Equal Access International - Philippines

We stand in solidarity with Mindanao State University, expressing our deep sorrow and strong condemnation of the recent bombing attack. This senseless act of violence has taken precious lives and left several others injured.

together with the community stands firm in our denouncement of this heinous act. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, students, and the entire community.

In the face of such tragedy, we call on everyone to come together, supporting one another with empathy and compassion. This incident serves as a stark reminder that, collectively, we must reject violence and instead foster a spirit of understanding as brothers and sisters.

Let us stand side by side, showing resilience and strength in these trying times. We call for the swift resolution of this case and pray for the eternal rest of the fallen.

MISLEADING: Deceased Student Falsely Accused in Bombing Incident

The PNB MSU Branch rejects the circulating news claiming that a CCTV footage has been released in connection with the bombing incident in MSU Marawi Gymnasium. As of this writing, no official statement has been released by the authorities, and the person or group behind the incident has not yet been identified, as it is still under investigation.

We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. Let us wait for official statements from the appropriate authorities.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families in this trying time.

MSU President's statement:
https://www.facebook.com/MSUMarawi/posts/755011126672512?from_xma_click=xma_web_url&xma_click_id=0747C04A-1D5E-4EBF-BC0D-B3AF2EA79983

Developing news:

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1869561/at-least-1-killed-40-hurt-in-msu-marawi-blast

"In Islam, telling the truth is one of the highest forms of faith. It is a form of jihad. When we instill the value of truth in young people, we remind them of their faith. So, we really wanted to work with these young people to not just become empowered leaders but also leaders that are truth-tellers,” shared Amaliah Sultanbatao of KNALedge.

Read more about the work of our in fighting disinformation by equipping digital literacy skills among students in Lanao del Sur: https://www.equalaccess.org/stories/enhancing-digital-skills-to-fight-disinformation-in-lanao-del-sur-philippines/

Enhancing Digital Skills to Fight Disinformation in Lanao del Sur, Philippines - Equal Access International Experiencing discrimination, displacement and loss from the Marawi Siege, young leaders Moner Ramos-Datu, Najeb Hadji Ali, and Amaliah Sultanbatao from Lanao del Sur province, worked together to fight against disinformation. Through their social media campaign, ‘KNALedge’, created during EAI Phi...

It’s the International Youth Day!

Today, we celebrate with the global community to honor the remarkable contributions of the youth in forging pathways to a more sustainable future. We look up to the young people who continue to raise their voices, empower communities, and inspire fellow youth towards a brighter tomorrow.

EAI Philippines recognizes the pivotal role of the youth in building peace, leading social transformation, and inspiring community growth, among others. As one of the strongest pillars of the nation, EAI is committed to supporting the youth’s endeavors for progress and development.

Maligayang Pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kabataan!

Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, brings us together in a celebration filled with gratitude and unity. We honor Prophet Ibrahim's devotion by reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice and sharing our blessings with others.

As we gather with loved ones, we enjoy delicious food and embrace the spirit of generosity. Eid Al Adha reminds us to be kind, help those in need, and strengthen the bonds of family and community. Through prayer and reflection, we find solace and renewal, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.

May this Eid Al Adha bring peace, abundance, and a deepened understanding of compassion as we stand together, united in faith and love.

SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Carlito D. Rocafort delivers his greetings and message to government officials and education leaders at the OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall.

In his message, he sheds light on the importance of being responsive to the needs of our learners, emphasizing that quality education for all entails the engagement of all Filipino communities and local leaders. He also highlights the importance of inclusive and culture-sensitive learning.

At the OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson of the United States Embassy in the Philippines expressed their support for the work towards peace and stability in Mindanao.

She emphasized the importance of the youth's efforts for paving the way for a more peaceful future.

At the OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall, Acting Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Sec. Isidro L. Purisima conveyed the office's gratitude for the efforts on Preventing Violent Extremism (PV-E) through Peace Education in Mindanao.

He highlighted the important role of educational sectors in shaping and nurturing young minds into building peaceful and progressive communities by preventing violent extremism, as future leaders.

In view of the recently held OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall, Vice-President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte expresses her support and gratitude for the efforts on Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E) in Mindanao.

Through the Communities and Schools Leading in the Fight against Terrorism (CS-LIFT) Project implemented by Equal Access International and supported by the US Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau, in partnership with BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and Department of Education-Region 12, the project has reached 21 high schools and 1,094 students in both BARMM and Region 12.

The OURmindaNOW Summit on April 26 presented the milestones of the 2-year CS-LIFT project implementation on PVE-E as well as recommendations for expansion. EAI Philippines also presented the Priority Agenda on PVE-E in the Basic Education.

The one-day event was made possible through strong support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, co-supported by The Asia Foundation’s (TAF) USAID-funded FORWARD Bangsamoro Project, and by the Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University.

WATCH: Vice-President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte's video message for the OURmindaNOW Summit 2023 and PPF 3 Town Hall https://youtu.be/ekSw48qHi4w

Today, Equal Access International honors and celebrates the Filipino work force whose dedication in their duties stands as the scaffold of our nation.

Let us also work together towards making the Philippines a nation that pays heed to the struggles they have faced for many decades.

This Labor Day, join us in calling for policies that safeguard and promote the welfare of our workers.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!

On April 26, 2023, the one-day OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall took place in Davao City with more than 130 guests and participants from different peacebuilding and PVE sectors in attendance.

The morning session featured experts from the academe, partner teachers, and schools who worked with EAI Philippines in pilot-testing the 12-session Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E) Toolkit for Grade 10. They discussed interventions for PVE-E in Basic Education, and PVE through Participatory Media and Technology. The panelists shared milestones, challenges, and plans for advancing PVE-E into an educational policy, and also talked about how media and technology can promote social behavior change and resiliency among community members vulnerable to VE.

In the afternoon, seven teams of Peace Fellows from BARMM and Region 12 showcased their Peace Promotion Fellowship projects, with 18 Peace Fellows sharing their achievements, challenges, and plans for scaling up their projects after the six-month EAI fellowship program.

The event was a great platform for different stakeholders to network and discuss more collaboration for peacebuilding and PVE in Mindanao, and was made possible thanks to the strong support from the UNDP Philippines co-supported by the European Union, The Asia Foundation's USAID-funded FORWARD Bangsamoro Project, and the Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University.

Davao’s Messaging Hub host, Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), is among our esteemed partners of the upcoming OURmindaNOW Summit and Peace Promotion Fellowship 3 Town Hall on April 26 in Davao City!

In addition, Al Qalam and ADDU will be graciously accommodating our 18 Peace Fellows during their Wrap-Up session on April 25.

We express our deep appreciation to Al Qalam for their invaluable support in our collective efforts to empower youth in Preventing Violent Extremism and promoting peace in Mindanao.

Know more about Al Qalam's efforts for Mindanao here: http://alqalam.addu.edu.ph

See you there!

EAI Philippines wishes our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eid Mubarak!

Ramadan, the most important time in the Islamic calendar, is a chance for Muslims to come together and solidify their spiritual connection. This is done through prayer, meditations, and living a virtuous and holy life—marking a significant time when the Qur'an was first shown to rhe Prophet Muhammed.

As they break this month-long fast, EAI joins the Muslim community in this prosperous and colorful celebration.

EAI Philippines is deeply thankful for the support of The Asia Foundation (TAF) Philippines, through its USAID-funded FORWARD Bangsamoro Project, to the OURmindaNOW Summit 2023 and Peace Promotion Fellowship 3 Town Hall on April 26 in Davao City!

With TAF’s partnership, the one-day event will gather more than 100 guests from our communities and schools in BARMM and Region 12, national and local government institutions, civil society organizations, and the youth sector. Highlights will include a discussion on Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E), and PVE through Participatory Media and Technology.

Know more how TAF is empowering communities here: https://asiafoundation.org

We are profoundly grateful for the support given by the European Union and the UNDP Philippines to the upcoming OURmindaNOW Summit 2023 and Peace Promotion Fellowship 3 Town Hall on April 26, 2023 in Davao City!

The upcoming event will recognize local efforts and the role of active citizens, young people, communities and schools in the promotion of inclusive dialogue for sustainable peace in Mindanao.

Know more about UNDP's work here in the Philippines: https://www.undp.org/philippines

We are proud to announce that we are bringing the second OURmindaNOW Summit and the third Peace Promotion Fellowship Town Hall in Davao City on April 26!

This one-day event is made possible with the generous support of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Asia Foundation’s (TAF) USAID-funded FORWARD Bangsamoro Project, and the Al Qalam Institute.

As part of the event, 18 Peace Promotion Fellows will showcase the outcomes of their projects from the six-month fellowship program, providing valuable insights into their success stories.

Follow our page for more updates!

The newest messaging hub node is in Iligan City!

EAI Philippines together with the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Gender & Development Center and Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao officially launched the eight messaging hub node on March 28, 2023 at MSU-IIT.

Aside from the launching, EAI Philippines conducted a Messaging Hub Orientation and Workshop attended by MSU IIT representatives and various Iligan-based institutions.

Fruitful discussions opened for potential partnerships during said activity. In the workshop, the participants identified community issues in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and the neighboring areas of the city. Further online discussion and collaboration about messaging hub are already planned.

Finally, with the newest partnership, MSU-IIT Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney Ditucalan, expressed enthusiasm for the Iligan Messaging Hub and advocates prioritizing peace education through joint efforts.

The Messaging Hub is a convergence platform for positive social change movements in Mindanao and the Philippines, promoting collaboration with development stakeholders and change makers to initiate powerful advocacies that amplify narratives promoting positive change. It is a vehicle that allows local actors to utilize EAI’s interventions to their benefit, as they create impact collectively and continuously across projects, programs, and sectors.

Check out these photos from EAI Philippines’ Communities and Schools Leading in the Fight against Terrorism (CS-LIFT) Project field visits in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao! Since 2021, the CS-LIFT Project has been working with 21 schools to pilot-test and roll out the 12-session CS-LIFT toolkit for Grade 10 students.

In February and March 2023, EAI Philippines conducted visits to partner schools in BARMM and Region 12 to assess feedback from students and teachers and gather valuable learning experiences and recommendations for the inclusion of Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E) in the curriculum.

To date, more than 1,000 students from 10 divisions have participated in the CS-LIFT project, thanks to the strong support of BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and Department of Education - Region 12.

Stay tuned for more updates on how the CS-LIFT Project is reaching and empowering educators and young learners in peace promotion and PVE, through quality, inclusive and participatory learning experiences.

The Holy Week has come and it is now time to take rest and confide in the Lord.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us offer our burdens, accomplishments, and sacrifices to Him.

May this week provide all of us a chance to let love prosper all for the name of Christ.

"Sometimes, when you are a married woman, you are restricted from proving your ability and not taken seriously in decision-making roles. As an , my marital status and motherhood are not barriers to accomplish the things I want, but instead these inspired me to be more dedicated."

In this feature, Sittie Haimah B. Sultan, EAI Philippines' Community Facilitator, talks about , women's participation, and her self-empowerment journey.

READ MORE: https://ourmindanow.org/2023/03/31/women-as-a-driving-force-of-the-modern-world/

In celebration of this year’s Women’s Month, we take a special glance towards one of EAI Phs’ Peace Promotion Fellows, Sahanee Panolong, from Butig, Lanao del Sur, on her views towards women in advocacy.

“An empowered woman can help build a peaceful society through creating and giving access to equal opportunities and resources available in the government and other offices,” says Sahanee on her vision of what an empowered woman can be.

Find out more of Sahanee's story here:
https://ourmindanow.org/2023/03/29/sahanees-voice-for-the-women-of-islam-today/





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Sahanee’s voice for the women of Islam today - OURmindaNOW The voice of an empowered woman can nurture a society where peace, inclusivity, and equality thrive. In celebration of this year’s Women’s Month, we take a special glance towards one of EAI Philippines’ Peace Promotion Fellows, Sahanee Panolong, from Butig, Lanao del Sur, on her views towards ...

EAI Philippines is happy to welcome AMINA RASUL-BERNARDO as the new board member of Equal Access International.

Amina Rasul-Bernardo is President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and hosts the “She Talks Peace” podcast. She has decades of experience in peacebuilding, youth, religion, and development in both government and civil society.

We look forward to your expertise and endeavors with EAI, Ma'am Amina!

READ MORE: https://www.equalaccess.org/stories/eai-welcomes-our-two-newest-board-members-amina-rasul-bernardo-and-ashok-regmi/

Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. It serves as a reminder of the month when the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed “Peace Be Upon Him”. During this month, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This is called fasting.

During Ramadan, Muslims aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah. They do this by praying and reciting the Quran, making their actions intentional and selfless, and abstaining from gossiping, lying, and fighting.

EAI joins our Muslim brothers and sisters and the entire Muslim Ummah in observing the month of Ramadan. May it purify and illuminate our souls in the ways of God, and may all our sins be forgiven by Him. Ramadan Kareem!

The OURmindaNOW Messaging Hub is expanding!

Earlier in March 2023, EAI Philippines renewed its partnership with the Institute of Peace & Development in Mindanao (IPDM) of MSU GenSan, as one of the hosts for the SOX Messaging Hub. In time of the Women’s Month Celebration, MSU GenSan’s Gender and Development Office also signed the MOU together with the IPDM, as its co-host.

The signing which took place during the opening of the Women’s Month Celebration on March 8, 2023 at MSU GenSan, marked as the start of collaboration among SOX MH hosts, the OURmindaNOW Messaging Hub and EAI Philippines, in advancing efforts in connection to and development.

EAI Philippines Program Manager Joel Dizon, together with MSU GenSan Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Mishell Lawas, GAD Director and EAI Tech Camp alumna Diane Mae Ulanday-Luzano, IPDM OIC Director Mario Aguja led the ceremonial signing.

Season Finale na ng OURMindaNOW radio program!

Sa ating huling episode, sasamahan tayo ng mga EAI LDAG Members upang talakayin ang mga makabuluhang kuwento at aral na napulot mula sa Listening and Discussion Action Group (LDAG) sessions na nasimulan noong September 2022.

Maaring pakinggan at panoorin ang OURmindaNOW radio program sa ating mga partner radio stations:
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday: DXBUP 100.1 RADIO FM
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday: Max Fm Tacurong City 91.1 Official
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday: MSU Radio 94.1 U FM
Every 2nd & 4th Friday: DXCP Radyo Totoo
Every 2nd & 4th Saturday: Good Vibes 90.5
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Through the Communities and Schools Leading in the Fight Against Terrorism (CS-LIFT) Project, we will bring together a range of trusted and influential voices to provide analysis and insight into issues including youth radicalization and debunking VE messaging, while strengthening the capacity of the youth, educators, religious leaders, and community members, to become positive peace influencers.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

On March 18, 1968, a tragic incident known as the ‘Jabidah Massacre’ took place on the island of Coregidor.

Army recruits from the island provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi were trained as members of a special commando unit named 'Jabidah' for the Operation Merdeka, a secret plan to take over Sabah. Upon learning the fate ahead of them, Moro trainees protested and demanded to be brought back home. This led to the massacre of the trainees that sparked the decades-long Bangsamoro pursuit for their right to self-determination.

The commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre is in line with the Proclamation No. 0001, series of 2021, issued by Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, declaring every March of the year as “Bangsamoro History Month” in the region.

Every 18th of March is also Bangsamoro Day, pursuant to Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 67. EAI Philippines joins the entire Bangsamoro in this commemoration and our shared goal for a in Mindanao.

This National Women’s Month, we recognize our passionate women educators and teachers who make up more than 70% of the Philippines’ teaching force. is proud to partner with whose motherly care and instincts transcend beyond their homes, making classrooms safe spaces for learning and character-building.

While teaching as a profession attracts a high number of women, they are also faced with uncompromising situations. These include having to travel distances to reach the schools and constantly being away from their family, aside from the physical challenges that go with it while performing their duties as a mother, a wife, and a provider.

As we acknowledge our women educators this month, may we continue to support their call of a working environment that protects their welfare as .

This Women’s Month, we recognize the value of women’s participation in community-building and peace promotion.

ASNIA AMER, a mother and one of our active Listening and Discussion Action Group (LDAG) members in Marawi City, talks about how EAI’s LDAG sessions inspire her to give value to important issues like .

"Dati sa bahay lang ako - naghahanda ng mga kailangan ng mga anak ko. Ngayon, nag-aaral din ako (tuwing LDAG sessions) at yung mga natutunan ko ibinabahagi ko rin sa kanila. Pwede rin pala akong matuto at magkaroon ng makabuluhang pananaw sa buhay tulad ng equal rights."

(“Before this, I used to just be at home preparing the needs of my children. Now, I also study through the LDAG sessions and I share what I learn to them. I realized that I can still learn and develop meaningful views in life like equal rights.”)

The LDAG is a participatory media and technology intervention that uses radio dramas and weekly discussions to raise awareness and empower community members to take action on various issues, including terrorism, human rights and peace promotion.

Asnia is one of the many mothers from the 14 communities in BARMM and Region 12 engaged through the LDAG. EAI recognizes the role of women and mothers like Asnia in molding the young generation who aspire for a society that is free from terrorism and where culture of non-violence is fostered.