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Wednesday, 21 February 2007 |
 Violence remains part of the social landscape in Southern Mindanao. Yet there are many stories showing human engagement drawing out the potential for change. ESSC's engagement is currently focused in coastal and upland communities in the Province of Maguindanao.
The engagement process is that of working with the community to understand the tripartite cultural composition in Upi - Teduray, Christian settlers, and Muslim Maguindanao. Oral tradition suggests that the Teduray and Maguindanao are closely related by consanguinity but separated by religious adherence. Yet, this difference did not hinder the continuance of their traditional relations. The effort of people to find a way to move forward amidst the cultural difference and historical violence is a manifestation that co-existence is possible, as it was before.
ESSC seeks to understand the situation and dynamics of the local communities by drawing them into local government planning processes, particularly the Barangay Development Planning. The Philippine Local Government Code mandates local governments including barangays to prepare comprehensive multi-sectoral plans. The strategies are to assist the barangays fulfill this mandate and to serve as a venue for ESSC to accompany the community and to understand their experience of peace and conflict.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 May 2007 )
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