Widows of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members participate in a peacebuilding training organized by the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) held on April 3-4, 2024, at Em Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. (Photos courtesy of MPOS)
COTABATO CITY—To sustain the peace gains in the region and advance the normalization process, 60 widows of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) benefitted from the Bangsamoro Government’s peacebuilding training and financial assistance.
This initiative of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), held on April 3-4, not only aimed to empower and provide support to the beneficiaries but also focused on nurturing them as peace advocates of the communities.
Cairia Fernanado, one of the widows, vowed to apply her knowledge and skill in peacebuilding in her community.
“Gagamitin ko po ang lahat natutunan ko sa programang ito sa pagpalaganap ng kaayusan at kapayapaan ng aking komunidad,” Fernando said.
Additionally, Fernando expressed her commitment to instilling peacebuilding values in her children, saying, “Ituturo ko ito sa aking mga anak.”
She extended her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the training, stating, “Maraming salamat sa oportunidad na ito.”
The training featured lectures by resource persons who hailed from the Tarbiyyah Council, including Ustadza Jihan Batiting, who discussed the Islamic concept of moderation, and Ustadza Anisa Taha, who addressed the role of women in peacebuilding.
Participants received financial assistance amounting to P20,000 each to support their livelihoods and facilitate their transition to conflict-free communities.
The event was also made possible in collaboration with the office of Provincial Governor of Maguindanao del Norte Abdulraof Macacua. (Majid Nur/BIO with reports from MPOS)
