The first time I heard the name of the place, Bendum, and how far it was, I couldn't imagine what a place like that would be. Arriving about three hours after leaving the main city of Malaybalay, I was struck by the peace in the area and contrary to rumors, I didn't feel like there was any threat to peace in the place.

It was a privilege to share life with the Pulangiyen people. In two days I saw more than the physical beauty of Bendum. I was with the people and our interaction, however short it was, gave me an idea of what simple but meaningful living is. Their lifestyle greatly differed from what I was used to, and it was such a breather.

There were nine of us who committed to engage with Mindanaw Tripartite Youth Core (MTYC) Peace Facilitators visit to Bendum. Sitio Bendum was situated in the Upper Pulangi area of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; a place not so familiar to most of us, especially not to me.

Engaging with the Pulangiyen, I discovered that they are naturally warm-hearted as they welcomed visitors like us as if we were nearby neighbors and not just distant visitors. Our conversations were sincere and they were open to sharing their thoughts and talents.

It is unfortunate that we still hear of instances where the lumad are discriminated in this day and age.

What I appreciated even more about the people in Bendum is how much importance they put in their history and their ancestors. In the stories they shared, I learned how much they value the forest, their traditions, customs, and beliefs. I listened as they confidently used their language, revealing the extent to which they want to preserve and sustain their culture.

Their natural resources were clearly well-managed and protected. Their way of living, the use of their language, and how they still practice customs, beliefs and tradition are worth emulating. This group of people, I thought, were not only trying to sustain their culture, they were also trying to bring about the identity of genuine, simple Filipinos.

As we wrapped up our brief visit, I reflected on how we managed to get to know each other, learn from each other, have fun, and respect each other's differences. As youth in Mindanao, we have different backgrounds and our communities are different. That is what peace should be like and I unexpectedly realized it in a place they said was "unpeaceful."

It was just a two-day stay in Bendum and with the Pulangiyen, but what the visit taught me was a lifetime's worth. I was at peace during my whole stay in Bendum.

Background of the visit activity

Cheny Santizas is a 3rd year BS Development Communciation Student in Bukidnon State University and last 14 to 15 August 2010, she was one of nine students visited the Pulangiyen community of Bendum, in Malaybalay, Bukidnon in northern Mindanao as part of the activities of ESSC's Bridging Leadership in Mindanao . During the two days, the visiting youth and the Pulangiyen youth and other community members exchanged stories and information about themselves, their activities, and experiences. The intention is to provide further learning and knowledge for participants through engaging with the host community, and vice versa.

The MTYC .partnered with ESSC to provide a deepening activity on their gift-giving initiative called Operation Shoebox, wherein a shoebox full of school supplies is given to deserving less-privileged elementary students. MTYC provided shoeboxes to the Pulangiyen, the IP tribe who reside in Bendum. The visit aimed to provide a venue for their volunteers to enrich their knowledge about the beneficiary community and give them an insight into the lives of some indigenous youth.

MTYC is a partner of ESSC in various projects, including activities with the Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC) , a school for indigenous peoples born out of ESSC's cultural empowerment program for Bendum in the 1990s.