacements, armed conflict has caused cultural, psychological, political, and economic devastation among the Teduray and Lambangian indigenous peoples. They have been enduring and continue to endure these burdens and disruptions for decades

Although there were peace talks and negotiations held throughout the years, these didn't really progress much The parties involved always questioned each other's sincerity The ceasefire agreements were always contentious. Thus, the skirmishes continued to wreak havoc in the villages.

The rampant killing of tribal leaders, harassment of residents, and the displacement went on in the conflict area Despite this, I was able to finish my studies The war brought us too much traumas, most of the youth in our village lost hope and did not get a chance to pursue their studies and realized their dreams.

Since then I was the only one who finished studies despite many challenges I had been through but it did not stop me there.

I was selected as Project Coordinator by Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK) for its Project Initiative entitled: Strengthening Tri-People Youth understanding of cultural and religious difference, bridging relationship and leading their communities through creative arts and cultural learning, which supported by Mensen Met een Missie (MM).

Being part of this kind of program strengthened my advocacy as a voices of the marginalized sectors and those victims of war I wanted to share my knowledge I gained through war and struggle to make peace I volunteer to teach the youth and children in the remote areas because I’m always hoping that no child from my community, or any other community, will have to suffer and struggle the way I did make my dream of getting an education come true

I realized many things about the project when tri-people youth given a space to exchange ideas by sharing the principles of their faith, belief and identity, and discuss issues and concerns confronting them. The role of the youth in peacebuilding is very important most especially in the context of Mindanao The youth has a key role in peace processes specifically in BARMM Youth can influence and bring a positive change in a society because they are the ones who can make a difference in the community by building a social cohesion and trust across different groups of people. They must have also a play active role in creating and promoting peace, tolerance, co-existence

My involvement in the grassroots movement, different peace and capacity building programs gave me added insights to the struggles of the indigenous communities and other marginalized sectors in Mindanao

Theyouthhasakeyroleinpeace processesspecificallyinBARMM.Youth caninfluenceandbringapositive changeinasocietybecausetheyare theoneswhocanmakeadifferencein thecommunitybybuildingasocial cohesionandtrustacrossdifferent groupsofpeople.”

My involvement in the grassroots movement, different peace and capacity building programs gave me added insights to the struggles of the indigenous communities and other marginalized sectors in Mindanao This made me realized to dedicate my life to empower and strengthen my fellow indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors I also support advocacies for the environment and those that tackle climate change issues I had no doubt that I wanted to serve my community

These days, I work for several groups in my ancestral homeland. I could have a quit many times, but I didn’t. I became one of the Teduray professionals who continue to inspire and help my fellow youth I serve as a voice for my fellow IP youth Aside from my work at the office, I often find time to initiate feeding, psycho-social empowerment, and capacity building programs I also promote awareness on environmental and indigenous peoples' rights within my community and beyond it.

It’s never wise to give up on your ambitions if you encounter failures Instead, use your failures as the stepping stones to success If you don't fail in life, then how will you feel what it is to be successful?

So, prepare yourself for the worst and leave no stone unturned in realizing your dreams There will be times when you experience repeated failures, but success will definitely come to you.

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things are not the way you had hoped they would be That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better There are times when people disappoint you and let you down But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgement and opinions, to keep yourself focused on your own journey.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them Constantly keep yourself headed in the direction that's right for you It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are

So, when you experience days that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be The challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you

Keep believing in yourself!

Story of Young teduray

Iwasoverwhelmedbyhowtheyoungpeople havesomuchcreativityandstoriestotell thatcanamplifyouradvocacyfortri-people community.Iamsogratefulforthisart

My name is Jay Jomar Mosela, and I was born in the mountainous region of Upi, Maguindanao Del Norte. My childhood was spent being content with who we are and what we are; it is a simple and enjoyable way of leaving without hesitation because we are in an intact community. As I grew older, I experienced being bullied for being who I am as Teduray, which began when I was in junior high school and continued through my college days; I had questions in my mind about why people do not respect our identity and how they do it.

I’m a member of Teduray Lambangian Youth Student Association (TYLSA) since 2014. TYLSA is an Indigenous youth organization in Upi Maguindanao that works for the empowerment and promotion of young Teduray Lambangian committed to the advancement of the young indigenous meaningful engagement and assertion of genuine rights to self-determination in the Bangsamoro and Philippine Government Peace framework.

In 2018, I was elected as a council member of AKMK, the Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan. At the time, I felt out of my comfort zone because I met a lot of young people with diverse identities and cultures who share similar aspirations and convictions for young people. I've learned so many different perspectives and experiences from AKMK members, including migrant Christians and Moro youth, over the years. As an IP youth representative, I was able to introduce them to our cultures and traditions.

It was a wonderful experience to be a part of the MM project and gain additional experience and skills in empowering my fellow youth through creative arts. Through our involvement, I was overwhelmed by how the young people have so much creativity and stories to tell that can amplify our advocacy for tri-people community. I am so grateful for this art program because it sparked the interest and significant role of my fellow Maguindanao youth in building peace, solidarity and dialogue.

programbecauseitsparkedtheinterestand significantroleofmyfellowMaguindanao youthinbuildingpeace,solidarityand dialogue.

Story of Young Moro

I am Safrola G. Cabaro Filipino A Muslim, A mranao, an art hobbyist and a project staff member of the Mensen Met een Missie (MM) project together with Alyansa Ng Kabataan Makabayan para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK).

How did I got here? I could probably say it's all just coincidence. It was during the height of COVID pandemic where everyone is locked up in their own safe spaces, which in my case is at home. I was a college fresh graduate at that time and was forced to become a "tambay", someone who's idling at home jobless all because employment at that time was challenging. So, I was idling at home when my aunt visited and mentioned something about an activity where youth were gathered to talk about the situation of the youth sector during the pandemic l, which is organized by AKMK and it's partner organizations My aunt invited me to participate and since I've got nothing else to do, I decided to join the said activity Little did I know that that activity will change the direction of my life After engaging with AKMK on that particular activity I got invited in another activities until one day I got an offer to work with AKMK on its project on arts under Mensen Met Een Missie

Back then I was a really shy person, communicating and talking in an audience is one of my weak point Also, I often disregard stuff that has nothing to do or directly influencing my life But with the help of AKMK I was able to train my self and my skills Another thing is that, with the arts project I was able to visit other areas in Mindanao and hear stories of success and struggles in each communities Through the art project I was able to meet Tri-people(Moro, Migrant Christian, and Indigenous People) youth from Iligan City, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao Hearing their stories changed my perspective and my outlook in life, specially the indigenous people who are struggling the most in their attempt to preserve their cultural identity in the midst of industrial development

They have been fighting for their cultural identity for decades but the battle doesn't feel like it's nearing it's end Like the Indigenous People of Mindanao, the Mranao and the migrant Christians also have their own fights that they have to deal with and having a peaceful relationship with each other can greatly help us in these battles

They have been fighting for their cultural identity for decades but the battle doesn't feel like it's nearing it's end Like the Indigenous People of Mindanao, the Mranao and the migrant Christians also have their own fights that they have to deal with and having a peaceful relationship with each other can greatly help us in these battles

We are hoping that by gathering these young people through this project and creating a fun and creative experience in surfacing their stories Hopefully this will create a ripple that will influence the society to build an harmonious life together as one community regardless of their culture and beliefs.

Hearingtheirstories changedmyperspectiveand myoutlookinlife,specially theindigenouspeoplewho arestrugglingthemostin theirattempttopreserve theirculturalidentityinthe midstofindustrial development.”

Story of Young Erumenen woman

I am Jocelyn A Pobre of North Cotabato I grew up knowing a little about peace and culture I was the idle-type, the kind of person who would mind my own world that it led me to speak less ---- especially when I am not asked to speak to begin with What sets me apart from others is that I do not really regard my origin, the reason I did not care about learning about culture

It was during the pandemic, the time when COVID-19 was at its peak when I finally decided to weigh things I was confined in the four corners of the house and forced to juggle between modular learning and online classes I came across a subject matter concerning about culture It did hit me That was also the time when I had to learn how to defend the culture that I have and the identity that I was born with Because of the learning I had, I was able to have important information about my ancestors It was only a month after my classes when I already had participation in a course-related seminar It was a worthwhile learning experience The leader saw something in me that she recommended me to become a part of the Alyansa ng Kabataan Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK) for Mesen Met een Missie (MMM Project. AKMK was looking for someone who has from North Cotabato. I admit, I didn’t know anything about the organization but since I believe being chosen to be part of an NGO means opportunity to me, I affirmed and said yes to the offer. I just finished college and I was thinking I could do something worthwhile after a four-year juggle with school.

We had our first meeting in Cotabato City and it was an instant amazement. I was thrilled to know all the things that AKMK does to communities. One thing that caught my attention was the organization’s programs for the Tri-People. I was so happy. But there was a little fear in me knowing I couldn’t find any member of Tri-People from my place. But with the help of our leader, we were able to overcome anything.

On our first activity, I felt elated with my participants. The first time I laid down the project on our orientation, I could see the excitement in their eyes The next moment, I saw the struggles as they shared their life experiences I re-affirmed myself that this activity will help hone the participants’ skills by being the mouthpiece of change and transformation Their grievances are finally heard

As excited as I was, I also took part in the activity We composed songs, wrote poems and made artworks It just feels sad that the two-day activity is not enough for them to enrich their learning But nonetheless, they were all happy

Probably the challenge for me was when I would make a report about finances I am afraid I would omit anything especially the report is about money and how I am supposed to squeeze the allocated budget Sometimes I ask help from my team mates just to make sure I was doing the job right

Because of this activity, I was noticed by a leader from the organization about how great I am when it comes to my relationship with the youth They also praised me as I improved my speaking skills AKMK helped me a lot The things that I never thought I’d do, I have successfully done with them I became more pro-active on matters concerning peace and culture Being a young adult, I also became an active youth leader in my community

Isawthestrugglesasthey sharedtheirlifeexperiences. Ire-affirmedmyselfthatthis activitywillhelphonethe participants’skillsbybeing themouthpieceofchange andtransformation.Their grievancesarefinallyheard.

The is produced by Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK) in partnership with the Mensen met een missie (MM) under the Peace Art Project: Strengthening Tri-People Youth understanding of cultural and religious difference, bridging relationship and leading their communities through creative arts and cultural learning.

GRASSROOTS ART STORIES