Sharing people’s narrative through My Voice

“S’bang Ka Maguindanao gave me the opportunity to achieve my dream to become a journalist. As a community patroller, I was able to hear the stories from within my community despite the widespread poverty and conflict. To my fellow youth, if an opportunity arises and you think it’s good for you, then grab it. Your standing in life doesn’t matter – whether you’re a Niqabi, Muslim woman, or a young woman – what matters is that you become an inspiration and model to your fellows.” (Norhata Monib, Community Patroller)

Maguindanao is commonly known for being a stronghold to armed clashes due to the presence of extremist groups. For many years, these armed hostilities between parties have triggered the displacement and death of the local population, including innocent civilians who are injured. This motivates Norhata Monib, a youth and a Muslim woman, to pursue her passion and dream in broadcasting. She wants to hear the stories of the people behind the numbers and she hopes to do this through S’bang Ka Maguindanao.

Norhata currently resides in Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. This is part of the SPMS Box – a military-coined term where armed conflict often occurs. 

She has experienced conflict and violence at a very young age. Norhata remembers how this situation affects the lives of the people in Maguindanao; some experience health issues, children in affected communities are forced to stop going to school, and some schools shift to become evacuation sites. Livelihood has also been affected. But according to Norhata, even though conflict has greatly affected the people and the community, there is so much hope and perseverance in their eyes.

According to her, when she attended the Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) organized by IDEALS, she realized the need for responsible journalists to give relevant information to the communities affected by conflict. Through this, she started realizing that her dreams can become true and S’bang Ka Maguindanao gave her a big opportunity to pursue this passion. She applied and was chosen to be a community patroller under the Mindanaon Youth Voices for Peace (MY Voice for Peace) Project in partnership with GCERF.

“Dati hanggang pangarap lang, nang dahil sa SKM, mas na-express ko pa ang sarili ko, mas nalaman ko kung ano ‘yung mga kwento sa aming komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagiging reporter” [This used to be just a dream but it became a reality thanks to SKM. I was able to learn about my community and share stories as a reporter.]

Conflict-affected areas need humanitarian assistance especially because people experienced repeated displacement. Aside from access to information, it is paramount that these communities be heard. According to Norhata, hearing stories from people makes her feel passionate to work more for the community. She realized the essence of bridging the gap between the citizens and the duty bearers. 

“Bawat reports ko, kapag ikaw mismo yung nakaka-interview sa kanila, ang dami palang nahihirapan na kinakailangan talagang malaman ng nasa gobyerno, sa pagiging patroller ko, pinapamulat sa akin, bilang isang kabataan, na ganito pala ang nangyayari sa aking komunidad” [I learned so many problems that the government should know when I conducted my interviews. As a community patroller and member of the youth sector, this experience showed me what really happens in my community.] 

Norhata’s journey in achieving her dreams is not easy. Engaging with people is a challenge to her because of how she dresses. As a Niqabi and Muslim woman, it is very tough to engage and be outspoken, but Norhata’s motivation to help her community trumps these fears.

“I also experienced discrimination, some people said that I belong to an extremist group because I wear half Niqab (chadur) and abaya, but I ignored those sayings and judgments, and continue to help my community towards sustainable peace” she shared.

“S’bang Ka Maguindanao changed me by giving me an avenue to speak and narrate the stories of people in my community, SKM has given me the power to create change and power to motivate other youth,” Norhata added. ##