Politics in the air

IAM mentally preparing for the fasting month this March. Fasting entails discipline, abstinence from food, water and sexual activity.

January also starts various political activities, such as recruitment to Bangsamoro-based political parties, which will vie for parliamentary seats in the 2025 elections.

I express concern for violence here that continues in various forms — family vendetta, armed confrontations, ambush on a tricycle and of barangay officials, to name a few. If we cannot protect the public officer, how can we protect the civilian?

Political representation at the grassroots level to combat the prevailing dynasties that have held power for so long is one way, I told one BARMM Bangsamoro Transition Authority forum.

One mechanism is equitable representation of marginalized sectors as guaranteed in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Women who are usually out of the public eye in this society are to be equipped with party-building skills by various groups interested in the Bangsamoro transition.

The welfare and compensation for Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to be a major agenda in the BARMM.

Displacement further comes to light with hundreds of IDPs represented by spokespersons pleading not to be turned away from shelters they occupied without permission.

My heart bleeds listening to their stories as volunteers and community organizers continue to mobilize and are a source of hope and inspiration.

Thinking about positive change is one thing; making good things happen is another.

In a forum on “Maratabat and the Imperative of Culturally Sensitive Psychosocial Response,” highlights of the presentation reiterated that culturally sensitive interventions and programs are necessary to ensure sustainability and local ownership of the communities and partner institutions. It also generates support by engaging the different stakeholders, from the traditional leaders, the ulama, the youth, women and even children, for that matter. Coordination with LGUs is necessary while tapping local resources in the process of rehabilitation (not just physical reconstruction) but the intangibles, including cultural preservation, healing and reconciliation.