Meanwhile, Gallardo emphasized that the activity is in line with the agency’s continued efforts to strengthen the GPH-MNLF peace process.
She said OPAPP is implementing similar capacity-building interventions to improve the lives of MNLF members such as the national government’s amnesty program for the former rebels.
“Magkakahiwalay man na activities but anchored with GPH-MNLF peace process. Ito po ay hindi hiwalay sa buo nating pagtingin sa GPH-MNLF peace process. Meron po tayong intervention per sector that is why for this activity, women po ang ating target,” said Gallardo.
During the planning workshop, MNLF women leaders shared their experiences, and discussed development and security issues they are confronting in their respective communities.
By surfacing these concerns, they were able to craft their vision, mission and strategies, as well as their five-year goals.
“We encourage everyone to share their thoughts dahil mas alam n’yo ang pinagdadaanan ng komunidad ninyo, mas alam ninyo ang kapasidad ng mga kababaihan sa MNLF,” Gallardo said.
Some of the issues raised by the women included poverty, lack of development projects, poor quality of education, lack of infrastructure, violence, harassment, and the presence of violent extremist groups in the MNLF communities.
Aside from OPAPP technical staff, the participants were assisted by Maricel Aguilar, who coached them during their visioning activity.
“’Yung mga issues [na nasabi ay] mabibigat at mahihirap. Pero kung tayo’y bibigyan ng pagkakataong mangarap, ano ‘yung itsura ng ating komunindad na ninanais nating matupad para sa atin at sa susunod na mga salinlahi,” Aguilar said.
Meanwhile, MNLF Secretariat Head Nur-Ainee Lim encouraged her fellow women leaders to take advantage of the opportunity that would strengthen and highlight women’s participation in community-building and peacekeeping in their localities.
“This is a beacon of hope that there is something in the future for the MNLF. This is a small window to a brighter future. And we have to make this work,” said Lim. (OPAPP)
