Local peacebuilding efforts, led by dedicated local peacebuilders, are pivotal in restoring communities ravaged by armed conflict and climate crises. These initiatives go beyond mere reconstruction of physical infrastructure, addressing the profound emotional and psychological scars left on affected individuals.
Religion often plays a significant role in post-conflict recovery, with the potential to either divide or unite communities. The 2017 Marawi siege exemplifies this duality. The ISIS-affiliated Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group targeted Christians, leading to significant trauma and displacement. This was evident in the recent bombing at the Mindanao State University-Main Campus Gymnasium, where several Christians lost their lives during the First Advent Mass. These events highlight how religion can exacerbate conflict.
However, religion also became a unifying force. Muslim Maranao leaders felt a moral duty to aid their Christian neighbors, offering shelter and support during and after the siege. This illustrates the potential for religious leaders and communities to foster healing and unity.
Peacebuilders often emerge from personal experiences of conflict. Growing up in an armed affected area, and being a product of intermarriage between Muslim and Christian parents, I felt a strong calling to help fellow survivors, particularly the Christian internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi. This experience led to the founding of Women Empowered to Act for Dialogue and Peace in Mindanao (WE Act) with a team of volunteers and with the help of Ms. Asrifah Paudac. Through listening and dialogue sessions, WE Act has been instrumental in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Partnering with religious organizations like Catholic Relief Services, Jesuit Refugee Service Philippines, the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, etc, WE Act has helped provide shelter, livelihood, and emotional support to those affected.
However, this work comes with significant mental health challenges. Peacebuilders are often on the front lines, susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The dedication and compassion required can lead to burnout, making self-care and healthy boundaries essential. Resilient healing is crucial for peacebuilders who are simultaneously healing their trauma while helping others. Understanding that peacebuilders are also healers working through their wounds can foster compassion and self-care. As we heal ourselves, we become more effective in healing others
Presenting the Peace Starts Here campaign to the Hugpong sa Pakighiusa Association, one of the groups that WE Act has been journeying with since 2019, validated the experiences of local peacebuilders and those they serve. Feeling seen, heard, and supported is essential for the morale and efficacy of local peacebuilders, reinforcing that their work matters in the broader peacebuilding ecosystem.
As a local peacebuilder, I believe that peace begins within our hearts, hopes, and the work we do. Local peacebuilding is essential for the restoration and healing of communities after conflict and crises. It involves addressing immediate needs, fostering unity, and supporting the emotional and psychological recovery of those affected. The journey is challenging but immensely rewarding, and it is through the collective efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations that true and lasting peace can be achieved.