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Assistant Secretary Rolando Cucio (Political Affairs, Office of the Preident), Datu Migketay Vic Saway (Chairman, Council of the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon), and John Perrine (Chairman, Unifrutti Group of Companies) led the initial peace and reconciliation conversation among Bukidnon's First Nations, the national government, and agri-business corporate leaders.

On April 9, the Talaandig tribe, representatives from the Office of the President on Political Affairs and the top executives of Unifrutti Group of Companies joined together to dialogue, tell their stories, share their aspirations and search for healing for their wounded past. Unifrutti Group of Companies (UGC) is one of the major corporations operating in the Bukidnon region and employees members of the Talaandig and Manobo tribes. Recently, UGC has begun a “Rainforestation” campaign, looking primarily to the Indigenous tribes to be the “guardians of the mountain.” This sparked the initiative for the groups to gather together, address the wounds of the past and begin working together towards the future.

Datu Victorino Saway introduced the Talaandig ritual invoking the spiritual world and Magbabaya to be present in the dialogue. “Our ritual is really a peacebuilding ritual, we are reconciling the good and the bad and invoking the keeper of the balance of negative and positive in order to find harmony.” The dialogue began with the Talaandig elders and mothers for peace guiding the traditional ritual. As the prayers came to an end, the dialogue began, initiated by three guiding questions: “who we are, where we are, where we are going.” The conversation began with four Talaandig tribal women explaining who they were, the pains they have suffered over the years and a desire for those grievances be addressed. One of the main issues the Talaandig expressed is the challenge of having an oral history – their laws are unwritten and therefore not easily recognized. One leader shared his desire for the culture, history and laws to be written so that it is more fully understood by those outside.

As the microphone circled the room, the participants all laid forth their primary issues, grievances and hopes for the future. Datu Vic then began by explaining that for the Talaandig, identity is centered on self-governance and customary law, stating cultural integrity as his primary concern. He also brought forward the historical injustices suffered by the Talaandig tribe and the First Nations of the Philippines – injustices which began in 1591, undermining the cultural integrity of the indigenous tribes of the Philippines. Though the Talaandig are the guardians of the mountain and of the forest, they and their land became victims of big agriculture. Today, they are actively working to preserve, promote and restore their cultural identity and integrity – including ecological and environmental protection as part of their role as guardians of the mountain. Datu Vic explained that his main issues were the following:

1. Need for mandatory recognition of the customary rights for Indigenous tribes
2. “Development” that is prescribed rather than coming from within the Talaandig community – a prescription, that without input and leadership from the tribes themselves, has begun to “destroy our culture.”
3. Cultural identity. Datu Vic reiterated that his primary concern is the preservation of their cultural identity and integrity and that they will not participate in programs or partnerships that compromise their identity as a people. He said that they cannot compromise their cultural identity as people. “This is who we are, these are our dreams, we are just leading the way as our elders before us.”

When Datu Vic finished sharing, John Perrine, the CEO of Unifrutti began to explain who he is and what inspired him to join the dialogue, namely environmental conservation and rainforestation to restore the forests of Bukidnon. John explained that today the water levels are 25% of what they used to be 30 years ago because of deforestation. Though he did not start out as a conservationist (to the contrary, he was a hunter) he has now become a passionate conservationist. He admitted that his and the company’s understanding of the Talaandig is still lacking and their desire to increase their understanding and build a strong partnership with the Talaandig tribe is a primary reason why he brought his team to Sungko for the dialogue: “to listen, to learn and to strengthen and rebuild the relationship. That is my commitment to you.” He also wants to bring a reforestation project to Bukidnon, which he already has the financial backing from a grant from Europe. John said that “prior projects have failed because of the exclusion of the Indigenous voice. So we need to involve the IP, they must lead the reforestation of their land, we want to work together.”  John also asked for forgiveness for harms caused by his company and committed, once again, to strengthening the relationship with the Talaandig tribe so that those harms will not be repeated.

Finally, he offered any of the participants interested, Unifrutti’s own legally certified surveyor to walk with the IP’s on their ancestral domains and determine the boundary lines.

When John Perrine concluded sharing, the other members of Unifrutti also shared their desire to continue building and strengthening their relationship with the neighboring tribes. Finally, Assistant Secretary DC Cucio from the Office of the President on Political Affairs shared. He explained that his primary role is to listen, bridge understanding and take the stories of Bukidnon back to Malacañang so that the President can make wise, informed decisions: “I believe and the President believes that peace can be achieved as long as we talk, dialogue and increase our understanding. You are the victims of a corrupt past. We need systemic change, we must start with the corruption first so that there is at least a system in a place that diminishes or ends corruption.” Instead of the government dictating change, they want the people to have agency, to offer solutions and work towards understanding. The challenge is to eradicate corruption so that people have real voice in the process.

Dann Pantoja summarized the primary learning’s brought forward from the dialogue, highlighting that Unifrutti asked for sincere forgiveness, committed themselves to strengthen the relationship with the Talaandig as partners and committed to not repeat the wrongs of the past; Datu Vic expressed a desire for the Talaandig tribe to enter into a relationship with Unifrutti as full participants, with voice, while also upholding and promoting their own cultural identity and integrity; ASec DC Cucio emphasized that he came to listen and learn from the participants so that government policies reflect the true voice and experience of the people.

Datu Vic thanked ASec Cucio for “recognizing that we need to be part of the implementation process, that we are key agents in carrying out the programs and for coming to be with the Talaandig, to listen to us.” Datu Vic also expressed gratitude to PBCI, “thank you to PBCI, we are here healing the wounds, we are all equal with our Creator. Thank you for joining with us.” Many of the tribal elders expressed excitement and gratitude for the possibility of the Unifrutti surveyor so that they can begin the process of identifying and registering their Ancestral Domain territories.

Datu Vic concluded the day with a song and words of gratitude: “Today is the most blessed day, God has sent these people to our community to answer our prayers – the bright morning has arrived and it is very hopeful and promising. We were living in grief and now finally our brothers and sisters have come and it is a blessed day, a blessed event.”

Other Issues Raised and Addressed in the Open Forum

1. Taxes from companies should go straight to the Barangay so that the money is seen in the actual communities.
2. CMU submitted a title for land on ancestral domain, but is acting as if that title has been granted to them (it has not yet). The Talaandig-Manobo allowed CMU to use that land in the midst of dire need and they feel that the land is now being taken from them. CMU has stated that if the tribe does not begin leasing the land by May 30^th they will be kicked off.
3. Manobo and Talaandig requested Unifrutti service to survey his land. He will send a petition for this to happen. ASec Cucio will meet with chairman of NCIP.
4. A complaint was brought forward that pine trees were planed on Ancestral Domain without consent. Unifrutti will investigate to see if they are responsible and proceed from there.
5. The Mothers for Peace expressed a desire to be registered with DSWDs education programming and to have the School of Living Tradition registered. Until now, they have been left out of the government program. They agreed to write a letter with their grievances, register the school and ASec Cucio promised to follow-through. He reiterated that the IPs should be the first priority of the program. Unifrutti agreed to airmail these letters through their company’s planes so that they reach Malacañang in a timely fashion.
6. Bae Liza thanked the group for the beautiful process and said that only 10% of the IPs finish college and asked for scholarships that go directly to the tribe instead of going to the offices. Unifrutti agreed to support 2 scholarships a year to any University in Mindanao.
7. One participant explained that the private gate at the Manolo Fortich farm makes it difficult for people to pass onto their own farmland. John Perrine said the gate was installed for wildlife protection, but will make sure that all farmers can pass without a problem.
8. Mark, a Community Organizer among the IPs wants to collaborate with the rainforestation project so that all of the programs are synchronized on the ground. John Perrine said that once the funds are worked out from Europe they will really work with the tribal communities because they are the real implementers of rainforestation, Unifrutti is just a conduit.

All of the participants agreed to meet again on May 14^th. Before the meeting on the 14^th, leaders will offer a proposed Memorandum of Agreement. On May 14, they will come together again to finalize their partnership and strengthen their relationship.

As the day’s events came to a close, Datu Vic reminded everyone present that this is “just the beginning.”

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The sound of the jembe drums greets us as we enter the Talaandig Ancestral Site in Sungco, Mindanao. The long dirt road is lined with flags, each one representing a different tribe of Mindanao in honor of the guests who will arrive today for a historic gathering. It is an exciting time for the PBCI staff, as we join over 1,000 people at the Talaandig Ancestral Sitefor the Reaffirmation of Kinship Ceremony. For the first time in 492 years, 13 Bangsamoro tribes have come together with 18 non-islamized indigenous tribes to reaffirm their shared ancestry and commit to the 5 pillars of Kinship established in the traditional peace pact of their ancestors: Co-operation, Mutual Sharing of Information, Mutual Protection of Life, Recognition and Respect, and Mutual Obligation to Help the Needy. These tribes, many who have spent the last decade fighting against one another, have chosen to come together today to not only acknowledge their shared ancestry, but commit themselves to respect and protect one another.

“This is an historic event that no historian should miss. We are writing a new chapter in the history of Mindanao.” Historian Rudy Rodil offers us his perspective on the Ceremony and its significance for the future of Mindanao.

As the introductions begin, leaders from the tribes represented, both Bangsamoro and non-islamized, give impassioned speeches about why they have traveled today – some from the far islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi  – to take part in this historical ceremony. “We must set aside our interests and re-emphasize our kinship. We must walk together towards peace in Mindanao. We are answerable to Allah, to one another, to our future generation.” A Maranao leader calls those present to live out the kinship pact – to pave the way towards peace. The hope for peace in Mindanao is palpable.

One by one the leaders of each tribe come forward to retell their history. The descendants of the original peace pact between the tribes call us to unite as kin, to protect one another, to help build a new Mindanao based on the ancient practices of the ancestors. “Normally I see myself as an educator,” Army Lt Col Ronald Alcudia says “but today I am a student. I am learning of the history of Mindanao from the true tribal elders – a history I did not know until today.”

The tribes, adorned in their traditional regalia, gather under a new monument that the Talaandig artists carved in honor of this historic event. Datu (Chief) Victorino Saway calls the Carabao (water buffalo) forward and begins the traditional prayers, invoking the ancestors of the Talaandig. The non-islamized and Islamized tribal elders also come forward to offer a prayer – calling on Allah, the ancestors and Magbabaya to be present in the ceremony. As the prayers come to an end, the tribal elders move forward and prepare to sacrifice the Carabao.

The blood of the Carabao is used to cleanse the land of the ancestors – to heal the wounds of the past so that all the tribes, together with their ancestors and their God – may move together towards a future of peace in Mindanao.

Datu Vic calls the descendants of the peace pact forward to sign their names, committing to the 5 pillars of kinship.The Ceremony is not just about a ritual for those present, but about a renewed commitment to one another to uphold peace, protect life and respect one another as kin. After precious tokens of kinship are exchanged between the Bangsamoro and the non-Islamized indigenous tribes, the Talaandig reveal a new monument their artists created for this special occasion. A large carving of an intricate Jar stands before us– the jar that will hold the new peace pact and the sacred oil of the Talaandig. The monument reads,

This monument is a symbol of the historic kinship of the Indigenous Peoples and Moro in Mindanao who existed as First Nations inhabiting their respective ancestral territories duly covered by traditional peace pacts and treaties long before the colonial era.

Today, we witnessed a new chapter in Mindanao’s history. We came together with the Moro and IP to uphold the ancient kinship of their ancestors and acknowledge the traditional peace pacts made long before the colonial era. We witnessed the beginning of a renewed relationship between the tribal people of Mindanao. And we joined together to begin building the way towards sustainable peace in Mindanao – a peace built on a 400 year old relationship – a relationship that today, the tribal leaders have embraced once more.

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The participants of the Asia Anabaptist Diakonia Conference held in Central Java, Indonesia

On February 19-29, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) conducted the Asia Anabaptist Diakonia Conference in Central Java, Indonesia. The participants came from Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia (Central Java and Papua), South Korea, India, China, Japan, and Nepal.

Peacebuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI), Coffee for Peace, Inc. (CFPI), and the Integrated Mennontie Church (IMC) represented the Philippines. Each organization presented what “diakonia” means in their context, and how they respond to diakonia in their communities.

Diakonia is a Greek word meaning “care or service”. During the conference, all the participants contributed towards strengthening a theology of diakonia in the Asian context. There were six Asian Values for Diakonial Ministry that were formulated:

1. Proclaim the Gospel of Peace by following Christ’s example in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, modeling unity, and practicing non-resistance even in the face of violence and warfare.
2. Show our love which is inclusive of all races, gender, faith, background with a preference for the “least of these”, through transformative diakonia by valuing relationships between people, empowering them also to do diakonia with others.
3. Encourage volunteerism and networking among churches and people of different faiths without diluting our core Anabaptist values.
4. Value transparency and integrity in what we do by giving our best and quality service to others.
5. Be sensitive at all levels and adaptive to culture and social changes in the communities we serve.
6. Be simple and humble in our approach by using what is already existing in the community, using indigenous and locally available materials in ways that care for Creation and which are sustainable.

As the Asian churches shared their own experiences, there were several common themes that surfaced among the countries. These themes include:

1. Conflict and trauma- India, Papua in Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal have current situations of violent conflicts. Although there is not a current violent conflict, China, Japan, South Korea, Java in Indonesia, and Vietnam continue to deal with the impact of historic violent conflict and trauma.
2.  Disasters- Natural disasters are a common theme connecting all of the Asian nations.
3.  Ethnic diversity and religious pluralism are common themes across all participant contexts. A number of the Asian nations are dealing with religious radicalism and conflict that is blamed on religions although its source may be much more complex.
4.  Poverty is also a shared theme. Although the GDP and HDI indicators are relatively high in some of the participant nations, much church work is focused on the areas of poverty as churches give priority to the most marginalized.
5. In many of the contexts, the church is small, or a minority, or oppressed, or under suspicion and yet continues to reach out to serve. The church has the capacity to have a big impact on communities and also on other churches of other Christian traditions. Results are not measured by growing numbers of church members.
6.  A shared concern was for youth to plan and implement diakonial ministry. In some places, the youth are ready and eager to serve, but have not been given the freedom from older leaders to get out and work. In other places, the youth have left the church and leaders are concerned about how to motivate and welcome the participation of young people for diakonia.

As the Anabaptist churches in Asia shared about their diakonial ministry, it is very interesting to note that most Asian Anabaptist churches work with other Christian churches towards serving people in their community, and serving people of different religious groups.

In the Philippines, it is a challenge for the Christian churches to work together and embrace the ministry of Peace and Reconciliation as a Diakonial response to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Being able to hear and see that the situation in the Philippines has many similarities across Asian countries, it becomes much more encouraging to strengthen the Christian church, regardless of religious affiliation, to work together for the ministry of Diakonia, for the benefit of the Filipino people- Christians, Muslims, or Lumads.

The participants from the Philippines (L-R): Eladio Mondez, Integrated Mennonite Church; Regina Mondez, Peacebuilders Community, Inc.; and Joji Pantoja, Coffee for Peace, Inc.

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The University Peace and Reconciliation (U-PAR) Team is a select group of university students in Davao City who are committed to advance peace and reconciliation in our land through creative, active non-violent means. They are being trained to be effective and efficient peace-building leaders as their generation face the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. This group is led by Ms. Bennette Grace Tenecio of PeaceBuilders Community Inc. (PBCI).

Kublai Millan is a respected visual artist in Mindanao. He is known for his giant sculptures like the 50-foot high “Kampilan” (the sword of Sultan Kudarat) which is the center piece of the municipal park in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. He also designed and built the 50-foot high “The Risen Christ” at the Catholic Church in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Kublai’s most popular work in Davao City is The People’s Park. Kublai is also an art photographer, a painter, digital artist, and a performance artist.

Kublai Millan inspired and mentored the UPAR volunteers in producing GUGMA, KALIPAY, and KALINAW–a set of coloring books for Love, Joy, and Peace.

Last Monday, February 13, 2012, this set of coloring books was launched at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Various representatives from the civil society organizations, business corporations, religious leaders, and the creative arts community of Davao City celebrated with us. Dr. Nicanor Perlas was the Guest Speaker.

This set of coloring books will be sold to popular book stores, to various educational institutions as values formation materials, and to business corporations who want to advocate values formation among children.

Kublai and the UPAR hope that peace-building will happen in our homes, where children are learning fundamental values that will affect their lives as individuals and as communities.

PBCI is so thankful for the creative leadership of Kublai Millan, the administrative direction of Bennette Tenecio, the passionate commitment of the UPAR volunteers, and the devotion of the PBCI staff that resulted in the successful launching of these coloring books.

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TYPHOON SENDONG (INTERNATIONAL CODE: WASHI)

On December 15, 2011 Typhoon Sendong entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility with an estimated sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather report. Public Storm Signal Number One was raised in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan Provinces, and Misamis Oriental.

On the afternoon of December 16, 2011, PAGASA reported the typhoon to have maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 80 kilometers per hour, alerting several provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. On early morning of December 17, 2011, the typhoon hit the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, as well as other surrounding municipalities in the province of Bukidnon. Several houses were swept away by the raging flood waters, many people died and some are still missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a total of 1, 010 dead caused by the typhoon, and a total of 1, 603 people injured.

The typhoon devastated most areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities, and the NDRRMC admitted that the PAGASA warnings failed due to the lack of accuracy, especially in the areas that will be affected by the typhoon. Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities were not warned of the typhoon. The strength of the typhoon was also not accurately measured, since the actual amount of rainfall and wind measure exceeded the estimate of PAGASA. Some environmentalists, however, blame the damages to illegal logging and mining that were being conducted in the nearby provinces, which caused the extreme damages.

MENNONITE RESPONSE 

The response of Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church Canada were prompt and generous. Encouraging notes, prayers, and funds were sent very quickly. Here’s one from Ann Campbell-Janz:

Dear Dann and Joji:

I am also sorry to hear of the devastation and loss of lives in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Lanao. I am thankful that Peacebuilders and others are mobilizing volunteers and donations from local gov’t, businesses, churches. to help the 20,000 displaced people by Typhoon Sendong. I just spoke with our disasters management director and MCC is able to provide $5,000-$10,000 for immediate emergency needs.

Ann Campbell-Janz
Program Associate
MCC Asia Department

Even before we called for help, we received this email from Gordon Janzen:

Hello Dann,

I heard of the “tropical storm” that Mindanao last night, especially Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. I am sad for the loss of life.  How is Davao?  Our prayers are with you.

Gordon Janzen
Mission Partnership Facilitator
Mennonite Church Canada

Mennonite Church Canada sent an above-budget amount of Canadian $5,000 for this emergency purpose.

PBCI-LED RELIEF OPERATIONS WITH NATIONAL AND LOCAL PARTNERS

Immediately after the typhoon, Peacebuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) coordinated with other organizations to launch an emergency relief operations and other much-needed responses such as Healthcare and Psychosocial intervention to the survivors of the typhoon.

The PBCI network, dubbed as Give Love, Save Lives, was able to raise the equivalent of $21,000 in cash donations and goods from individuals, families, and various local and national organizations.

Bennette Grace Tenecio, Director of Support Operations, led in coordinating representatives from Mindanao People’s Caucus, VSO-Bahaginan, University Peace and Reconciliation, Davao Bible Community Church, Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute, Coffee for Peace, and Hineleban Foundation.  This network of peace organizations conducted two waves of relief operations with Medical Mission and Psychosocial Intervention in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities.

The first wave was conducted on December 21-22, 2011 and the second wave was conducted on January 4-5, 2012. The Give Love, Save Lives Team consisted of volunteers from other organizations, as well as students and individuals who were touched to serve.

The Relief Team, led by Kriz Cruzado, Director of Field Operations, packed goods that were donated by several organizations and individuals. Mats, pots and pans, toiletries, rice, and canned goods are some of the stuff that they gave away. They were able to serve a total of 2, 065 families.

The Medical Team, led by Mei Solocasa, PBCI Healthcare Specialist, was able to care for a total of 906 patients for both Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities. The Psychosocial Intervention Team, on the other hand, was able to care for 406 traumatized children in the areas. Bennette Tenecio, PBCI Director of Support Operations, led the Psychosocial Intervention Team.

Over all, there were a total of 62 volunteers and partner individuals mobilized to be part of the Give Love, Save Lives Team. We are also thankful to the Peace and Reconciliation Community Region 10 (PARCOM 10), which was organized by PBCI in October 2011. They immediately responded to the people and even organized the Kagay-an Evangelical Disaster Response Network (KEDRN), which became the command center for all evangelical groups that conducted relief operations in Cagayan de Oro City, in coordination with government officials and agencies.

NEXT STEPS: REHABILITATION PHASE

PBCI has committed to participate in the Rehabilitation Phase among Sendong survivors in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan:

1.  Starting 01 February, we will mobilize 6 healthcare workers (nurses) and 6 psycho-social workers (psychologists and counselors) who will also be equipped in community organizing.

2.  Starting 01 March, these 12 professionals will be deployed, in coordination with the command centers, to live among the Sendong survivors at the rehabilitation sites for 10 months.

3.  These 12 professionals will be supervised by a physician-surgeon, a clinical psychologist, and a community development specialist who serves full-time with PeaceBuilders Community.

We thank God for your help during the Relief Phase.

We’d appreciate your continued support for the Rehabilitation Phase, Restoration Phase, and Reconciliation Phase.

Thank you very much!

[With field reports from Regina Mondez, Field Operations Team, and documentation from Support Operations Team.]

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Erica receives her Certificate of Appreciation, handed to him by PBCI President, Dann Pantoja

Typhoon Sendong prompted PBCI to declare a Red Code Status (highest state of alertness; real and immediate danger).  We were trying to make busy schedules, scarce resources, overburdened organizations, and equally urgent matters to work together. It was a difficult task of harmonizing everything together to serve the thousands of Sendong survivors.

In the midst of these, there were a lot of individual stories that turned out to be so inspiring. Ordinary people who have a simple desire of helping others were sent our way.

One of the volunteers for the Give Love, Save Lives shared how the experience inspired her and transformed so many aspects of her being.

Erica Liza Binatero, a twenty-five year old self-employed real estate businesswoman, decided to be part of the Relief Team of PBCI. All she wanted was to be part of this activity because ever since she was in high school, she already had a desire to help people even in little ways. While watching news in the television, she always wanted to reach out to victims of calamities and wars in Mindanao. Because she was young then, she did not know how to help others aside from praying for them and donating through the church.

Before college, she even thought about getting a Mass Communication degree so she could do something about the victims of war and calamities.  She dreamed of becoming a television reporter. For some reasons, she took a business degree instead. Her desire, however, to be involved in community work did not change. She kept on praying that, someday, she will meet people who are into a certain line of work that could lead her to be part of community service.

In May 2011, she met her high school batch mate, Mei Solocasa. They really did not have a deep personal relationship aside from being Facebook friends. After 7 months, she realized that Mei was the answer to her prayers. Mei posted a call to her Facebook friend on December 19, 2011: “Tabang ta!” (Let’s help!)  That call led Erica to the doorstep of PBCI.

“I’ve been desiring to do this for years, and now I’ve done it,” Erica said. “It was such a fulfillment on my part. So, thanks Mei! And thanks to PBCI.”

During the first wave of the relief operations, she never expected anything because it was her first time to join any kind of relief operations. What she did was to prepare herself for the worst cases she could experience. She prepared herself for the heat, and she experienced exactly that. She just prayed that God will give her strength to endure it, and God answered her prayers. She already expected that there might be chaos in the devastated communities when people would want to get ahead of others in the line as she had seen them on TV.

In spite of her seemingly harsh field experiences, and of her expectations that became personal realities, she ended up praising God for having a successful, initial relief distribution exposure. It ended well and their team was able to serve 501 families.

During the second wave, she expected that there will be chaos again, especially that they were to serve more families. When they were in Cagayan de Oro, she was surprised and amazed that the people there were organized even though the area was small. The people lined up to get their relief goods, and the distribution went on smoothly. Within three hours, they were able to serve around 815 families. In Iligan City, though there was miscommunication in the beginning, they were able to run it smoothly and in a span of three hours, they served around 750 families.

Her expectations of the place were accurate, because she has already seen the scenario on TV, and the PBCI advance team already updated them about the community that they will be serving. She was thankful that the relief and medical operations were done orderly and smoothly, and that the teams were all safe during their travels and during their service in the community.

They all went home safe and sound.

This experience motivated her to be more socially aware and more involved in community service, such as helping the needy in whatever way she can.

With her family, she shares that they were all proud of her because they never thought that she had that desire to serve other people. They are happy that she was part of the Relief Operations, and gave her full support.

She is also sharing her experiences to her friends and her own community. She prays that they will also open up their minds and hearts into social awareness and community involvement.

We praise God with Erica because her friends are accepting her advocacy, and they appreciate what she is doing. PBCI is also very blessed to have her as part of the team.

On January 7, 2012, PBCI conducted a Volunteers’ Appreciation Night and Erica was one of the people who actively shared her experiences. We are praying that Erica’s story will serve as an inspiration for people who have a desire to serve.

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One of the areas that PBCI served was in Area 5, Barangay Consolacion, Isla de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City. In partnership with Kagay-an Evangelical Disaster Response Network (KEDRN) and the PAR Community Region 10, this area was specified as the recipient of PBCI Relief Operation. The people there shared their experiences during the typhoon, and the lessons that they learned after their horrible experience.

On early morning of December 17, 2011, typhoon Sendong sent raging waters that rose up to 1.5 meters high. Francisca Cantila, 44 years old, shares that there were waves that caused them to fear, and his husband immediately had to save their children. The waters are mixed with mud, debris, and garbage. Leticia dela Cruz, 42, shared that they had to swim/walk under the muddy waters just to get to a distant church where they could be safe. Joy Paculanan, 21 years old, remembers that it was very dark and they had to shout in order to know where the other family members were. They sought rescue, but there was no one to help.

At around 7:30 in the morning, they were happy that the waters subsided until only a few inches deep. In the afternoon, it was only then that they realized they no longer have food to eat, no clean water, and no more clothes and other basic material things.

The following day, they received their first relief goods (rice and canned goods) from the Vice President of the Philippines. On December 23, 2011, Peacebuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) distributed mats, malong, pots, and pans. They shared that it was really helpful because at that time, all their sleeping mats were washed away by the flood, and some that were left are full of mud.

The survivors shared how the typhoon affected them. There were people injured, they had no more clothes to wear, their appliances were broken, tricycles and other vehicles used for livelihood were also destroyed, and their old, shabby houses became totally destroyed. Most of them only stay at home now, their source of income were damaged, and so they also have no means to buy materials to rebuild or repair their houses.

Most of them caught cough, colds, fever, diarrhea, and some also had Leptospirosis. They get free check-up in private hospitals, but they still have to pay for their medicines. On public hospitals, however, they get free check-up and a little amount of medicine, but they have to wait for long lines. They are thankful that PBCI also conducted Medical Operations in their area.

Spiritually, they still did not lose faith in God, and the experience actually taught them to just put their trust and faith in God, strengthened by constant prayers.  Emotionally, they felt bad about what happened to them, but they expressed their angst against the Barangay officials who, for them, have not done anything to respond or help them. They expressed that if there are still people who would want to give, they wanted to have rubber boots because they cannot move very well in their area which was covered in deep mud since after the typhoon.

For this experience, they learned that it is really important to not panic and be calm when experiencing crisis. Being ready anytime would also help them to not be shocked by whatever comes.

They also realized that they should stop throwing garbage everywhere, because it also comes back to them. They should also be thankful and recognize the help offered by others. Most importantly, praying to God constantly is the best way to deal with crisis.

They also recommended that the government should be ready all the time, so that less people will be affected. There should be relocation sites for the residents who live in dangerous areas.

After the crisis and the trauma brought by it, the people in Area 5 can still look back to their experience with smiles and laughter. For them, it was just a test of faith. For others, it is a lesson to protect the environment. To some, it proves their distrust to the government. However they responded, PBCI is committed to be with these people, to help them recover what they have lost, restore their relationship with God, with each other, and with the environment, and to have a full understanding of Peace and Reconciliation.

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Mei Solocasa (Mindanao PeaceBuilding Coordinator) leads her team to do needs-assessment and recipient-identification. Monday, January 02, 2012.

02. January. 2012 — Mei Solocasa (Mindanao PeaceBuilding Coordinator, PBCI)) took a plane from Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City. She was sent to lead an advanced team to identify 1,500 families among the Sendong survivors who live in less reached communities.

Her report:

There are 800 households that were identified who need kitchen utensils, clothes, food, water, psycho-social intervention, and healthcare services.

There were around 3 relief operations held in this area since the typhoon Sendong but the goods were good enough for just a few days.

The main sources of income of the people are greatly affected–the tricycles for public transportation were washed out and need repair, the group of people who makes rags have their sewing machine destroyed by the muddy water, the goods of the mini-stores were washed out. With this situation, it is harder for people to start this year when basic needs cannot be met.

03. January. 2012 — At the time of this posting, Mei and Sherel Quider (Asst. Project Leader, Bukidnon Field Operations, PBCI) are doing needs assessment and recipient identification in Iligan City.

Meanwhile,  food, water, clothing, sleeping mats, pots & pans, and medicines are being transported to be delivered to 1,500 families.

Our teams – Relief Team, Trauma Intervention Team, Medical Team, Media Team, and PAR Crisis Leadership Assessment Team — are also on their way to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. We will serve Cagayan de Oro families Wednesday, 04 January; then we’ll proceed to serve Iligan families on Thursday, 05 January. We’ll travel back to Davao City on Friday, 06 January.

Please indicate if you’re with us in prayer by making a comment below. It means a lot to us!

God bless you.

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WE THANK ALL OUR PARTNERS AND DONORS FOR MAKING
THIS INITIAL OPERATION A SUCCESS!

Last December 21-22, 2011, Kriz Cruzado (Director of Field Operations), Bennette Tenecio (Director of Support Operations), and Mei Solocasa (Mindanao PeaceBuilding Coordinator) led a team of relief, medical, and trauma intervention volunteers from our partner organizations — Mindanao Peoples Caucus, VSO Bahaginan, University Peace and Reconciliation, Davao Bible Community Church, Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute, Coffee For Peace, Hineleban Foundation – Save the Philippine Forest.

Here’s what they experienced. Here’s how the surviving children touched their lives.

Big thanks to Mutya Baleleng and Kara Timbal for producing this video.

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

We’re focusing on reaching Muslim communities. We still have to serve 1,500 Bangsamoro families. Please send your donations to the following addresses:

In the UNITED STATES:
Mennonite Central Committee
1-888-622-6337
https://donate.mcc.org/project/philippine-floods

In CANADA:
Mennonite Church Canada
600 Shaftesbury Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R3P 0M4
1-866-888-6785
www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1672

In the PHILIPPINES:
PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.
Units 1 &2 Fred-Ric Building McArthur Highway, Matina
Davao City (Beside Eastwest Bank- across McDo Matina)

Look for

• Bennette: +63 927 871 0105 or +63 918 268 9374
• Ayyi: +63 917 717 1802

Bank Account Name: PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.
Account Number: 007-547-00228-4
Bank Name: Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (MetroBank)
International Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Bank Address: Davao-Ecoland Branch, Amya 2 Bldg.
Quimpo Cor. Tulip Drive, Matina
Davao City, Philippines, 8000

Thank you very much!

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WE THANK ALL OUR PARTNERS AND DONORS FOR MAKING
THIS INITIAL OPERATION IN DECEMBER 21-22 A SUCCESS!

Kriz Cruzado (Director of Field Operations, PeaceBuilders Community) led a team of relief, medical, and trauma intervention volunteers from our partners – Mindanao Peoples Caucus, VSO Bahaginan, University Peace and Reconciliationi, Davao Bible Community Church, Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute, Coffee For Peace, Hineleban Foundation – Save the Philippine Forest.

Here’s what she saw. Here’s her challenge.

[Big thanks to Kara Timbal for producing this video.]

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

We’re focusing on reaching Muslim communities. We still have to serve 1,500 Bangsamoro families. Please send your donations to the following addresses:

In the UNITED STATES:
Mennonite Central Committee
1-888-622-6337
https://donate.mcc.org/project/philippine-floods

In CANADA:
Mennonite Church Canada
600 Shaftesbury Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R3P 0M4
1-866-888-6785
www.mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/1672

In the PHILIPPINES:
PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.
Units 1 &2 Fred-Ric Building McArthur Highway, Matina
Davao City (Beside Eastwest Bank- across McDo Matina)

Look for

• Bennette: +63 927 871 0105 or +63 918 268 9374
• Ayyi: +63 917 717 1802

Bank Account Name: PeaceBuilders Community, Inc.
Account Number: 007-547-00228-4
Bank Name: Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (MetroBank)
International Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Bank Address: Davao-Ecoland Branch, Amya 2 Bldg.
Quimpo Cor. Tulip Drive, Matina
Davao City, Philippines, 8000

Thank you very much!