Empowering communities through sustainable livelihood in Polomolok, South Cotabato

From Darkness to Light: The Women of NIFIA Rise Again

“Madilim ang aming kabuhayan noon,” Noraina Dumato began telling her story, her voice trembling of emotion. “Wala ni isa sa amin ang may lakas ng loob na pumunta sa market. Natatakot kami… baka isa kami sa mga maging biktima ng killings noon.”

IN PHOTO: Overcome with emotion, NIFIA chairperson Noraina Dumato shares the harrowing story of her community’s past and the years of conflict they endured.

Noraina leads the Nouronissa Indigenous Farmers’ Integrated Association (NIFIA), a women’s group founded to support peacebuilding and provide sustainable livelihoods for women affected by conflict.

At the height of extrajudicial killings under the previous administration, fear and uncertainty filled many homes in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Noraina, whose husband was a former rebel surrenderer, was among those who struggled to live in the shadows, without livelihood or peace of mind.

“I was a bakwit,” she recalled. “Naranasan namin ‘yung sobrang hirap. Pero nung bumalik kami, nakita namin na may bagong pag-asa.”

That new hope came in the form of empowerment—and a group of women determined to rebuild their lives.

With the support of the new municipal administration of Polomolok and partner organizations such as Mahintana Foundation, Inc. (MFI) and Dole Philippines, she and other women organized themselves and established their association. When asked how their group got its name, Noraina shared that “Nouronissa” comes from an Arabic phrase meaning “Light of the Women.”

“It was perfect,” she smiled. “Kasi mula sa dilim, nagkaroon kami ng liwanag.”

The name symbolized not only their personal journeys from fear to courage, but also their shared mission—to ensure that no other woman or child in their community would have to experience the darkness they once knew.

IN PHOTO: Women of NIFIA showcase their sewing work, the association’s pioneering and main livelihood activity.

With guidance from MFI’s Executive Director, Liza Lopez, and assistance from partners like DOLE and DSWD, the women of Nouronissa began to build small but sustainable livelihoods.

With guidance from MFI’s Executive Director, Liza Lopez, and assistance from partners like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the women of Nouronissa began to build small but sustainable livelihoods.

In late 2024, NIFIA received a set of sewing machines and kits from DOLE under its Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Implemented in collaboration with MFI, the initiative was designed to help the association’s 23 women members. 

Since receiving the support, the group has flourished into a budding enterprise, crafting and selling locally made handbags, purses, clothing, and other sewn products that showcase both skill and cultural identity.

Later, through DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), they were able to open a bigasan store, providing both income and affordable rice for the community. Another member, once her secretary, started producing handmade bouquets under NIFIA’s brand, which MFI helped market for local events.

The women also joined DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, each receiving an allowance of ₱4,030. Instead of spending it all, they decided to invest together—“Nag-chip-in kami ng tig-₱500,” she explained—to buy tables and chairs for rental, creating yet another community-based source of income.

Their collective efforts did not go unnoticed. On June 08, 2025, Liza Lopez was honored with the Carol Bellamy Leadership Award for her work in community empowerment. In a touching gesture, she chose to share the recognition—and its $200 prize (₱108,000)—with NIFIA.

“Alhamdulillah,” she said gratefully. “Pinagkapital namin ito sa aming bagong negosyo, ang Kitkit-Kagikit (also known as pastil in some regions), which is a shredded chicken, beef, or fish topping originating from the Maguindanao people. 

Their ventures continue to grow. Today, under NIFIA’s Dapulan and Company, the women manage multiple enterprises—sewing, rice trading, event rentals, and handmade crafts—all rooted in collaboration and resilience.

IN PHOTO: Noraina Dumato prepares a meal at NIFIA’s Dapulan, a community karinderya and one of the association’s successful livelihood ventures.

For Noraina, the work doesn’t stop at rebuilding livelihoods—it’s also about protecting the next generation.

“As a woman, ayaw kong maranasan ng mga kabataan ang dilim na naranasan namin,” she said. “Kailangan ng edukasyon. Kasi kung may edukasyon, may pag-asa. At kung may kabuhayan, may kapayapaan.”

From darkness to light—from fear to empowerment—the women of Nouronissa now stand as living proof that when women come together, they can transform pain into purpose, and despair into peace.

Building Voice and Opportunity: How a Moro Youth Organization in Polomolok is Overcoming Challenges to Empower Their Community

For King Saud Mariano, the first federation president of the Moro Youth Organization of Polomolok (MYOP), growing up as a Moro in Polomolok was not always easy. Representation, he says, was a concept that hardly existed in his community. “One of the problems that the Moros—or the community itself—noticed is that we’re not seen. We’re not heard,” he shares quietly, his voice carrying both frustration and hope. “So, we decided: we have to do something about it.”

IN PHOTO: King Saud SMariano, the first federation president of the Moro Youth Organization of Polomolok (MYOP) and a current member of the Sangguniang Kabataan Council of Barangay Lapu.

That “something” began with building an organization—a platform that could represent the Moros of Polomolok, giving them a voice and presence in the community. But the path was anything but simple. Mariano recalls the initial hesitations of their elders, his own parents included. “One of the biggest challenges is our parents,” he says. “They are not yet open to partnerships, especially with men in uniforms. They’ve been through trauma, so when they see uniforms, their first thought is, ‘What will happen next? Ano kaya mangyayari?’”

With support from MFI, the organization found its footing. “With Mahintana, we were given a livelihood project,” Mariano says with a small, proud smile. “We rent chairs, tables, and tents. It’s more than just income—it’s a way to show that we can stand on our own and contribute to the community.”

On September 21, 2024, the ProPEACE Programme Phase 2 of the MFI marked another milestone in its youth empowerment efforts as it turned over livelihood support to MYOP. The assistance—comprising monoblock chairs, tables, and a foldable tent—was formally handed to the group in Barangay Lapu, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

The initiative is part of ProPEACE’s ongoing livelihood and capacity-building support for youth organizations, helping groups like MYOP strengthen their activities and sustain youth-driven initiatives within the community.

King explained that before they could qualify for grants, the organization first had to secure government registration and meet various legal requirements—an unfamiliar process for them. “One of the key requirements, especially if we want grants or business support, is to have a government identity—to be officially registered,” King said. With their SEC accreditation, they finally achieved this milestone, opening doors to opportunities that once felt out of reach.

For King personally, the livelihood project carries deeper significance. “I come from a poor family,” he admits. “Having a livelihood means we have another source of income. For students like many of our members, even a small contribution helps. It eases some of what our parents worry about, not just for school, but for daily life.”

But MFI’s support went beyond financial help. “Even before our organization was officially formed, they were there. They didn’t just give us livelihood—they gave us training, guidance, and knowledge on how to sustain it,” King recalls. “It’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.”

IN PHOTO: King Saud Mariano (left) receives a certificate of participation from Liza Lopez (right) following a Culture of Peace training session.

Today, the organization has grown into a network that stretches across Polomolok, connecting with groups like NIFIA. Together, they collaborate on projects that aim to uplift the Moro community, combining voices, resources, and efforts.

As King reflects on their journey, there is a quiet pride in his words. “We’re slowly building a voice. We’re slowly showing who we really are. And step by step, we’re creating opportunities—not just for ourselves, but for the generations that come after us.”

For King, and the Moros of Polomolok, this is more than representation. It is a reclamation of identity, a small but powerful resistance against invisibility, and a testament to what a determined community can achieve when it dares to be seen.

Unity Through Livelihood: The Story of Brufacoop’s Growing Community

What began as a modest collective of 33 tri-people farmers has evolved into a thriving cooperative built on shared aspirations and trust. Officially registered under the Cooperative Development Authority just last December 9, 2022, Brufacoop has grown to 47 members, but its greatest achievement, they say, is not in numbers. It is in proving that unity is possible when dreams align. “Kahit na Muslim, B’laan, o Christian, as long as na iisa ang layunin niyo… nagkakaintindihan kayo,” Brufacoop Manager Dolores Redosendo shared. Their common desire: to uplift their families and improve each member’s livelihood.

IN PHOTO: Brufacoop farmers in discussion, coordinating tasks and mapping out plans for the weeks ahead.

Most of Brufacoop’s farmers are coconut growers, prompting the cooperative to venture into coconut trading. They sell whole nuts to Sipawi and copra to Cargill—small but steady steps toward sustainable enterprise. This momentum grew even stronger in 2023 when the Muslim Council of Elders endorsed them to Mahintana Foundation under the Pro-Peace Program.

For Brufacoop, the partnership became a turning point. Mahintana extended technical guidance, management mentoring, and financial support—ensuring the group was not only equipped but truly ready to handle their livelihood projects. According to the farmers, what stood out to them the most were the workshop-style seminars.

“Hindi lang siya training-training lang,” they emphasized. Unlike typical sessions from other agencies, Mahintana’s workshops required active participation, encouraging members to engage, learn, and apply the knowledge directly to their operations.

Exploring new ways to supplement their income, the group ventured into poultry raising—a livelihood they hoped could grow into something sustainable.

IN PHOTO: A member of Brufacoop tends to the chickens at the farm.

Starting with just 100 four-month-old chicks, the group initially earned by selling eggs. But realizing the income was limited, they shifted to hatching, using a member’s incubator to expand their flock. As their poultry stock grew, they began distributing batches of chicks to members, with three now raising their own. The group remains optimistic about scaling up, especially with Mahintana’s commitment to help them access better markets.

Through these efforts, Brufacoop continues to strengthen its foundation—not just as a cooperative, but as a united community proving that shared dreams can bridge differences and build lasting change.

From Terrorist Spot to Tourist Spot: Malyango’s Journey Toward Peace

Nearly a decade ago, Malyango was a name people spoke of with fear. It was a place many avoided—a conflict-stricken area known across Polomolok and even the whole province of South Cotabato. For Yaezer Nilong, now the manager of Malyango Resort and a former combatant, the memories of those years remain vivid. “Well-known po ito na conflict area,” he recalled, describing Malyango as the base for him and his fellow rebels during the height of the unrest.

From 2015 to 2022, civilians stayed away and government agencies never entered Malyango. According to Nilong, the conflict stemmed from disputes over who claimed rights to portions of Malyango and nearby public lands in Barangay Aflek, Sitio Malyango. That unresolved tension fueled years of chaos, forcing communities to live in fear. “Walang sibilyan, walang government agency na pumapasok dahil sa kaguluhan,” he said.

What hurt most, Nilong shared, was how media reports labeled their area as a haven for terrorists without ever asking the more important questions: Why did conflict begin here? What circumstances pushed people to rebel? Their stories, he said, were never sought out—only their labels.

But everything changed in 2022. Determined to clear their names and break free from the shadows of their past, Nilong and his companions voluntarily came down from the mountains and surrendered. “Gusto naming marinig ng government kung ano ang puno’t dulo ng kaguluhan,” he said. It was a bold step—one that marked the beginning of their reintegration into society.

Since then, Malyango has undergone a transformation many thought impossible. What was once tagged a “terrorist spot” has now begun to flourish as a tourist spot. As the newly appointed manager of Malyango Resort, Nilong has taken on a new role—one rooted in peacebuilding and community development. He is no longer a combatant; he is now a steward of the land he once fought within.

The government, he shared, welcomed them back wholeheartedly, offering full support through livelihood programs and development efforts. Mahintana Foundation, in particular, played a major role—leading bamboo tree planting along the Silway River and funding structures such as cottages and restrooms. Their continued partnership, along with support from provincial agencies, helped jumpstart the revitalization of the area.

For Nilong, Malyango has always been a hidden treasure—one that belongs not just to Barangay Lapu but also to Barangay Aflek, with the Silway River serving as its natural boundary. Locals long knew that the Malyango River held beauty worth sharing, but years of conflict kept its potential locked away.

Now, peace has opened that door.

Nilong and the community are determined to shift the narrative—away from fear and conflict, and toward hope, unity, and sustainable tourism. As a former rebel turned resort manager, he now dedicates himself to proving that they, too, can build, contribute, and uplift their community.

By promoting Malyango as a peaceful and welcoming tourist destination, Yaezer Nilong is helping rewrite the story of a place once scarred by conflict—transforming it into a symbol of healing, opportunity, and renewed identity.

Addressing the Roots of Conflict: How the Municipality of Polomolok Helped Communities Rebuild Through Livelihood Support

According to Sonia Bautista, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer of South Cotabato and Head Secretariat of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the unrest in Barangay Lapu was rooted not only in armed encounters but in a complex mix of political disputes, land conflict, and long-standing rido among families. “Ito talaga ang root causes ng mga nangyayari,” Bautista explained, noting how these layers of conflict created a cycle of fear and instability.

Because of this, no government agency could easily enter the community. Development stalled. Programs remained out of reach. “Hindi basta-basta makapasok,” she said, recalling how even basic social services struggled to reach the people living there. The most affected, Bautista stressed, were the vulnerable sectors: youth, women, senior citizens, Indigenous Peoples, and solo parents. Their mobility was restricted, their livelihoods disrupted, and even the education of young people suffered. “Lahat ng sector… very affected talaga,” she added.

Things slowly began to change in 2022 and 2023 when the Philippine Army—particularly its Special Forces—was able to penetrate the area and conduct community immersion. Through the military’s organizing efforts, the government and its partners were finally able to identify the needs of residents, including those who had already surrendered and laid down their arms.

This breakthrough opened the door for collaboration. Bautista highlighted the pivotal role of partners such as Mahintana Foundation, the military, and the Philippine National Police. Through community outreach programs as entry points, the provincial government and national agencies were finally able to step inside. Little by little, they started organizing the community into sectors: former violent extremists, Moro youth, women, and farmers.

Once structured groups were established, the support poured in. TESDA, DOLE, Mahintana, and the provincial government delivered skills training, livelihood support, and reintegration assistance. Former combatants received capital to jumpstart their new lives; youth groups were supported in their return to peaceful civic engagement; women’s groups gained livelihood skills and resources tailored to their environment. “Nakapacitate natin sila,” Bautista shared proudly.

Crucially, these interventions were not one-off projects—they were designed to be sustainable. Bautista emphasized that the provincial government and Mahintana worked to ensure that resources already existing in the community were strengthened and augmented. “Para madali nating mapalambo yung inyong organization,” she explained, underscoring their goal of making each livelihood project viable in the long term.

For Bautista, the story of Malyango is not just about the resolution of conflict—it is about rebuilding trust. As former rebels reintegrate and communities regain access to long-withheld services, hope quietly returns. Through organized groups, sustained collaboration, and the gradual restoration of peace, Malyango is finally beginning to transform into the community its people long dreamed of.