The talk of Prof. Rudy B. Rodil, Peace in Mindanao: Tri-People Approach, opened my senses to what is really true behind the different versions of the story regarding the conflict in Mindanao. I agree with what he emphasized that “we can always document figures but never the emotions.” and since there is conflict, then peace becomes a dream. Unfortunately, the Spaniards (he labelled as the ‘sabongeros’) left us, Muslims and Christians, fighting. Although we claimed to be free from the said bondage, the fight (sabong) still goes on between us. As he had mentioned, it has started long ago during the Spanish regime and it was carried on to the next generations. I guess many of us are unaware of the past and yet, the feeling of hatred and wrong impression towards the other sect governs our feelings towards each other. Since it takes at least twenty years to change a generation (according to research), the academe indeed plays a big role in educating the younger ones. The husay, sandugo, and kapatiran encompassed the bigger picture of moving towards the attainment of peace and justice. I think it could create a deep impact, if and only if, it is wilfully and genuinely done.
Mr. Musa Sanguila presented the background, the mission and vision, the people behind, and the different activities of the Pakigdait, Inc., which I believe gave all of us, participants, an idea that peace is now within reach. Their organization is so inspiring that if another group of people would just commit and work together to form a replica of it, justice and peace would be more evident in all areas of Mindanao. The song and the documentations presented has given a ray of hope and for me, I’d say that peace and justice in Mindanao is worth the efforts of all Mindanaoans.
Prof. Saturnina S. Rodil’s talk on Multi-culturalism: Going Beyond Biases and Prejudices made me pause for a while and do ‘self-evaluation’. True to what she said, human as we are, we tend to notice only the faults and the negative side of all things. Our past experiences often influence our judgements and so if we want changes, we should start changing our perceptions. Due to individual differences, we see things differently. In fact, we become bias and we negatively label those who are different from us. In my own opinion, it’s all in our mind. But since thoughts can be changed anytime, we just simply decide on it.
Smile is the beginning of peace. I agree. It’s the inner peace that is just being radiated. We cannot give what we do not have. We are the new generation of those yesteryears and so, if we want to create a peaceful Mindanao, then we have to start now. May He bless us all..
No comments:
Post a Comment