MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--More than half a decade has passed, and yet, what has happened in 2017 remains a daunting era for most Maranaos settling in the country’s lone Islamic city. 

While some have slowly acknowledged the fate, many are still in the pit of struggling to survive, warding off most possible instances of yielding to the nemesis. 

However, with the pouring support from the government through its various agencies partnered with humanitarian efforts, these internally displaced persons (IDPs) maintained their resilience to stand tall amidst the dark ruins, determined to light up their world with their glimmering hopes and prayers that one day, they would all witness anew the glorious lives they once had. 

Delivering gov’t efforts to yearning TS

For the past years, the government has ensured that it could bring forth services clamored by the needy residents of the city. 

Recently, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) spearheaded again a peace conversation joined by over 50 women and youths, and 30 kids who relished the chance of directly venting out their concerns as they carried on dwelling, particularly in Lake View Transitory Shelter in Brgy. Boganga.

Discoursing life with the IDPs was highlighted even more as assistance was handed over, such as mukna or prayer clothes, school supplies, hygiene kits, and food packs. 

It has caused elation to every IDP benefitting from the intervention. 

“Nabigyan niyo kami ng kasiyahan at nabuksan ang puso namin sa mga aral ng nakaraang siege,” said Raisah Bangonan.

(You gave us happiness, and our hearts are open to the lessons of the previous siege.)

While this activity was not the first in the target area, it has still been deemed essential for the displaced population yearning to be listened to.

The call for more help, support

During the latest peace conversation, the call for additional aid was strongly echoed by locals who were seen until now to not have gotten back to their feet fully. 

Bangonan, who spent enough years in Lake View Transitory Shelter, was earnestly requesting to be assisted in formalizing their formed cooperative that had kicked off two years ago and supporting 12 members in the current run. 

She stated that this cluster has significantly contributed to easing their tussle for existence wherein they could barely eat thrice a day, and their students did not have sufficient supplies.

“Ang challenge namin ay dapat magkaroon ng cooperative na makatulong sa mga mahihirap. Kunwari ang anak niya walang pamasahe, pwede siyang humiram sa amin. Kung walang silang maiulam, pwede silang umutang sa amin. Ito ay sa hirap ng buhay dito sa shelter,” said Bangonan

(Our challenge here is that we must have a cooperative that can help the poor. For example, if his/her child does not have fare, he/she can borrow from us. If they do not have viand, they can ask us. It is due to the poor life here in the shelter.)

Muslimah Lala, another IDP from the same shelter, supported this plea. This, as she looked forward to their community rising and welcoming an improved life.  

She shared that government agencies would rarely visit them. Notwithstanding this, government efforts reaching their site would inspire them to be more united and live peacefully.  

“Sa amin, humingi kami ng tulong para sa cooperative. Malaking tulong na iyon sa amin,” she said.

(For us, we asked for help for our cooperative. This is already a big help for us.)

Apart from achieving a boosted cooperative, the IDPs likewise pleaded for their speedy return to the most affected area and relief items that could ease their disrupted livelihood.

Janisah Abato, also an IDP from Lake View Transitory Shelter, particularly wished for groceries they could consume and sell in exchange for ample money. 

“Sana lahat ng agencies ay makita na mahirap dito. Kailangan namin ng tulong nila, at lahat kami sana ay mabigyan para masaya,” said 

Overall, the IDPs have expressed optimism, remaining hopeful for better days. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)