![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-12-063238-1024x494.png\")
IN PHOTO: <\/i>Overcome with emotion, NIFIA chairperson Noraina Dumato shares the harrowing story of her community\u2019s past and the years of conflict they endured.<\/i><\/p>\n
Noraina leads the Nouronissa Indigenous Farmers\u2019 Integrated Association (NIFIA), a women\u2019s group founded to support peacebuilding and provide sustainable livelihoods for women affected by conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI was a <\/span>bakwit<\/span><\/i>,\u201d she recalled. \u201cNaranasan namin \u2018yung sobrang hirap<\/em>. Pero nung bumalik kami, nakita namin na may bagong pag-asa.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n That new hope came in the form of empowerment\u2014and a group of women determined to rebuild their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u201cNouronissa\u201d comes from an Arabic phrase meaning \u201cLight of the Women.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was perfect,\u201d she smiled. \u201cKasi mula sa dilim, nagkaroon kami ng liwanag.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The name symbolized not only their personal journeys from fear to courage, but also their shared mission\u2014to ensure that no other woman or child in their community would have to experience the darkness they once knew.<\/span><\/p>\n With guidance from MFI\u2019s Executive Director, Liza Lopez, and assistance from partners like DOLE and DSWD, the women of Nouronissa began to build small but sustainable livelihoods.<\/span><\/p>\n With guidance from MFI\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 23 women members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Later, through DSWD\u2019s 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\u2019s brand, which MFI helped market for local events.<\/span><\/p>\n The women also joined DOLE\u2019s <\/span>Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating<\/span><\/i> Disadvantaged\/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, each receiving an allowance of \u20b14,030. Instead of spending it all, they decided to invest together\u2014\u201cNag-chip-in kami ng tig-\u20b1500<\/em>,\u201d she explained\u2014to buy tables and chairs for rental, creating yet another community-based source of income.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2014and its $200 prize (\u20b1108,000)\u2014with NIFIA.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAlhamdulillah,\u201d she said gratefully. \u201cPinagkapital namin ito sa aming bagong negosyo, ang<\/em> Kitkit-Kagikit (also known as\u00a0pastil<\/em> in some regions), which is a shredded chicken, beef, or fish topping originating from the Maguindanao people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Their ventures continue to grow. Today, under NIFIA\u2019s Dapulan and Company, the women manage multiple enterprises\u2014sewing, rice trading, event rentals, and handmade crafts\u2014all rooted in collaboration and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n For Noraina, the work doesn\u2019t stop at rebuilding livelihoods\u2014it\u2019s also about protecting the next generation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs a woman, ayaw kong maranasan ng mga kabataan ang dilim na naranasan namin<\/em>,\u201d she said. \u201cKailangan ng edukasyon. Kasi kung may edukasyon, may pag-asa. At kung may kabuhayan, may kapayapaan.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n From darkness to light\u2014<\/span>from fear to empowerment<\/span><\/i>\u2014the women of Nouronissa now stand as living proof that when women come together, they can transform pain into purpose, and despair into peace.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u201cOne of the problems that the Moros\u2014or the community itself\u2014noticed is that we\u2019re not seen. We\u2019re not heard,\u201d he shares quietly, his voice carrying both frustration and hope. \u201cSo, we decided: we have to do something about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n That \u201csomething\u201d began with building an organization\u2014a 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. \u201cOne of the biggest challenges is our parents,\u201d he says. \u201cThey are not yet open to partnerships, especially with men in uniforms. They\u2019ve been through trauma, so when they see uniforms, their first thought is, \u2018What will happen next? Ano kaya mangyayari?\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n With support from MFI, the organization found its footing. \u201cWith Mahintana, we were given a livelihood project,\u201d Mariano says with a small, proud smile. \u201cWe rent chairs, tables, and tents. It\u2019s more than just income\u2014it\u2019s a way to show that we can stand on our own and contribute to the community.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n IN PHOTO: Turnover ceremony of livelihood support to MYOP under the ProPEACE Programme Phase 2 of MFI. (Photo by Mahintana Foundation, Inc.)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n 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\u2014comprising monoblock chairs, tables, and a foldable tent\u2014was formally handed to the group in Barangay Lapu, Polomolok, South Cotabato.<\/span><\/p>\n The initiative is part of ProPEACE\u2019s ongoing livelihood and capacity-building support for youth organizations, helping groups like MYOP strengthen their activities and sustain youth-driven initiatives within the community.<\/span><\/p>\n King explained that before they could qualify for grants, the organization first had to secure government registration and meet various legal requirements\u2014an unfamiliar process for them. \u201cOne of the key requirements, especially if we want grants or business support, is to have a government identity\u2014to be officially registered,\u201d King said. With their SEC accreditation, they finally achieved this milestone, opening doors to opportunities that once felt out of reach.<\/span><\/p>\n For King personally, the livelihood project carries deeper significance. \u201cI come from a poor family,\u201d he admits. \u201cHaving 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n But MFI’s support went beyond financial help. \u201cEven before our organization was officially formed, they were there. They didn\u2019t just give us livelihood\u2014they gave us training, guidance, and knowledge on how to sustain it,\u201d King recalls. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about surviving\u2014it\u2019s about thriving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n As King reflects on their journey, there is a quiet pride in his words. \u201cWe\u2019re slowly building a voice. We\u2019re slowly showing who we really are. And step by step, we\u2019re creating opportunities\u2014not just for ourselves, but for the generations that come after us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u201cKahit na Muslim, B\u2019laan, o Christian, as long as na iisa ang layunin niyo\u2026 nagkakaintindihan kayo,\u201d Brufacoop Manager Dolores Redosendo shared. Their common desire: to uplift their families and improve each member\u2019s livelihood.<\/span><\/p>\n Most of Brufacoop\u2019s farmers are coconut growers, prompting the cooperative to venture into coconut trading. They sell whole nuts to Sipawi and copra to Cargill\u2014small 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.<\/span><\/p>\n For Brufacoop, the partnership became a turning point. Mahintana extended technical guidance, management mentoring, and financial support\u2014ensuring 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHindi lang siya training-training lang,\u201d they emphasized. Unlike typical sessions from other agencies, Mahintana\u2019s workshops required active participation, encouraging members to engage, learn, and apply the knowledge directly to their operations.<\/span><\/p>\n Exploring new ways to supplement their income, the group ventured into poultry raising\u2014a livelihood they hoped could grow into something sustainable.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s commitment to help them access better markets.<\/p>\n Through these efforts, Brufacoop continues to strengthen its foundation\u2014not just as a cooperative, but as a united community proving that shared dreams can bridge differences and build lasting change.<\/span><\/p>\n Nearly a decade ago, Malyango was a name people spoke of with fear. It was a place many avoided\u2014a 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. \u201cWell-known po ito na conflict area,\u201d he recalled, describing Malyango as the base for him and his fellow rebels during the height of the unrest.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u201cWalang sibilyan, walang government agency na pumapasok dahil sa kaguluhan,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2014only their labels.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u201cGusto naming marinig ng government kung ano ang puno\u2019t dulo ng kaguluhan,\u201d he said. It was a bold step\u2014one that marked the beginning of their reintegration into society.<\/span><\/p>\n Since then, Malyango has undergone a transformation many thought impossible. What was once tagged a \u201cterrorist spot\u201d has now begun to flourish as a tourist spot. As the newly appointed manager of Malyango Resort, Nilong has taken on a new role\u2014one rooted in peacebuilding and community development. He is no longer a combatant; he is now a steward of the land he once fought within.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2014leading 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.<\/span><\/p>\n For Nilong, Malyango has always been a hidden treasure\u2014one 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, peace has opened that door.<\/span><\/p>\n Nilong and the community are determined to shift the narrative\u2014away 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.<\/span><\/p>\n By promoting Malyango as a peaceful and welcoming tourist destination, Yaezer Nilong is helping rewrite the story of a place once scarred by conflict\u2014transforming it into a symbol of healing, opportunity, and renewed identity.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u201cIto talaga ang root causes ng mga nangyayari,\u201d Bautista explained, noting how these layers of conflict created a cycle of fear and instability.<\/span><\/p>\n Because of this, no government agency could easily enter the community. Development stalled. Programs remained out of reach. \u201cHindi basta-basta makapasok,\u201d 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. \u201cLahat ng sector\u2026 very affected talaga,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n Things slowly began to change in 2022 and 2023 when the Philippine Army\u2014particularly its Special Forces\u2014was able to penetrate the area and conduct community immersion. Through the military\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s groups gained livelihood skills and resources tailored to their environment. \u201cNakapacitate natin sila,\u201d Bautista shared proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n Crucially, these interventions were not one-off projects\u2014they 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. \u201cPara madali nating mapalambo yung inyong organization,\u201d she explained, underscoring their goal of making each livelihood project viable in the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n For Bautista, the story of Malyango is not just about the resolution of conflict\u2014it 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.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From Darkness to Light: The Women of NIFIA Rise Again \u201cMadilim ang aming kabuhayan noon,\u201d Noraina Dumato began telling her story, her voice trembling of emotion. \u201cWala ni isa sa amin ang may lakas ng loob na pumunta sa market. Natatakot kami\u2026 baka isa kami sa mga maging biktima ng killings noon.\u201d IN PHOTO: Overcome […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":666,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/666"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29166"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29178,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29166\/revisions\/29178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-12-063050-1024x487.png\")
IN PHOTO: Women of NIFIA showcase their sewing work, the association\u2019s pioneering and main livelihood activity.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-12-063149-1024x502.png\")
IN PHOTO: Noraina Dumato prepares a meal at NIFIA\u2019s Dapulan, a community karinderya and one of the association\u2019s successful livelihood ventures.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nBuilding Voice and Opportunity: How a Moro Youth Organization in Polomolok is Overcoming Challenges to Empower Their Community<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-19-131150-1024x570.png\")
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.
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IN PHOTO: King Saud Mariano (left) receives a certificate of participation from Liza Lopez (right) following a Culture of Peace training session.<\/em><\/p>\nUnity Through Livelihood: The Story of Brufacoop\u2019s Growing Community<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-19-134428-1024x569.png\")
IN PHOTO: Brufacoop farmers in discussion, coordinating tasks and mapping out plans for the weeks ahead.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ideals.org.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-19-134450-1024x565.png\")
IN PHOTO: A member of Brufacoop tends to the chickens at the farm.<\/em><\/p>\nFrom Terrorist Spot to Tourist Spot: Malyango\u2019s Journey Toward Peace<\/b><\/h2>\n
Addressing the Roots of Conflict: How the Municipality of Polomolok Helped Communities Rebuild Through Livelihood Support<\/b><\/h2>\n