Balay Mindanaw Northern Mindanao

Balay Mindanaw actively participated in the 2-day validation process as a member of the Composite Validation Assessment Task Team (CVATT) with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro last July 9-10, 2024. The team is responsible for assessing and validating the performance of the best-performing Barangay in implementing the Barangay Road Clearing Operation (BarCO), KALINISAN-Barangay Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa), and HAPAG-KILALA (Barangay Community Garden) under the Bagong Pilipinas Program. The validation and assessment were conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in conjunction with partner agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Road and Traffic Administration (RTA), Agricultural Productivity Operation (APO), City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro Cdeo), and Balay Mindanaw as the representative Civil Society Organization (CSO).

Balay Mindanaw participated in the transformative feminist leadership training and Assessment and planning of the in Emergencies Network - WENet Philippines Emergencies Network (WENet) last June 17-21,2024 at Brentwood Suites, Quezon City, Philippines. WENet is a network of women-led and gender responsive resilient communities claiming and defending the human rights of women and other vulnerable sectors in emergencies.

Balay Mindanaw has provided temporary shelter for 15 families left homeless after a recent demolition in Palalan, Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. The June 3 demolition affected 209 individuals who are mostly livestock farmers and vendors. To support the affected residents, we have also installed a SkyHydrant unit to ensure their access to clean and safe drinking water.

Urgent needs include medicines, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and food items. If you would like to contribute, kindly reach out to us for donation details.

The International Center for Peace in Mindanao together with Balay Northern Mindanao Team conducted a courtesy meeting with LTC. Gilbert F. Gomez PA, the 48th Infantry Battalion Commander last April 4,2024 in Maramag, Bukidnon.

During the discussion, Balay Mindanaw introduced its programs implemented in Bukidnon and discussed the forthcoming Operation Peace Course (OPKORS!) peacebuilding course which would include participants from the armed forces. The dialogue seeks to fortify partnerships and collaboration with the security sector to advance peace-building endeavors and is supported by Misereor.

Balay Mindanaw participated in a Gender Analysis Training held on February 20–21, 2024, at Casa Pura, Quezon City. It was facilitated by the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK) as the lead secretariat of the Women in Emergencies Network - WENet Philippines.

The training dubbed "(b)uilding resilience by fostering gender equality and responsive responses in times of disasters and emergencies", provided foundational knowledge on Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) for more strategic data collection and in shaping an inclusive humanitarian response.

The Women in Emergencies Network (WENet) is comprised of organizations working together towards women-led and gender responsive resilient communities claiming and defending human rights of women and other vulnerable sectors in emergencies, particularly in disasters and conflict situation.

Dialogue with partners towards an inclusivie, resilient and peaceful Bukidnon.

Balay Mindanaw paid a courtesy visit to 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Department of Interior and Local Government Bukidnon Provincial Office, and Valencia City Youth Development Office. The visit aimed to strengthen the collaborative efforts and discuss the strategic plans and programs being implemented in the focused areas of Balay Mindanaw.

We are beyond grateful for the warm welcome and productive conversation with the 403rd Brigade Commander, BGen Michelle B. Anayron, Jr.; DILG Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla; and Mr. Mark Anthony S. Espinosa and Ms. Asmen B. Tahir from Valencia City Youth Development Office.

Exciting partnerships ahead for Bukidnon!

Opportunity alert to our Barangay and SK Council partners!

🌾🍽️ Calling all Barangays and SK Councils! 🌱🏘️

Join us in revolutionizing the food security and nutrition of the country by flexing your own innovative and impactful initiatives from your barangay. 🍏💪

Join us in the 'Walang Gutom Awards' and stand a chance to win 2 Million worth of SLP (Sustainable Livelihood Program) funds for your community! 🌟

This is your opportunity to make a difference and help ensure that no one in this country goes to bed hungry. Let's work together to create a healthier, more food-secure future for all. 💚

Send your entry on or before February 29, 2024.

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Discover everything you need to know about the by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/WGABriefer

For inquiries or assistance, reach out to Red Dicto at 09568224825 or send us an email at [email protected].

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐑𝐏-𝐍𝐃𝐅𝐏 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

We, the undersigned, reiterate our steadfast support to the resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The Oslo Joint Statement signed last November 2023, that aimed for a principled and peaceful resolution to the more than 50-years of armed conflict, is an important and critical milestone in the path towards building a just and lasting peace in the Philippines. Pursuing the GRP-NDFP peace process offers a valuable opportunity for nation-building, healing, and reconciliation needed by conflict-affected communities, particularly indigenous communities who continue to bear the brunt of this conflict, indeed, the entire nation.

We commend the various members of the government, the media, and other critical stakeholders, who persist in their support for the resumption of the peace talks, challenging the predominant narrative that only through military might can the armed conflict be resolved. We are encouraged by your leadership at a time when spaces for critical discussions on this conflict are riddled by divisive tactics and an atmosphere of distrust, fear, and uncertainty abounds. We recognize the reality that civil society organizations cannot do the work of peace alone. Addressing the root causes of the conflict requires multistakeholder collaboration and partnerships across levels of Philippine society. We need allies like you in our efforts to build peaceful communities that is grounded in the work of social justice.

As peacebuilders and peace advocates who have worked and accompanied communities in their struggle for peace and justice, we have seen the devastating impact of war and violence. We believe that the resumption of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations presents an alternative path, one where we can all contribute to building a shared future of a just, prosperous, and peaceful Philippines. Indeed, it is a golden opportunity for the two Parties to discuss, incorporate, and agree upon relevant socioeconomic and political reforms necessary to bring about and sustain a just and lasting peace in the country. However, we underscore the importance of an inclusive, participatory peace process, where the rights and needs of those most affected are considered and prioritized.

𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐑𝐏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐃𝐅𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐬𝐥𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫, 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲.

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲:
Alliance of Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTARH)
Alternative Center for Health and Development, Inc. (ACHDI)
Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP)
Antonio G. M. La Viña, Director | The Klima Center of Manila Observatory
Balay Mindanaw (BMFI)
Cesar Padilla, Singer/Songwriter | Himig-Piglas
Dr. Mark Anthony Torres, Professor (Full) | Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
forumZFD
Fr. Edgar Bonette B. Clar, DCT, Director | Social Action Commission, Diocese of Tandag
Fr. Raymond Ambray, Director | Integral Ecology Ministry, Diocese of Tandag
GZO Peace Institute
Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)
Jeremy Simons, PhD | Te Ngāpara Centre for Restorative Practice, Victoria University of Wel-lington, New Zealand
Jordi Urgell, School for a Culture of Peace
Jun Aparece, MindaComm
Kalimudan Sa Ranao Foundation Incorporated
Kapamagogopa Inc.
Konsyensya Dabaw
Lumad Husay Mindanaw (LHM)
Manuel P. Quibod, Dean-College of Law | Ateneo de Davao University
Marc Batac, Civic Futures - Philippines
Media Educators of Mindanao (MEM)
Mindanao Histories and Studies Advocacy Group (MHS AG)
Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (MPI)
MindanawanOne Network
Pakigdait Inc.
PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI)
Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP)
Pilgrims for Peace
Samal Island Muslim Communities Development Center, Inc. (SIMCDC)
Sulong PEACE
United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. - Ranao
Working Group on Enabling Cooperation (WGEC)

Statement of Support for the Resumption of the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiation | forumZFD We, the undersigned, reiterate our steadfast support to the resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The Oslo Joint Statement signed last November 2023, that aimed for a pr...

Hello, Barangay Partners! Tuig ra'y nabag-o, padayon gihapon kita para sa kaangayan, kalambuan ug kalinaw sa Mindanaw!

Balay Northern Mindanao team started the year with a series of visits to the newly elected Barangay officials in the partner areas in Cagayan de Oro City. We have received warmth and goodwill during the courtesy visits to Barangay Mambuaya, Barangay Canitoan, and Barangay Carmen, fostering community connections and positive engagement.

We are excited to share with you what Balay Mindanaw could offer. We are bringing the core programs of Balay Mindanaw that focus on Peacebuilding, Disaster Risk Reduction and Resiliency Management, and Governance, integrating Child Rights Governance.

Here’s to productive, meaningful, and principled partnerships this 2024 and beyond!

Barangay Carmen
Barangay Canitoan Official
Barangay Mambuaya

Merry Christmas from our Balay Mindanaw family to yours 💙💚🤎

Thank you for standing with us this year -and with the many children, young people, women, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable families and communities. Thank you for being with us on this journey toward equity, development, peace, and resiliency.

Congratulations, partners!

City Government of Cagayan de Oro

Peace Conversations with the Lupong Tagapamayapa Members

Earlier today, the Lupong Tagapamayapa members of Barangay Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City conducted a learning visit to Balay Mindanaw Peace Center to learn more about BMFI's peacebuilding program. The visit is part of the Lupon Tagamayapa of Barangay Gusa's capacity-building initiative, where the Lupong Tagapamayapa members are exposed to new ideas, skills, and approaches to conflict management and peacebuilding. In addition, BMFI has also learned the best practices and experience of Barangay Gusa in dealing with their community issues, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding efforts.

Balay Mindanaw Statement on the Resumption of the Government of the Philippines - Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front Peace Process Peace Talks

Balay Mindanaw Statement on the Resumption of the GRP-CPP/NPA/NDF Peace Talks - Balay Mindanaw Balay Mindanaw welcomes with renewed hope the resumption of the Government of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front Peace Process. Finally, the voices of the people longing for just and lasting peace have been heard. We view this development...

"Children have the right to survive, to develop our skills and the right to education. Knowing our rights and responsibilities will help us understand more that we children and adults have equal rights and that we should help each other in upholding such."

In observance of National Children's Month, Balay Northern Mindanao conducted a series of awareness-raising campaigns with the 2,067 learners of Valencia National High School last 16-17 November 2021. The said IEC campaigns aimed to facilitate safe spaces for the learners to gain insights on the topics related to child rights, child protection, and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

This initiative is in collaboration with Save the Children Philippines, the City Government of Valencia, Bukidnon through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Department of Education City Schools Division of Valencia, the Parents Support Group, and the Child-led Group of Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City.

PANATANG MAKABATA 🖐🏽

The members of the Balay Mindanaw Women and Children Protection Committee
led our own launching program for the National Cihldren’s Month with a “Panatag
Makabata”, a pledge for the protection and advancement in all our endeavors.

The Department of Interior and Local Goverment (DILG) in a post in its website traces back the celebration "(p)ursuant to Republic Act No. 10661, the National Children’s Month (NCM) or also known as the “Buwan ng mga Bata” in the Philippines is annually celebrated every November to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 20 November 1989.

"It seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness and to sustain the promotion and protection of children’s right."

Balay Mindanaw in partnership with Save the Children Philippines conducted a series of learning sessions on Child Rights, Child Protection, and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) with the parents from Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon last September 26, 2023, to October 18, 2023.

The activity was facilitated by the trained parent support group facilitators. It aims to provide adequate knowledge to parents on how to protect their children from OSAEC. Parents were also taught about the concepts of Positive Parenting as a better way of disciplining their children in a non-violent way, solution-focused, respectful, and based on the principles of Child Development.

Trikes join the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children

Members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODAs) of Valencia City listen to a sharing by Balay Mindanaw on Child Protection and OSAEC as part of the Good Manners and Right Conduct Seminar for TODA, organized by the City Government of Valencia. Awareness efforts on child protection are part of an ongoing partnership between Balay Mindanaw and Save the Children Philippines.

“Journeying Together, for Peace”

Balay Mindanaw organized a one-day recall and reflection session last September 28, 2023, with the theme, “Journeying Together, for Peace”. The said gathering was attended by the 23 Paralegals and Lawig Kalinaw members from six barangays of Cagayan de Oro City namely, Tumpagon, Pigsag-an, Bayanga, Mambuaya, Camaman-an, and Carmen.

The gathering provided a safe learning space for community leaders to share their learning applications, analyze the current context of their community and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the community-based paralegal and peacebuilding movement in Cagayan de Oro City.

This initiative is a collaboration of Misereor and Balay Mindanaw

Our information session with the Chevening Scholarship program last October 10, 2023, was a success!

We hope many of those who were present pursue their studies as a step to better serve our communities in Mindanao, the country, and the world!

The second leg of the info-session will be held in Bukidnon State University on October 20, 2023.

Thank you British Embassy and CDO City Scholarships Office for the support!

STATEMENT ON THE RECENT ESCALATION IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

October 10, 2023

STATEMENT ON THE RECENT ESCALATION IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
October 10, 2023

We, in Balay Mindanaw, express our grave concern over the escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel.

We express our alarm over the direct effects of the conflict on the lives of countless civilians and combatants on both sides. As of posting, there are thousands of fatalities and injuries as the attacks mounted in the past days.

A humanitarian crisis is also looming, and we call for global support to help ease the suffering of the civilians affected by the conflict.

We join the calls worldwide for de-escalation on both sides of the conflict. We urge world leaders to help enable dialogue and not add fuel to the fire.

In the age of social media, where unverified information can quickly spread, we appeal to the public to be more mindful before sharing posts online.

We stand for the people of Palestine and Israel and join everyone in praying for a safer and more peaceful world. # # #

Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc

BMFI, in partnership with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department of Cagayan de Oro (CDRRMD - Oro Rescue), conducted another leg of a community-based DRRM planning workshop with the Barangay DRRM committee members of Barangay Mambuaya last August 15, 2023 - August 16, 2023, at the BMFI DREAM HQ in Sitio Patpat, Barangay Lumbia.

The training sessions were guided by the Department of Interior and Local Government's Operation Listo - the program of the department which aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness of LGUs by institutionalizing local protocols for preparedness, response, and monitoring.

At the end of this three-day activity, a barangay DRRM plan was formulated which outlines the programs, projects, and activities (PPAs); structures and systems to be mobilized; and the continuing capacity building of the Barangay DRRM Committee members through a series of trainings and provision of hardware support.

"We refuse to be victims. We choose to be resources".

(Photos by Balay Mindanaw DREAM)

Salamat, Bukidnon!

We are very happy to receive this token of recognition from the Provincial Government Unit of Bukidnon, as a member of Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA)- Provincial Awards Committee (PAC). It was given to us during the stakeholders forum for the post- activity report of the recently-culminated Provincial Validation for the LTIA last April 2023.

The LTIA aims to further strengthen the Katarungang Pambarangay as an indigenous conflict resolution structure at the grassroots level.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards were given last June 30, 2023 during the conduct of the Provincial Barangay Congress.

Bukidnon women law enforcers, educators, and social workers strengthen child protection

Last August 1, 2023 - August 3, 2023, a training on “Enhancing the Competencies of Police Officers, Educators, and Social Workers on Rights-Based Approaches to prevent Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC)” was held in collaboration with the Regional Inter-Agency Against Trafficking - Violence Against Women and their Children 10 (Riacat- Vawc 10). The said training was attended by the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Officers from the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office in the 20 municipalities and 2 cities in the province of Bukidnon, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (Pswdo Bukidnon), and the Department of Education (DepEd) City Schools Division of Valencia City.

This initiative is a partnership of Balay Mindanaw Foundation Incorporated (BMFI) and Save the Children Philippines through the "Strengthening Community-based Systems on Awareness, Prevention, and Protection against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children" project.

Congratulations to our longtime peace partner and friend, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido for being appointed as the 66th Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

Sir Roy is a faculty member of our Operation Peace Course (OPKors!), a practical course on peacebuilding which Balay Mindanaw offers for our partners in the security sector, local governments and community partners. Sir Roy is our "go to" as he is always open to give his time to help build more peacebuilders in the armed forces through peace education. He readily accepted our request even at the height of the pandemic ,and, despite his busy schedule as the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he still gave time to teach during 110th batch of OPKors last June 2023.

Daghang Salamat, Sir Roy!
Kitakits ug Padayon!

Photos:
J.Comiling/C.Baconga/balaymindanaw.org