Peace begins at home

Alikhan Macaorao Andamama, 50, has two wives and 15 sons and daughters. He works at the National Power Corporation in Marawi City. His wife, Subaida M. Andamama helps in their family expenses by making and selling mamandiang (Maranao decoration usually used in special occasions). They shared that during the lockdown, they had a hard time providing for their children.  

Alikhan and Subaida both attended the Family Development Sessions conducted in Brgy. Lumbayanague in Saguiaran. The sessions include lectures on Media and Information Literacy and family development. 

As a husband and father, he is more focused on providing for his family that he sometimes forget to recognize the sacrifices and efforts of his sons and daughters. In the session, he learned that it is important to let his children know that he appreciates their efforts so that they are motivated in everything that they do. He also admitted that sometimes, he reduces his importance by his ability to provide for his family but the session made him re-think the value of being a father in the family. 

“Even though our income is barely enough, I should go on. In the end, what is more important is that I gave everything to provide for my family, guide them in their studies and instill in them the Islamic faith.”

Subaida, on the other hand, learned about the rights of their children. She realized that sometimes, in her desire to discipline them, she violates her children’s rights. As a mother, her role in the family is important in shaping their children’s character and maintaining peace in the family.  

“No child is perfect but we should never let them feel that they are not.” 

Both participants also emphasized that they enjoyed interacting with the other fathers and mothers in their community. No matter how different the dynamics of each family is, they can still relate to each other at some point. 

“The most memorable part is when we were grouped together. At first, the other fathers did not want to talk but the program was really a blessing from Allah because it was a way for us to get to know each other better. We enjoyed sharing knowledge about our experiences as parents,” Alikhan said. 

Overall, the Family Development Sessions did not just help parents understand that peace begins at home and their role is very important. It also started interactions and friendships within their barangay which leads to a more peaceful community.