‘Our share in Peace-building’

Marawi may be burned to ashes but hope for peace still grows

MARAWI CITY—Theirs is not the usual medical mission but they share in peace-building in Marawi.

As a response to the Crisis in Marawi, Most Rev. Edwin dela Peña, D.D., MSP the Bishop of the Prelature of Marawi, with the Redemptorist Missionaries assembled a group of priests and lay missionaries from all over the country to form a social action center to plan and implement both short-term and long-term church-based response to this crisis. After consultation with major stakeholders — IDPs, LGUs, military, CSOs, Maranao leaders, and church organizations — they created a program called DUYOG MARAWI.

Last January 27, the Archdiocesan Social Action (ASAC) in collaboration with the DACS (Davao Association of Catholic Schools) conducted its second medical mission and gift giving in Marawi, in partnership with Duyog Marawi.

Aside from providing medical care, the mission also includes optical and dental check-up for the benefit of those who were affected by the Marawi siege and are still on their way to recovery.

Some Duyog Marawi volunteers (of which 97% are Maranaos) accompanied the 74 volunteers from Holy Cross of Davao College, University of the Immaculate Conception and Ateneo de Davao University which included nine (9) doctors, 12 nurses, four (4) pharmacists, two (2) optometrists and also three priests namely Fr Mervin Maglana, Msgr. Julius Rodulfa (the President of Holy Cross of Davao College), and Fr. Arvin Bellen to two areas: Balindong and Kampo Ranao, Datu Saber. The Duyog Marawi volunteers acted as guides and interpreters.

In Balindong, there were approximately 350 patients who received free medical, dental, and optical services who also received free medicines and eyeglasses. In the Barracks area/Kampo Ranao, Datu Saber approximately 280 patients also received similar services. Psychosocial activities and feeding programs were also conducted for the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) children in both areas.

The IDPs were also given gifts (food packs) which consisted of 5 kg rice, 1/2 kg sugar, 1/2 kg salt, 1/2 kg mongo while the children received hygiene kits and school supplies.

During the Orientation last January 24, and again just before the volunteers left Davao City last January 26, Fr. Leonardo ‘Bong’ Dublan, Jr., the ASAC Director reminded the volunteers that this mission trip is not just the usual Medical mission or humanitarian gift-giving, but rather this is our share of peace-building in Marawi.

As the name implies, Duyog is the Cebuano term for accompaniment, often understood as the act of playing a musical instrument to accompany a singer or a dancer. We are aware that the mission of rebuilding the city belongs to the people of Marawi that representatives of the universal Catholic Church are here to support and accompany them all the way. (Manilee Araune)