The bitiyara continues

Nazem Casa, 26, has been a member of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Banggolo in Marawi City for more than two years. Nazem joined his fellow youth leaders from Marawi City and Saguiaran in Lanao del Sur at the Bitiyara Kalilintad: Peace Narratives from the Grassroots held at the Marawi Resort Hotel last May 31, 2021. 

A study on violent extremism in Mindanao conducted by USAID in 2017 revealed that 63% of the youth respondents reported that their communities were affected by violence over the last two years, with Muslim respondents reporting greater impact (70%) compared to Christians (53%). Four years after the Marawi Siege, the threats of violent extremism continue to loom over Lanao del Sur and the greater BARMM region. 

Amid this background, Bitiyara Kalilintad provided a platform for young Moro leaders to gather together and share stories of hope. Bitiyara is Meranaw for ‘conversation’ while kalilintad is Meranaw for peace. Bitiyara Kalilintad or peace conversations featured the personal narratives, experiences, and insights of four resource speakers on promoting peace in relation to their profession and personal advocacies. 

Ms. Divina Morgia Suson, a veteran Mindanaoan journalist shared her experiences in covering war and conflict. She narrated how as a young journalist, she used to fall to the pitfalls of war journalism — a kind of journalism that highlights violence and tends to be culturally insensitive towards Meranaws and Muslims. As she gained experience in the field, she learned about peace journalism, a new breed of reportage that involves greater attention to historical background and context and necessitates cultural sensitivity towards news subjects.

Mr. Mohammad Mojib Marangit, an Islamic Studies scholar and Shariah Counsellor shared that the religion of Islam is a religion of peace. He recited various verses and teachings from the Holy Qur’an and emphasized that as Muslims, the youth leaders must do good in their own communities. 

Ms. Fatima-Aliah Baunto, who was awarded Woman Environmentalist of the Year, narrated how caring for the environment is essentially connected to promoting peace. As the leader of a local farmers organization, she emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture to address food insecurity and ultimately contribute to a peaceful community. 

Ms. Sittie Aliyah Limbao-Lucman, a Shariah Counsellor and president of the Association of Lady Shariah Lawyers of the Philippines talked about the great potential of women to fight for peace and justice. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Association of Lady Shariah Lawyers continue to hold interfaith dialogues and webinars on countering violent extremism. 

Nazem was grateful for an opportunity to gather with his fellow youth leaders. According to him, learnings from Bitiyara Kalilintad widened his perspective and improved his knowledge on peace and leadership. It has inspired him to continue serving his barangay. “Walang imposible sa taong masipag. Kung may pangarap ka, isakatuparan mo ito ng may gawa’t aksyon dahil magdadala ito sa iyo ng tagumpay,” he said. [Nothing is impossible if you work hard. Fulfill your dreams by doing your best in everything. This will surely bring you success.] 

The program’s theme couldn’t be more true. “Kalumbayan, ingempeda ko kathagombalay ko Kalilintad”. The youth are the primary movers in peacebuilding.