#WOMENFORPEACE: JAI HADJI SAPIIN

Tell us something about yourself

I am Ate Jai and I have devoted my life to teaching across all learner levels informal settings and informal ones. I am currently the Senior Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist of MBTE-TESD Lanao del Sur Provincial Office. I was the Division Peace Education Coordinator of DepEd MBHTE Lanao del Sur I. Despite her work, I love to engage myself in volunteer work and civic engagements. I use my voice to influence positive change in more communities and I believe that women play an important role in supporting a peaceful, sustainable, and progressive society. I hope for people to be more open and understanding of different perspectives.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM

I joined TPBPM last 2017. From then on, I work as a volunteer peace formator and facilitator in the different peace missions in the Province of Lanao del Sur and in the then ARMM. I also led some of the peace missions in the province as I was tasked as to be the Peace Convenor. I usually handle the peace sessions for parents. I also help in the drafting and writing of our materials as part of our peace education modules.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I usually handle the peace sessions for parents. I get to know more about the sacrifices and struggles of parents for their children. Every moment I am with them is memorable for me. It is guaranteed that I learn from them in any session. One moment that always resonates in my memory is that father I met way back in 2018. In our session on Love Languages, he asked my assistance to help him write a message for his children. His eagerness to let his children know how much he loves him is really inspiring. He said “Phanamanamaran akn a kapakapageskwela nyo an ako nyo di khalagid a karurugunan.” It means “I will do my best to send you to school so that you do not experience the same suffering I am facing.”

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

TPBPM helped me become a person for others. It made me appreciate life with the peace missions we had and we do. Thus, I need to be more and be better. And for peace to be attained, we should always start in ourselves. We cannot give what we do not have. TPBPM taught me self-love. I can only be at peace with others if I am happy and do not hold a grudge against anyone.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

Women from all walks of life should realize that we have a role to play in society. We are the central caretakers of families. Women should have representation in any aspect of life. We need not forget that everyone is affected when women are excluded from peacebuilding. Women are also advocates for peace. We are peacekeepers. We are one of the keys to achieving sustainable peace and development solutions. We are more because we are women.

Peace is love. Peace is not merely the absence of every type of structural violence. It is security for all and is premised on the universal integration of a gender perspectives. Peace promotes social inclusion as there should be equal participation at all levels and in all peace building processes.
JAI HADJI SAPIIN

March 30, 2022 / by Ate Badet

#WOMENFORPEACE: Sheyna Delos Reyes

Tell us something about yourself

They say that people with Scorpios as their zodiac signs are mostly passionate, confident, and creative. They like stability and routine. However, as a very misunderstood zodiac sign, they also say that Scorpios are secretive, mysterious, and discreet. In general, I think I do possess these traits in both my personal and public life, particularly when it comes to topics and advocacies that I really believed in, I relentlessly pursue them and make an effort to know more and engage with it.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM

Currently, I am in the Communications Team where I create content for social media posting and other communication channels. But since 2015, I’ve been involved in various volunteer opportunities with TPBPM doing secretariat duties, documentation, and facilitation activities.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

In 2017, we organized our first peace fair in Mamasapano Maguindanao. We’ve been going back and forth in this area because of our Peace Education Sessions with the children, parents, and teachers. As for my role, I was just observing and documenting the activities around so I have minimal interaction with the participants, unlike the facilitators and lead formators during the sessions. On our last day in Hadji Salik Elementary School, a student went up to me and gave me a note:

Dear Ate Sheyna,

“Sana po madalas po kayo pupunta dito at madalas din po tayong magkasama at maging Peace Hero po ako. Thank you, Ate Sheyna.”

From Norhamida.

Initially, I was speechless and confused. Why would a student give me this note? And then I realized that perhaps, it’s the collective effort of the TPBPM members that touched the student who wished to be a Peace Hero. It’s that collective “peace vibes and positive energy” being spread out by our TPBPM Kuyas and Ates and being felt in and outside of Norhamida’s school.

Before we fly back to Manila, it made me appreciate all of my co-volunteers hard work, regardless of our roles in the field, and most importantly, it made me realize that this is what building peace together looks like.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

It may be as simple as it sounds but can make a huge impact on another person’s life. It’s that saying that I often hear “Peace begins with a smile”.

True enough, it takes practice to make it a habit to start your day with a smile given all the negativity happening around us. I try to apply it as often as possible – whenever I wake up and would think of small events or things, even people, that will make me smile for today. It’s like my armor that at the end of the day, I still feel positive even if I would encounter some mishaps or “bad vibes”.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

Surround yourself with like-minded and passionate people who advocate for peace. Being a strong and independent woman is an offshoot of having a strong support system that will lift you up from your lows and will cheer you up for your achievements. These moments of “Kaya mo yan, Ate.”, “Nandito lang kami para sa’yo.”, “Salamat at nandyan ka.”, “Ang galing mo, Ate.” will build your confidence and will inspire you to support other women as you get molded to have a solid-rock foundation.

Peace is you.
You have the power to decide to be at peace with yourself. You have the power to choose peace for yourself. And you have the power to bring peace to those around you. Peace will and should always start with you.
MA. SHEYNA DELOS REYES

March 30, 2022 / by Ate Badet

#WOMENFORPEACE: Sarah Medilo

Tell us something about yourself

I am an entrepreneur, a Gallup certified Strengths Coach, a mother who loves to volunteer with her family to get more youth to live the value of peace building in their own communities.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM

I am the National Convener for Volunteers focusing on creating harmony and encouraging collaboration among all the people who become involved in our peace advocacy movement. I am also a Mother for Peace and a strong advocate for our Eco Peace Republic values.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I love moments when I get to spend time with our volunteers, getting to know their stories and being able to share our piece of peace with each other. I am most touched by the strength of character that we are able to inspire when we go into peace missions with our volunteers and my own daughters (who are peace hero ambassadors in the movement). I enjoy our peace conversations at the end of each day where we get to process our experiences and we learn from each other. My favorite moments are reading peace notes from our participants in our many missions.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

One important value I cherish most in TPBPM is the Eco Peace Republic. We are living true to this value by living it. Being more conscious of our impact on the environment. Making mindful choices for all things we consume and making sure those choices are sustainable and promote our co-existence with nature. We now have a home garden where we grow our food and our entire family has turned vegan. But more importantly, day by day we are living life with the intention of being at peace with our environment and respecting all life.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

Be true to yourself. Make choices that foster respect and peace. Build small habits for peace and one day those habits will be your mark of peace in this world.

Peace is — something that begins with YOU.
It begins with a choice that you will have to build with intention. And as you live it each day you will feel a sense of inner happiness that will radiate to others and inspire an attitude of respect, love, and harmony — one that starts within and naturally moves outward to create a positive impact on your community, our nation, and even our world.

March 30, 2022 / by Ate Badet

#WOMENFORPEACE: Janessa Tek-ing

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Nessa, a storyteller, and writer at heart. I am passionate about weaving my love for storytelling and technology with advocacy. I use my voice and my words to tell stories that inspire people to act and give back. I have been a TPBPM volunteer since 2013 (when it started!).

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I’m a communications consultant to TPBPM since 2013 and in my role, I help the organization with their communications needs to the best of my ability. I also volunteer in some activities —whether as a mentor or a writer — whenever I can.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I believe every moment with TPBPM is a story worth remembering in itself. But if I were to choose only one experience, it would be the Artist for Peace Mentoring Workshop which we held in Lanao Del Sur. I love it because I got the opportunity to listen to the stories of kids from Mindanao: their stories of resilience and strength, as well as their dreams and aspirations. It touched me so much because it made me realize (as with all TPBPM activities!) how lucky I am in life and how much more work we need to do. Children in conflict areas have so much potential, they just need to be in a nurturing, peaceful environment and that’s the part we’re helping to build with our advocacy.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

I will always remember this: peace starts within us. So, I consciously made it my own personal mission to constantly do the inner work because I cannot share peace if I don’t have it within me. I believe that’s what we’re also trying to share through our advocacy in TPBPM: that for peace to be truly attainable, we all have to get rid of our personal biases towards people, places, and circumstances.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

Start with yourself. Any advocacy starts with a small gesture because if you strive for a much bigger step right away, you might end up not taking any action at all. What do you have that you can share with others? Because that gift was given to you for a reason. I remember my peace advocacy started when I was in college, a time when I missed volunteering so much. I told myself, “You’re good at public speaking and writing. Maybe you can do something with that.” So I offered myself and looked for organizations I can support: first with PeaceTech (as a youth ambassador) then with TPBPM (as a comms consultant and writer). I’ve been advocating for peace since then. But, the work doesn’t stop there—you also have to be a constant role model. If you’re trying to advocate for something, you have to walk the talk. So, I’ve been trying my best to live mindfully and really, just be authentic with who I am and how I deal with others.

Peace is looking at the world around you and seeing the good that surrounds it. It’s living your life in the present, offering yourself mindfully to others and being aware of who you are and what the world needs from you.
Janessa Tek-ing

March 1, 2022 / by JANESSA TEKING

#WOMENFORPEACE: Soteya Trasadas

Tell us something about yourself.

I was born and raised in the Province of Iloilo, and then I moved to Manila in 2015 to study for college. Currently, I am a 2nd-year law student at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City. My years of experience and exposure in both conflict and non-conflict zones in the Philippines through TPBPM had strengthened my commitment to working for peace and empowering different sectors of society, especially the children and the youth.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I started with TPBPM as an intern back on April 20, 2015, and after that became part of the Secretariat Team where my first exposure was in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. I am one of the Peace Mission Leaders handling peace education projects for children, youth, teachers, parents, soldiers. I am involved in module writing, facilitating workshops, writing articles, creating content for social media and newsletters as well as organizing our schools and communities.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I have to say that every experience with TPBPM especially when we are doing fieldwork is a memorable one. But if there is one thing that struck me the most is during our 3-hour peace education session in Marawi City at the height of the Marawi Siege. One of the facilitators approached me and introduced a kid to me and shared that he (the kid) idolize me and wanted to be like me when he grow up, someone who teaches other children, especially in their area where conflict and war are thriving. I did not expect that I will have an impact on that child given that we did the session for only 3-hours. My takeaway in that session is that – every moment is very precious as we may leave a mark on every child or person’s life. It was then I fully appreciated one of the guiding principles of TPBPM that we hold into – unless we teach our children peace, someone else will teach them violence. Thus, no time is wasted when we show kindness to every person. It is actually through our actions and words, whether we make or break a person. In those trying times, I am humbled to spark hope and draw inspiration to the child to do something not just for himself but also for the benefit of everyone; it allowed him to have a vision of something he can hold into, something beautiful and peaceful.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

I am inspired by the words that before world peace, inner peace. This is something that I believe for we cannot give what we don’t have and attaining inner peace is not absolute and actual but an outcome of continuous practice. Being a peace advocate is not about perfection for compassion with oneself and others will always be tested due to the circumstances surrounding us every day. But at the end of the day, it is us and only we will have control over our thoughts, words, and actions. Our conscious effort and choice, one day at a time will be our source of peacefulness and will radiate to everyone surrounding us as well. As Thich Nhat Hanh said, peace is when your thoughts, words, and actions are in harmony.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

As we move towards a more complex society, we need more young women and people to advocate for peace in order to transform the cycle of violence and conflict into a generation of peacebuilders. We need more young and passionate people who will educate the next generation on the art of peaceful living. Teaching peace goes beyond every gender and age. It is high time that we share whatever we have, for every act of kindness is an act of peace.

Peace is when you are able to sit still and have positive thoughts no matter what negativity surrounds you.

March 1, 2022 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

#WOMENFORPEACE: Faisah Hadji Sapiin

Tell us something about yourself.

I am Faisah S. Hadji Sapiin from Marawi City Lanao del Sur. I was a Psychology graduate from Mindanao State University. I am a peace and mental health advocate who joins several youth organizations working on these advocacies. I was the College Representative of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and Commissioner on Student’s Rights and Welfare in the MSU Supreme Student Government 2019-2022 where I was able to hone my leadership skills. I am a member of different youth organizations implementing projects related to youth participation, women empowerment, civic engagement, social inclusion, and social enterprises.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I am the Community Mobilizer and Lead Facilitator in Lanao del Sur. I am in charge of organizing our communities in Lanao del Sur and facilitating peace education sessions for children in the bakwit village in Marawi City and elementary schools in Ramain, Lanao del Sur.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

When I started working in Teach Peace Build Peace Movement I was amazed by their kind words and acts of kindness to people. I was being Influenced by their genuine engagements, hope, and energy for peace. Challenging but I was so happy to be part of this family. I will never regret being part of this organization. Hearing the different stories of kids and parents inspires me to be more genuine with my work and advocacy in life. Preaching my knowledge and experiences to participants is great zakat for the people I’ve met.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

As I become an I Teach Peace Facilitator, I learned to use constructive ways to managed differences and resolve conflicts. By practicing forgiveness and acts of kindness. Being mindful of what should I say or how should I respond to people I met and I talk to. Words are really powerful, and sometimes it is not what you say but “how,” you say those words that can impact other people. Controlling our own negative emotions and how to mindfully deal with them is one of the lessons I practice in my daily life.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

To young women out there, let’s join groups that advocate for peace and social justice to reap the benefits of mutual support and collective actions. Let’s give time for this kind of activity (Peace Missions). There are many practices or ways to accomplish peace. Let us be conscious keeping our mind at peace regardless of external circumstances.

Peace is —
When every individual has inner peace and when they know how to manage their own emotions. When they know how to deal with people they met and transform conflicts happening around them. And when everyone promotes fairness, respect, and dignity for all.
FAISAH HADJI SAPIIN

March 1, 2022 / by Ate Badet

BE AN AGENT OF HUMANITY – STREAMLINING UNITY AMIDST DIVERSITY

Who we are is humanity.

As we all live in a pluralistic world that takes into account multi-faith,-cultural,-racial (etc) society, it is then when we recognize the stories and journey of other people which best deserved to be untold, revealed, and shared. Experiential learning enables us to see the different perspectives on living our life, which sometimes becomes only a reminder, yet takes a greater stance on how we become part of the said humanity.

I am humbled enough to share with all of you my reflection and takeaway during the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2019 in Singapore last 19-21 June 2019. As I listen, everything served as an inspiration for me to see the hows and whys of retaining the sole purpose of humanity as we also transcend ourselves in all forms.

TO KNOW ONE IS TO KNOW NONE.

Unfortunately, we live in routinized violence which is a product of our own hatred, prejudice – something that is already inculcated in our system, a process of normalization that causes hatred, biases, prejudices which really needs to be transformed.

It is a reality that in the state of our growing up – politics, faith system, culture, and other preferences affect the totality of our own self. As society sometimes dictates the way we think and behave towards other people. Which, unconsciously shapes how we interact with other people most especially those we consider not identical to who we are.

We then see more of the differences that we have rather than discovering the common grounds that highlights the goodness in every human being.

SEEK TO LEARN TO UNDERSTAND.

Go and learn. Experience as they say is the best teacher. Noting, through our experience we realize that we do better when we speak to each other. This has been proven as I immerse myself in an interfaith, intercultural, and intergenerational organization, school, and communities that we have in Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM). As one of the 6 full-time volunteers of TPBPM, which is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization that spearheads strategic peace education both in conflict and non-conflict zones, it opened the door for me to see not just myself but many pieces of myself in every person that we reach and teach to.

Identity is what we all have; a broken piece of one humanity that stands out independently and uniquely. The sum of all our preferences is what constitutes our identity. Preferences are not just there for nothing; it is something we embrace. Likening oneself means living out our own preferences. However, something that one should not impose on other people.

It is important that we educate ourselves without having compulsions. Giving emphasis on what we always teach ‘going an extra mile getting to know other people’ then we should not praise our own preferences, if you do so you will disbelief any others.

IN THE WISDOM OF BELIEFS, PEACE IS AT REST.

Our differences are imaginary walls that divide us. It is what sets us apart from those we consider ‘others’. Our differences should not be regarded as a problem but part of a solution, when managed properly and accordingly.

One of the things that made me fall in love with Singapore is the fact that they enjoy religious harmony – as they are blessed to have the existence of 10 various religions namely: Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. Seeing all religions exists side by side harmoniously set forth a message that today’s connectivity is founded on a society where everyone should practice absolute respect for one another’s religion (preferences) and for the beliefs one regards as sacred.

INTERPLAY OF ALL -INTERS.

The very core of TPBPM lies at Interfaith, Intercultural, Intergenerational which puts a premium on nurturing the foundations of human resilience – identity, community, and purpose.

In Singapore every -inter is entrenched within all levels, institutions, and policymaking. Giving us an image that it becomes a commodity – to have a balance of individuality and wholeness of the community. Taking into consideration the Philippine geographical setting and context, there is a great need to recognize that everything starts within ourselves and our individuality plays a vital role in shaping our future. Tolerance should be highly regarded as one of the key instruments to repair human infrastructure. We need to confront our own biases, reduce our level of fear, and accept individuality.

The essence of being one human family and gloabl citizenship should be instilled in every hearts and minds.

DIALOGUE, A QUEST FOR SURVIVAL.

“We are one community that depend on each other for survival” a Dharma Drum Mountain precept. In our world today, we encounter different tensions affecting our cohesive society, such as security instability, climate change, exclusion, social media, ignorance, and others – it is then high time that we seek to understand and resolve things altogether – through experiencing human interactions and dialogue.

It is through dialogue that we move towards that supposed constancy and having a sense of consciousness that something is greater than ourselves, allowing room for inclusiveness to take place; reminding ourselves that we have others along with us. By then, we can put a meaningful substance and explanation to our identity as we practice relationship building and highlighting persistent sameness.

As we all live in a diverse world, may we not put labels on everyone as it diminishes the core reason of human existence. May we all live a life that continuously binds illuminates the authenticity of positive human values which I think are instrumental in reducing moral poverty, and in attaining an inclusive, sustainable future.

To understand humanity, there is a greater need to look beyond ourselves – as we all move along the vision of realizing our interconnectedness in a world where there are many communities yet one shared future.

Originally Posted in https://malayasiharaya.wordpress.com/

July 30, 2019 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

Power through Peace: A Peace Mission Reflection

Power lies in being at peace with yourself. When everything else around you is falling apart, your inner peace is what will hold you together.

It was when I had found my own inner peace that I decided to chase a 9 – year dream. After graduating college in 2009, I had asked my mom if I could volunteer in Mindanao and help in conflict resolution in the region. Given the danger, I was not surprised when she answered NO. Life happened since and we have relocated to New York where I am currently based. As I have gone through my own spiritual journey and losing my grandma early this year, finding peace has enabled me to not only survive but lead powerfully in life. To maintain my peace, I have committed to making sure I fulfill any desires or start working towards any dreams I have or have had and stop delaying them. I was living in the motto of “tomorrow might not come”. Volunteering in Mindanao was a no – brainer and I was determined to make this happen.

I researched and reached out to more or less 10 nonprofit organizations doing work in Mindanao. I didn’t anticipate how challenging the communication would be – patience was not my virtue then, but I definitely held on to it dearly in those days. Two organizations responded and only one had a definite program that matched my time off. Serendipitously, it was Teach Peace Build Peace Movement.

I set up a skype call with their Program Director, Bernadette Fernandez and Micah Verzola. They gave me a rundown of their organization and expounded on the Peace Mission program from April – May. Teaching Peace Education to kids and youth in conflict and non- conflict areas and building a Culture of Peace? It couldn’t be more perfect!

Given the 12 – hour difference, the challenge in schedules and how busy all our schedules were – the secretariat team still made sure that I had everything I needed to make this trip happen.

A journey with the youth of Mindanao:

I arrived in Maguindanao on May 4th. I haven’t been home in so long. I have missed the air breeze, the brazing sun touching my skin, and seeing our people. My first time but a first of many, I would say!

I came in the middle of Peace Heroes Camp: Youth Formation Session’s Day 1. I was welcomed with a smile and so much excitement despite my “I only had two hours of sleep and I’m hangry” face. It also gave me a sense of ease because of how friendly and welcoming everyone was.

This session is meant to introduce the curriculum and train peace facilitators. The participants are community and youth leaders stemming from education, NGO, and governmental sectors. Their backgrounds vary, but one thing they have in common is: they want to shift the collective consciousness to achieve the peace they need within their lives, families, and communities. I love hearing their stories: learning their way of life and the cultural influences they have around them. I also loved learning about the cultural dynamic within sub-Muslim groups/communities in that region.

It was such an honor to commune with these leaders – learning their stories, feeling their pain through their personal experiences and being filled by their passion in seeing change within their community. I am awestruck by their ability to persevere, their resilience and how selfless they are given the limited resources they have in the work that they do.

Helping Create a Community of Peace Hero Child Ambassadors

We drove 5 – 6 hours heading to Marawi. I have to be honest, I had mixed emotions about this. I am already so raw after a deep and emotional experience with the previous sessions that I didn’t know how I am going to react when I see kids and villages in dire need, yet I know I must get it together. So in the best way possible, I leaned in and got connected to just being authentic and strong in my vulnerability.

I was assigned to lead a group of kids and surprisingly they all have quite similar personalities. They were extremely shy, spoke very low and shared very little – a challenge indeed. You see, my work in New York is engaging adults and coaching them but I haven’t seen my strengths in teaching kids. However, I was reminded that this was not about me – giving all of me for them to have the full experience was good enough.

One of the kids has touched me through an exercise where we had to draw and describe what peace is in their family, school and community. That was when I realized that she lives in one of the evacuation villages – she drew everything that resonated with what she had. The house she had and her family in it, the school she had and everything in it, and she drew another school with everyone outside looking happy and playful. This was her reality before the war before everything turned into rubble and her once reality is now her dream.

Another remarkable experience was facilitating the Take Care of Peace game. The kids had to make sure the balls don’t drop through the holes while they trek towards the finish line. One of my students, unfortunately, had an encounter with one of the kids which resulted for the other kid to cry, to isolate himself and disengage. I hate to be the villain, but I felt like it was a valuable lesson to teach so I told the group that unfortunately, we are not going to move forward until he participates. My student felt forced to get him to rejoin, and some of his friends also were taunting him to do something. Despite his resistance and unwillingness, he complied. Sadly, they ran out of time to complete the task.

As I process this with them, I asked them how it felt that they didn’t finish the game and they answered: very sad. Then I said, the key is for everyone to work together, communicate with each other and make sure that everyone is playing to win because that’s how we succeed in life. Winning together is better than winning alone.

I spoke to my student and said: he looks up to you that’s why it hurt him, be the big brother and comfort him. He looked at me and as he was walking towards the next table, I saw him wrapped his arm around the other kid. It was a perfect moment!

In the three days that I was with the kids, I saw the incredible transformation in them. From day one of not engaging or even having the interest to participate, to Day 2 and 3 when I am just getting hugs and smiles from the time they see me throughout the day. This is what a culture of Peace looks like in the eyes of these children. There’s more love to give and it’s what they need.

The Teach Peace Build Peace Movement Team:

I couldn’t say enough praise, affirmation and admiration towards this team. From our first encounter to the last day, every single one is a leader in their own right. They are skillful, very talented and they embody the values of being Peace Heroes in their lives. You can see the burning passion in their eyes and the determination in creating magic in these people’s lives. They are fully aware of the impact that their work is going to do through their sessions and encounter, so they make sure to give it all. There’s no task too little or too big for them to do, they just do! Being effective is being responsible. It’s I don’t need to be told what to do, again and again, it’s picking up where one needs, and filling the gaps where it needs to be filled.

Everyone knows the importance of each other’s roles in making the peace mission successful. They run a such a tight ship but very efficient. Also, it was so amazing to meet and know the founder, Bai Rohaniza Sumndad – Usman. She is an incredibly inspiring woman – Even just by being in her presence, I felt safe and that infectious calmness; and the moment she speaks, wisdom and love run through. She is an inspiring, powerful and humble leader! Her advocacy has led to a tremendous impact in the lives not only on every participant of the sessions but also to every staff and volunteers of the movement. It is definitely an honor to experience and be part of the team.

I honestly didn’t have any expectations for this trip. I was ready to jump into anything however and whenever I am needed and came with the full commitment to serve. I came with an open mind and an open heart without judgements because I wanted to feel every experience and let it mold me. AND it definitely did! I have found inner peace in the comfort of my New York life, and though I can relate to some of the life struggles of our participants, I know it’s still incomparable to the level of unrest they feel seeing constant conflict around them. It made me realize how incredibly important this work is.

What can you do when you can harness that peace despite the gunshots, the air strikes, the loud noises, the insecurity and discomfort of living in tents or evacuation villages? What would their relationships look like towards everyone they encounter or even towards the world? What can they create?

It is in Peace where we can create positive changes and achieve social innovation. It is when you can give, contribute and inspire hope within your family, schools and communities or maybe… Maybe it is their lifeline. The last strand of hope they could hold on to.

This trip has given me so much more than just fulfilling a 9-year dream. It is falling in love in the diversity of our Filipino culture and our people, giving me the inspiration I need to not give up and work harder because there’s so much work to do. It is authentically elevating people’s lives and it is seeing hope in our children and feeling hopeful that it will get better. Thank you Teach Peace Build Peace Movement for the amazing work you do and I stand with you in the fight towards building a Culture of Peace in every Filipino child’s life.

June 20, 2018 / by CEE CARINO

FROM PAINTING MURALS TO TEACHING PEACE THROUGH ART

Service comes in different forms. Some in forms we do not expect, while some we think we are not yet ready to undertake. In most cases, and in the best of cases, we unknowingly take the first step.

Louise Nuñez first got involved with Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) in 2014. Together with fellow volunteers, he worked on the EDSA Peace Mural as one of the lead artists. There he met some of the members of the organizing team, TPBPM Founder and Executive Director Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman or Ate Honey and Major Genesis Gabrido who was then part of the 7th Civil Relations Group.

OF STARTING POINTS AND BEGINNINGS

To purposely engage and connect with different communities, TPBPM conducts peace missions with its volunteers. Peace missions help volunteers have an in-depth and firsthand understanding of the organization’s initiatives and partner communities.

Louise recounts his first memory of a peace mission. It was in May 2016 during a Summer Peace Mission in Porac, Pampanga. While sharing his artistic skills, Louise interacted with an Aeta community and taught kids in the uphill village of Barangay Sapang Uwak for four days. He showed the kids how to draw as part of the organization’s SketchPad Project Workshop. Louise got to know them better and eventually formed a closer bond with the community.

In an interview with Louise, he described what he felt during his first peace mission: “There was a lot of fumbling and uncertainty at first but, I have grown to love [kids] because teaching them has been an ecstatic experience. We would go to different places to teach and the kids were really excited for us to return.”

“I thought I was a boring teacher but, I saw the kids were really eager to learn. I was so conscious but they were really happy and energetic so I had to match their energy. Through their drawings, I learned their narratives which made me love them more.”

“At first, I thought painting murals was my only contribution to TPBPM which at first, I felt was not enough. I really thought that I would only be exposed to painting since I was not yet immersed with the other activities of the organization.”

When asked what surprised him about working with TPBPM, Louise shared, “TPBPM helped me discover myself more. I realized I wasn’t only set to make murals or to become a lead artist but, I can also facilitate. You could feel TPBPM’s trust even though you are new.”

He added, “It was really surprising to know that I was able to do things that I haven’t done before like facilitating or speaking in front of people.”

THE PEACEBUILDER LIFE: WORKING WITH TPBPM

TPBPM works with different organizations and sectors to promote peace and impart values and knowledge on how to be effective peacebuilders. After Louise’s peace mission with the indigenous peoples of Porac, Pampanga, he also engaged with soldiers of the CMO School during their Peace Journey. Peace Journey Sessions is a program where peace heroes from different sectors, ages and faiths embark on a journey of self-discovery, reflection and learning more about other religions, cultures and stories. Activities include fun games and reflective sessions that emphasize the importance of building a Culture of peace with oneself and with others. Each module is tailor-fitted according to the needs of the participants.

Recounting his experience of facilitating the CMO School’s Peace Journey, Louise shared, “Kat encouraged me to go to the Peace Journey in CMO. She trusted my capacity to facilitate. After I facilitated, I became more interested in volunteering and in joining Peace Journey sessions and peace missions.”

“When I work with Kat, I learn how to really articulate and explain what we teach about peace. I was able to relate love to soldiers; that their heart is in serving the nation.”

“Before, I knew soldiers as really tough people but I also realized that these soldiers are really serious and committed in the things they do. At that point, I also asked myself if I was serious in what I was doing, that I also need to be serious in what I say and in how I act.”

ON THE CHALLENGES OF ADVOCATING FOR PEACE AND PEACE EDUCATION

As with every initiative, there will always be challenges. Louise recognizes the challenges but still keeps an open mind and believes that people should be more aware in order to do more.

“Encouraging others is a challenge because it’s a process. There are some people who seem really great at first and are committed but, then they leave. People have different levels of commitment especially when what they know is limited.”

Louise also shared one of the challenges in peace missions: “When the people have already gotten closer to you, it’s sad to leave students and community members after the peace mission. It’s difficult to leave. We want to come back and see them. It’s sad to think that when you return, there is a possibility that they might not remember your name.”

In volunteering, Louise was asked what his friends and family said when they found out about his involvement with TPBPM. Louise recounted their reaction: “Talaga? They would tell me that I don’t look like I teach peace education. I tell them about Marawi. They would ask about the place. I also tell them about giving food to street children in Cubao. When you give, you’d think that you’re losing something but the truth is the giver also takes something with him. It’s happier to give. There is so much joy regardless of the gift’s value. I realized that this is really true: it’s better to give than to receive.”

Regardless of varying perceptions and questions, Louise remains committed to TPBPM and its peace advocacy.

“I support TPBPM because of Ate Honey. When I met Ate Honey, I saw that she is really serious in her work of spreading peace. When she speaks, you would really know that she speaks from the heart. She is the founder who established the image of TPBPM. People in TPBPM have it in their hearts to spread peace,” said Louise.

He added: “I also joined different organizations before. It did not work for me. In TPBPM, we have a mission that we take seriously.”

SHARING THE ADVOCACY

Louise has been with the TPBPM family for four years and has also served in various capacities from painting picturesque murals to teaching kids how to utilize art for peace. Through different initiatives and peace missions, he has met other motivated and passionate volunteers in the organization.

He mentioned, “Chloe inspires me, she’s like a small version of Ate Honey. It’s inspiring that she brings her advocacy everywhere, even in school. I’m inspired by her willingness and courage to spread peace. She also uses her talent to spread peace.”

When asked about what he wished other people knew about TPBPM, Louise shared, “TPBPM accepts everyone in the organization. When we helped in Marawi, I want people to know that we are a non-government organization; that we are non-partisan.

We have the heart of a volunteer. Our intentions are clear.”

April 3, 2018 / by RACQUEL CORREA

Unleashing the Artist Facet

As part of the Artist for Peace and Communication Team who is usually responsible in creating more awareness through the different forms of art; I typically volunteer in documenting events and sometimes if, given the opportunity, I become a facilitator where I get to interact with the children, parents, and teachers. Nevertheless, to fully utilize my role, I also do collateral materials and assists in bringing creative output for both the schools and communities and the movement’s program itself – as I became the lead artist in some Peace Murals and taught the children how to draw that is part of the SketchPad Project. This SketchPad Project is a visual diary of the children where they get to share their everyday life, and on the other end, as TPBPM leave it to them for (6) months and will be reviewed, TPBPM will be able to trace the progress of their journey as Peace Heroes. One of the significant achievements that I have is when I get to materialize some Peace Education Materials – the I TEACH PEACE Learning Resources like Tara Na Board Game and the Sila Ay Tayo Educational Set which is also my undergrad thesis as Visual Communication student in UP. The Tara Na Board Game teaches about different religions and culture and the Sila Ay Tayo Education Set introduces our Ayta brothers and sisters way of life. In my journey as an Artist for Peace, it motivates me to do more materials, as I see the children not just enjoy but also learn from it. At a very young age, you already give them an appreciation of what Peace is all about and make them apply it in their own lives.

Before I started in my SCPHFP Journey, I began to question the program’s extent of its range – how far it can go and reach since it started only on a few numbers of school. It would then take a while if we want it to achieve on a nationwide scale. But as times go by and with all the volunteers’ efforts, I find it very effective in reaching out to kids, parents, and educators of a different culture from different communities in the country. Whenever I got the communities that we have, I always see familiar faces. They keep on coming back. Hence, made me realize of the SCPHFP’s potent development bridging cultural gaps that bring people closer as they too embrace intercultural, intergenerational and interfaith approach within their schools and communities.

As SCPHFP continuously grow, I hope that it will be able to reach and touch more lives and communities not just in the country but also on the global scale. To the schools and communities that TPBPM serves, I would like to leave them with a message that despite their current situation, may their dreams not be faded away, but remains hopeful in reaching it [dreams].

March 10, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

Category: Volunteers

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BE AN AGENT OF HUMANITY – STREAMLINING UNITY AMIDST DIVERSITY

Who we are is humanity.

TO KNOW ONE IS TO KNOW NONE.

SEEK TO LEARN TO UNDERSTAND.

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INTERPLAY OF ALL -INTERS.

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FROM PAINTING MURALS TO TEACHING PEACE THROUGH ART

We have the heart of a volunteer. Our intentions are clear.”

Unleashing the Artist Facet

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