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

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!