Peace education

Main Problem

What peace-related issue present in your community are focusing on? Provide information and data
to back this up.

Mindanao is known to be the most culturally diverse island in the Philippines where people of
different languages, tribes and races live. Due to this cultural diversity, it is natural for people to not
have the same beliefs and practices despite living in a one island. The sad thing is, most individuals in
Mindanao do not welcome the concept of unity in diversity thus, they often discriminate and abuse
those who are different from them. In General Santos City, a number of cases with regards to feuds and
unequal treatments between groups of people took place. This is because of lack of unity,
communication and understanding.

One common predicament occuring in the City is gender inequality from which sexual abuse and
harassment originates. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12’s (Soccsksargen) women and children
protection unit reported in 2019 an alarming number of 174 rape cases from January to July. 145 of
these cases involved minors or those aged below 18 years, while 13 cases involved children in conflict
with the law. Philippine Statistics Authority also showed in it’s 2018 report 132 cases of violence against
women or (VAW) only in GenSan where victims are physically abused. The data shows that 68 of these
individuals were beaten using the perpetrator’s fist, finger and feet, 7 using bladed weapon and 4 with
firearms.

Unfortunately, this problem with regards to inequality did not end here. Discrimination between
culture and ethnicity also exist. Young Moro professionals have fallen victims of discrimination in the
workplace. One thousand Muslim residents in GenSan lamented the refusal of private companies to hire
Muslim job applicants. According to Mutalib, speaking in behalf of the Muslim populace in the city, he
heard that Muslim applicants would opt to deny their religion in their application papers and use
“Christian names” in order to get employed. Thus, Muslims have asked city officials to help in
eradicating discrimination against them, in particular in the area of employment. Muhamad Ali Macalbas
of MHRDNet said during the TFBB launch, “Getting hired is like finding a needle in a haystack. I have
had several experiences where my job interviews were cut short as soon as the interviewer learns that I
am a Muslim,”.

Difference in religious beliefs also led individuals in GenSan to fight each other. Due to the
ignorance with regards to other religious practices, some individuals may unintentionally or intentionally
disrespect one’s action which leads to disputes. This had happened a lot of time most commonly in a
school set up. Failing to communicate with one another will hinder a person to express his or her
identity as a person thus results to misunderstandings. Once this occur and was left unattended, many
worst thing will happen. Therefore, there is a need for an action to address this problem and prevent it
from worsening.

References:
Idul, L. J. (2017). Unity in diversity. Retrieved June 21,2022 from
https://iammindanao.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/unity-in-diversity/

Bañez, M. A.(2019).Poverty, War and Peace: Lumad and Muslim Women’s Issues in Mindanao. Retrieved
June 21,2022 from https://up.edu.ph/poverty-war-and-peace-lumad-and-muslim-womens-issues-in-
mindanao/

PNA (2019). Heightened awareness vs. sexual abuse pushed. Retrieved June 21,2022 from
https://southcotabato.gov.ph/126316-2/

Rosario,B. (2021).Muslims still face discrimination, human rights violations — Sangcopan. Retrieved June
21,2022 from https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/21/muslims-still-face-discrimination-human-rights-
violations-sangcopan/

Kinjiyo, G. C.(2010).Muslims in GenSan bewail discrimination in job hiring. Retrieved June 21,2022 from
https://www.mindanews.com/human-rights/2010/07/muslims-in-gensan-bewail-discrimination-in-job-
hiring/