MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Non-government organization (NGO) Relief International is now firmly promoting the involvement of women in Lanao del Sur province in activities geared towards peacebuilding.

In the fulfillment of this goal, the organization alongside the provincial government launched phase three of the project dubbed Women Engaged in Responsive Solutions to Conflicts and Violence in Mindanao (WE RESOLVE). 

Accordingly, this shall be co-implemented by another NGO, Balay Mindanao, with the German embassy as the funder, pledging to pour €1.4 million for its one-year duration wherein eight municipalities and 40 barangays in this province and Maguindanao are targeted to benefit.

Particular places covered by the project will be Marawi City, and the towns of Tubaran, Pagayawan, and Marantao.

Relief International WE RESOLVE Project Manager Lisa Dioneda-Moalong expounded that they invested in this province as a support to the civilization of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

She mentioned that for this year, they would focus on extending aid to women to enhance their participation in local conflict resolution. 

Moalong further explained that they partnered with Balay Mindanao as this organization is known as well for facilitating peace processes between armed groups and local government units, and has previously pushed for the establishment of peace coalitions, especially in the provinces of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. 

For the WE RESOLVE Project, she bared that their ally organization would lead the capacitating and formation of women’s associations in covered barangays. 

“They have tools and modules called operation discourse, and then they will help us form peace movements,” said Moalong.

Relief International Africa-Asia Regional Director Mark Atterton, on the other hand, stressed that it would be a privilege to be able to partner with the provincial government here, its communities, and local people as they implement the WE RESOLVE Project. 

He stated that this effort would be their dedication to future generations, especially for women, as they would specifically acknowledge the significant role of women, and what they can and do and must try for peacebuilding. 

Apart from Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces, Atterton shared that they also initiate programs in countries like Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. 

He recalled that his international organization was founded in response to the earthquake in Iran, and after this, they have already been committed as an organization to address situations around the world. 

Atterton conveyed that the existence of his group and the mission they carry would always matter to him as they work with their brothers and sisters from all over the world to help those affected by wars and conflicts and advocate that peacebuilding transcends all dynamics and is an essential foundation for longer-term development.

“We are very much about the communities. We are very much about the people. That could be from the youngest to the oldest. It works across religions and cultures. We are committed to the areas we have been working for longer-term development,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)