Narrated Experience by Sahara Macabangun and Melody Anne Donio 

 

December 8-9, 2007, a two-day training that tackles about dialogue of peace and conflict. It was a tripartite youth seminar of Christians, Lumads, and Muslims.

In the first day of the seminar (December 8, 2007), facilitators introduced their selves and there were “we” called Ate Yami, Kuya Becong, Kuya Roger, and Kuya Moi-moi.. They gave us materials to be used for the activities. The first activity was the introduction of participants. Sir Aron, Melody and Sahara of ICEHS- Sta. Filomena; Jebs, Nathan, Norman, and Bryan of CCCM( Catholic Center Campus Ministry); Precy, John, Ramen and Yotch as representatives of the Lumads from Rogongon; Imam Bato, Raf, Nor, Sarah, and Joniafah of our brothers and sisters from Muslims group. The participants have different religion but we were united to develop and promote PEACE. The second activity was a broad work presenting our expectations of the conference, to facilitators and to co-participants. The last activity for the morning was to define peace, conflict, vision for our community after 50 years and what we can do as a peace advocate to the society. Afterwards, we were grouped to share our ideas.

In the afternoon, we were grouped according to our religion and we were asked to put our ideas in a manila paper through drawing and posted it in the board. We help each other to define conflict which is the most memorable. “Conflict is a product of misunderstanding and it takes place when two opposing ideas or interest clash and each want to be elevated over the other. However, it can help us to become stronger and developed opportunity to grow up.”  The day ended  up with picture-taking of some documentations.

December 9, 2007, more activities were done and we enjoyed each activity such as the continuation of conflict energy- sources and levels of conflict, and relationship. We also discussed each others likes and dislikes towards another. For us, relationship is an acronym.

Respect

Effort

Loyalty

Admiration

Trust

Inquiry

Openness

Nice

Sensitive

Harmony

Imission

Patience

At the end of the event, we can say that it is worth it. We gained friends with different tribes and were able to understand them despite of cultural differences. We also learned the deeper understanding of peace and conflict.