Event: The Faces and Challenges of Migration: The Central and Northern Mindanao Experience
Date: 20 November 2008
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Balay Mindanaw Peace Center, Cagayan de Oro City
The Faces and Challenges of Migration: The Central and Northern Mindanao Experience
The AIM Policy Center (in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation), Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Ateneo School of Government and League of Cities of the Philippines brought to Cagayan de Oro City the conference entitled “The Faces and Challenges of Migration: The Central and Northern Mindanao Experience” to discuss the unique context and concerns of the said region last November 20, 2008 at Balay Mindanaw Peace Center.
Issues that emerged during the pre-conference consultation with local stakeholders held last October were carried to a wider audience. One challenge is forced migration. In the areas of Central and Northern Mindanao, massive displacement or migration is caused by the perpetuating armed conflict between rebel groups and the government, and tribal wars, locally referred to as rido. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) gather to the evacuation centers of the neighboring municipalities and cities, hence the term bakwit or evacuees. Ms. Analiza Ugay of Balay Rehabilitation Center provided the overview of conflict migration in the global perspective, while Ms. Baicon Macaraya of the World Food Programme discussed the bakwit and the culture of rido in particular.
Aside from this issue, there is another dimension involving unwanted aliens. Atty. Julyn Ambito of the Migrants’ Defense Program of IDEALS gave the overview of exploitative migration, providing the broad perspective of foreigners who reside in the city and engage in abusive and exploitative activities such as pornography, prostitution and child and women abuse. Though the area is not identified as one of the top destinations for “exploitative” migrants, there are recorded cases already, according to Mr. Primitivo Rufin of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, who provided the actual situation using their statistics and data.
The conference served as a point of exchange of ideas and recommendations in addressing the two challenges unique to Central and Northern Mindanao. Attendees who represented civil society organizations, government agencies and schools from different parts of the country participated in workshops, while Ulama Aleem Elias Macarandas and Sr. Aileen Tabada of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family shared their reactions in the open forum.
The culmination of the activity was a “Call to Action” stating the commitment of the group to: 1. Urge the government, peoples’ movements and organizations to seriously look into /assess the issues and impact of Conflict and Exploitative Migration; 2. Mainstream the issue of migration in the development process especially in the crafting of policies and in implementing programs and projects; 3.Continuously lobby and demand for timely and responsive measures and interventions that promote and sustain peace. ; 4.Gather and share knowledge/information on issues, challenges and responses/practices and learn together from them; 5.Establish and/or enhance structures and mechanisms that will provide more opportunities for productivity, education, health and other social services regardless of background; 6.Strengthen the sense of community action in all levels of decision-making and in governance.; 7.Continue to work together, collaborate and synergize efforts in shaping responses to these issues, challenges and problems.
Other speakers who took part in the programme were Dr. Dante Pajo, City Councilor who delivered the Keynote Address for Mayor Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro City, Atty. Marilyn Cepe of IDEALS for the Opening Remarks, Mr. Adelfo Briones of the Ateneo School of Government for the Conference Overview, Ms. Jesselynn de la Cruz of the AIM Policy Center for the Synthesis of the Conference, Ms. Marietta Patag of the League of Cities of the Philippines for the Call to Action, and Ms. Tatine Faylona of the Political and Cultural Affairs Office of the Royal Netherlands Embassy for the Closing Remarks. Mr. Paul Paraguya of the Balay Mindanaw Peace Center acted as Master of Ceremonies.
Partners : Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP)
Local Partner: Balay Mindanaw Peace Center
Conference Overview (.pdf)
Mr. Adelfo Briones, Ateneo School of Government
Overview of Conflict Migration (.pdf)
Ms. Analiza Ugay, Balay Rehabilitation Center
The Central and Northern Mindanao Experience: The Bakwit (.pdf)
Ms. Baicon Macaraya, World Food Program
Overview of Exploitative Migration (.pdf)
Atty. Julyn Ambito, IDEALS
The Central and Northern Mindanao Experience: Exploitation of Locals (.pdf)
Mr. Primitivo Rufin, DSWD