Mutarjim

Of course, campus tour – though just a quick one – to Tawi-Tawi’s “dakilang paaralan, Pamantasang Mindanao” (Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi Campus) is a MUST.

CONQUERING BUD BONGAO

No visit to the provincial capital of Tawi-Tawi would be complete without a trek up Bud Bongao, the iconic peak of Bongao.

Before you begin the climb, your first stop should be at a nearby store to buy some bananas. These will come in handy for feeding the friendly monkeys that greet you along the trail. After that, don’t forget to grab your admission ticket at the designated tourism office.

Now, you might be wondering, "Did you make it to the top?"

Next question, please!

WALKING AROUND LIKE A NATIVE OF BONGAO

After resting sufficiently from my visits to two barangays, I decided to take a leisurely late-afternoon walk, blending in like a native around the streets near Rachel’s Hotel. This has become a personal ritual whenever I’m in a new place—walking around as if I belong.

Starting from Tubig Mampallam Road, where the hotel is located, I wandered along both sides of Lamiyon Road before circling back to Mampallam Road and heading towards Ridjiki Boulevard. There, I came across the Tabuh Bongao Public Market. Like a local, I resisted the urge to take photos while inside the market, immersing myself fully in the experience.

As I made my way back to the hotel after about 15 minutes of walking, the serene sound of the Muslim call to prayer (adhān) began to echo from the nearby masjids, perfectly accompanying my evening snack of fresh durian and mangosteen an hour after dinner.

LAMION’S PATHWAY TO COMMUNITY HARMONY

After an intense 10-day marathon of visiting nine barangays on the mainland of BARMM, it was finally time to explore the region’s three island provinces.

At Cotabato Airport, I met our energetic young team leader, and soon, we were off on an early morning flight to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The weather was perfect, and the flight went smoothly. Upon landing, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Provincial Office greeted us warmly. A solid delegation of four had been sent to accompany us on our barangay visits. Sir Cid, the delegates head, conveyed the Provincial Director’s apologies for not being able to join us, as he was attending an official event in Davao City.

As we made our way to the town center, I took in the breathtaking coastal views of Bongao, with the imposing Bud Bongao standing like a sentinel, watching over the island for centuries. After an early check-in at Rachel’s Hotel, I discovered that our first barangay, Lamion, was conveniently located just a short walk away. We decided to take the 10-minute stroll, enjoying the island atmosphere.

Lamion, being in the heart of Bongao, is a vibrant community made up of various cultural groups, including Moro (Tausug and Sama), settlers, and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) known as Badjao. This diversity creates a dynamic social fabric, and the Barangay Hall is strategically positioned near Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital, making it easier to address disputes, especially those involving physical injuries, with immediate access to medical care—facilitating quicker, more effective resolutions.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the young barangay chairman and the seasoned barangay secretary. The focused group discussion (FGD) included two female members of the Lupon. I began by stressing that the training manual being developed for the MILG wouldn’t be authored by me, but by the Lupon members themselves, who bring years of valuable experience in resolving disputes and employing various techniques across BARMM’s diverse communities.

During our deep and insightful conversation, the members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa shared some of their unique approaches to conflict resolution, shaped by the cultural mix of Lamion:

“Our process begins with a Pre-Mediation Conference,” the young barangay chairman explained. “This allows both parties to air their concerns before formal mediation starts. It sets a positive tone and gives everyone a chance to share their perspective early on.”

The barangay secretary added, “We also provide Religious Guidance for those involved, whether they are Muslim or Christian. We tailor this counsel to their beliefs, helping them find common ground based on shared values of respect and reconciliation.”

One of the female Lupon members shared another key practice: “Many people can’t participate fully because of financial difficulties. So, we offer Financial Assistance, covering transportation, food, or even medical expenses. It ensures that no one is excluded from the mediation process due to lack of resources.”

Another member mentioned their Government Agency Help Lines, saying, “We maintain direct communication with government agencies to give quick advice when needed. Whether it’s legal guidance or social services, we can access the support necessary to aid the resolution process.”

“And after mediation,” the chairman continued, “we don’t just end things there. We organize Bonding and Reconnection Activities to help the parties rebuild trust. These could be community events or shared meals, which play a vital role in healing relationships and restoring a sense of unity.”

These innovative techniques reflect the Lupong Tagapamayapa’s deep commitment to resolving disputes in a way that’s fair, compassionate, and culturally sensitive to the diverse groups in Lamion. Their methods go beyond resolving immediate issues—they focus on healing, reconciliation, and fostering lasting peace in a multi-ethnic community.

After the FGD, the team generously offered us snacks and invited us to stay for lunch. Unfortunately, due to our tight schedule and the need to visit another barangay during lunch hour, we had to decline.

The visit to Barangay Lamion revealed more than just effective dispute resolution methods—it illuminated the deep resilience and unity of a diverse community committed to lasting peace. Through their culturally grounded and innovative practices, they are shaping a future where conflicts are not just settled but transformed into opportunities for growth and reconciliation.