Written by Mikhaela Dimpas and Juan Lucas Ortega, with contributions from Alyssandra Pandez
For many farmers, the goal is simple: to reap what they sow. But for Mimie Samporna, farming is more than just a means to survive – it’s a way to empower and give back to his community.
In 2019, Mimie, his wife, their six children, and his in-laws found refuge in a small, now-dilapidated house in Bakwit Village Phase 2, a temporary settlement on the outskirts of Marawi City. Like hundreds of other families displaced by the 2017 Marawi Crisis, they had no choice but to start over.
Despite the challenges of displacement, the Samporna family has fared better than many. All six children remain in school – three in elementary and three in high school – a stark contrast to the thousands of children whose education was disrupted by the conflict.
Life in the village was far from easy. For Mimie, survival was not enough; he wanted to rebuild for his family and his community.
Cultivating a new path
Before the siege, Mimie worked as a motorcycle driver. In Bakwit Village, he turned to farming, cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash on small plots of land. His wife set up a sari-sari store, supplementing their income.
Over time, he became a leader among the farmers in the community and now serves as the president of the IDPs Survivor Farmer Association.
But farming in Bakwit Village is fraught with challenges. Many farmers grow the same crops, leading to market saturation and lower prices. Manual farming is labor-intensive, causing some to give up entirely. Mimie has recognized these issues and has been pushing for crop diversification, particularly the introduction of corn farming, to sustain their livelihood.
Collective discussions, collective solutions
Beyond farming and livelihood concerns, the people of Bakwit Village face another persistent problem: waste management. With no formal system in place, trash piles up, forcing residents to burn their waste, exposing their children to harmful fumes. Meanwhile, the shelter itself is deteriorating, and the return to Marawi remains uncertain.
These issues are collectively felt by the community, but the avenues to voice them out are very limited – leaving many feeling unheard and forgotten. S’bang Ka Marawi, a community media outfit, has become a vital space for displaced families to voice their grievances and share solutions.
Established in 2017, the S’bang Ka Marawi program began as a humanitarian radio service providing crucial information to IDPs. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful tool for advocacy, bridging the gap between displaced communities and dutybearers.
In 2021, community members—including those from Bakwit Village—were trained in broadcasting, human rights, and storytelling. Equipped with microphones, amplifiers, and public address systems, they established their own community broadcasting studio and their own local program: The Voices of Bakwit Village Phase 2. The initiative provided a space for residents to voice grievances, share solutions, and take action.
Broadcasting knowledge, cultivating change
Mimie, once an avid listener, soon became an active contributor. Through The Voices of Bakwit Village Phase 2, he shared farming techniques, promoted urban gardening, and introduced agricultural innovations to fellow farmers.
“A lot of people from the community have become interested in farming because of the episodes we aired,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to know that I’m able to pass on knowledge that can help others.”
Listeners have been inspired to start their own home gardens, and some even requested in-person farming training. Mimie proudly sees his broadcasts as a way to plant the seeds of resilience and self-sufficiency among fellow IDPs.
“When it was shared with the world that this is our lifestyle and that we have crops, we encouraged our fellow IDPs to also engage in farming. This will be beneficial, as well, for the youth and for those with no work. They have learned the knowledge we have gained from farming. The lessons we have imparted to our fellow IDPs are unforgettable,” Mimie said.
Beyond the fields
The impact of S’bang Ka Marawi extended far beyond agriculture. The program tackled pressing issues, such as the Marawi Compensation process, by inviting experts to guide IDPs through their reparation claims. It also helped address security concerns—when a series of thefts plagued Bakwit Village, the program amplified community concerns, prompting local authorities to deploy barangay peacekeeping teams.
Ang pagsasagawa ng Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) ang kanilang IEC campaign sa Bakwit Village Shelter, Saguiaran noong Hunyo 27, 2023.
Even during power outages, the station remained a beacon of support. When residents raised their struggles through S’bang Ka Marawi’s social media channels to amplify their local episode’s reach, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) intervened to restore electricity.
For Mimie, S’bang Ka Marawi, their shelter’s broadcasting studio, is more than just a platform — it is a lifeline.
“It’s easier for us to listen in on the broadcasts because we can hear them clearly. Even when we’re out in the field, we can still stay updated,” he shared.
Beyond addressing grievances, the program nurtures a culture of collective action. It has become a space where voices, often unheard, can finally be amplified.
Whether through farming or broadcasting, Mimie continues to sow the seeds of hope in Bakwit Village, inspiring others to cultivate change in their own ways – one lesson, one harvest, and one episode at a time.
About the project:
The story of Bakwit Village Phase 2, their journey towards building their own community broadcasting studio and narrowcasting episodes on human rights, is supported by Brot Fur die Welt through the Mindanaon Youth Voices for Peace (MYVP) Project.