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.