JOLO, Sulu – As part of the peacebuilding efforts of the Bangsamoro Government, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) recently organized a two-day activity aimed at enhancing the mediation capacity, especially in resolving clan feuds (rido), of local mediators in Sulu.
Entitled “Intervention for Men and Women Local Mediators”, the event held on October 6-7 was participated by representatives from various municipal local government units and members of the Sulu Local Mediators, Inc.
MPOS Director-General Atty. Al-Rashid Balt emphasized that the activity was intended to update the mediators with the progress of the Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and align their current practices accordingly.
To ensure an environment conducive to learning, men and women participants were segregated during the whole activity. Balt explained that male mediators had dominated the field, which may discourage female mediators from active participation.
The gender-based segregation allowed female mediators to feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and insights about their mediation efforts.
“Simula pa lang ng mga programa natin ay magkahalo na talaga ang mga lalaki at babae pero nakita namin na dahil dominated masyado ang mediators ng mga kalalakihan ay hindi masyado nagsi-share ang mga kababaihan, hindi sila ganoon ka-open,” Balt explained.
[Since the inception of our programs, we have observed a mix of both genders. However, due to the strong dominance of male mediators, were not as forthcoming in sharing their experiences and they were not as open.]
The activity also features reflection sessions that enabled the participants to share their past experiences as local mediators. Through the sessions, they were able to learn from each other and improve their skills.
Towards the end of the event, the MPOS organized a workshop centered on deepening the local mediators’ understanding and proficiency in rido settlement.
The activity initiated by MPOS is a crucial step in fostering genuine and sustainable peace in the communities of Sulu and other areas of BARMM. It also highlights the need for gender balance and diversity in the field of mediation, which is essential in understanding and addressing the unique issues of both men and women in rido disputes.
This initiative is just one of the many ongoing endeavors in the BARMM dedicated to promote a culture of peace and development. The success of such ventures will lead to substantial changes in the socio-economic conditions of the region and ultimately build a more peaceful and prosperous BARMM. (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
