WOMB Commemorates Efforts in the Peace Process

• Oct 7, 2018
• Sittie Asiyah bint Akmad, Luwaran
• HITS: 1816

Davao City - The Women’s Organizations Movement of the Bangsamoro (WOMB) commemorated their efforts in the peace process believing that attaining justice is through the passage of Organic Law for the Bangsamoro held at Casa Leticia Hotel, Davao City on October 2-3, 2018 with the theme, “Harvesting and Planning for Moving Forward of Bangsamoro women,” 

Ms. Noraida Chio, Project Officer of The Asia Foundation (TAF) congratulates the WOMB members for their meaningful sacrifices for lobbying with local officials and legislators at a time when the then Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was facing uncertainty in the hands of lawmakers. 

“In addition, the street mobilization, facilitating manifesto, organizing tri- people’s support including participating in press conference, and interviews in the mainstream media are plus factors in their contribution to the peace process,” added Chio 

“That persistence, patience and passion that your group extended contributed a very significant role in achieving the objective for the Bangsamoro,” Chio also said.

“The efforts must not end with the passage of BOL because the great challenge awaits you in establishing a transparent and responsible government for the people where hundreds of thousands of women in their respective communities are expecting and hoping for a better life,” Chio stressed. 

Engr. Aida Silongan, SWC Chairperson says that “What they have done is for the benefits of the next generations and not for themselves. And, all those plans will not be put into realization without the extended helped of the TAF. So, they feel great for the funding agency for its undying support. 

“Taking responsibility to ensure the passage of R.A. 11054 which is the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is an ‘amanah’, an Arabic term which means “Trust” from the Creator.

“The spirit of volunteerism can never be paid off, and perhaps one factor of passing the law was a reward of the God-Creator to the people of Bangsamoro, and we are so happy to be part of this struggle. 

Former GPH Peace Implementing Panel Chair, Irene "Inday" Santiago discussed about the 8 Pillars of Peace as a tool for an effective peace table that the women can used to assert their perceptions, ideas, and solutions in a dialogue.

IN PHOTO-Engr. Ruby Andong, Chair of the Women’s group INFoi speaks to the participants during their gathering at Case Leticia Hotel

A co-convenor, Engr. Ruby Andong said, “The fight has not yet ended. For now, the great challenge for us is on the level of taking responsibility in the parliament. On how we will face it, we are still in the process of studying into it because most of us were trained as community organizers, social welfare workers, displaced women, and a survivors of war though we are professionals. 

“Perhaps we will initiate training and seminar if needed for our young women professionals to be part of the parliament whom we may recommend if necessary. Believing that, through participating in the parliament we can still pursue our dream for our fellow women, and for our children through delivery of appropriate services that they deserve to received.  

Bainon Karon, Head of MNLF Women Convergence said, “This is what we thank for to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the convergence of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in making this battle of pen succeed. And we will be always here to support them in the name of peace.” 

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