Author Archives: Kristelle Rizardo

Inspire, Connect, Empower | MSummit Welcome Address

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

(Welcome Address: #MSummit #MPower First National Moro Youth Conference, Finster Auditorium, ADDU, November 30, 2018.)

I WANT to share three things with the youth today. I know a lot of you are from communities that are not as exposed in the national media. It is easy to feel that you have been forgotten, and rightfully so. There is so much divide even between us — whether it is religious, cultural, or generational, that it may seem impossible to bridge.

We have not forgotten you. We remember, and because we remember, we are working to ensure that peace in all forms, peace in all sectors, peace in our hearts — is achieved.

The Al Qalam Institute was formed because there was a growing Muslim population here in the Ateneo de Davao. They felt like they had no safe space to turn to. Where would they pray? Where would they hear kutbah? Where do we perform ablution?

Yes, Ateneo de Davao University is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit university. However, we share one common unifying factor: With our common Atenean identity, as men and women for others, it challenges us to look at each person’s cultural and religious background.

The reality is, there are Muslim students enrolled in the University. Their needs – be it physical, mental, or spiritual – are just as important as those who are Catholic or of any other religion. They need a space where they can freely practice their religion, inside their own school.

We heeded the call to give a voice to all Moros, especially the youth, not just in Ateneo but in the greater ummah of the country.

For the MSummit, we wish to see three things: Inspire, connect, and empower.

We wish to inspire the youth, to uplift them and to give them a national platform. We wish to connect Moro youth from all over the country, in order to strengthen our ties to each other in a way that has not been done before. Finally, we are here to empower; to give a voice a to the voiceless, to give light to a place where it was once dark.

In closing, having the fear of the unknown is a “normal” nature of humankind. They fear something that they cannot comprehend. They fear the youth when they become better and wiser than them. We should not hate them for having that fear.

We should engage them further, through dialogues and forums of understanding. We should love them for who and what they are. It will take one day at time, one step at a time. In time, we can and should liberate them of those fears. We must liberate them, in order to have a critical mind and become better Muslims.

That, through this event, is what we do and what we aim to accomplish. We should never get tired of doing what we believe can help our people. Ameen Ameen Ameen… may Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and continuously guide our people.

MSummit Moro National Youth Conference | #MPower Awards

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Inspire. Connect. Empower.

Those were just some of the aims of the MSummit: Moro National Youth Conference, held at Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University, last November 30-December 1, 2018. 100 Moro and Moro-serving youth delegates from all over the Philippines gathered in the first-ever conference of its kind: a space to network with Bangsamoro youth from all walks of life, all in the cause of empowering them towards social change.

This event was conceptualized from the #MPower campaign, led by the Al Qalam Institute and the Salaam Movement of the Ateneo de Davao University. This concept was then introduced to workshops that were conducted by these organizations in the three Atenean universities in Mindanao: Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Zamboanga, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. From that, the participants created social media campaigns that focused on issues that the Bangsamoro youth face, such as tribalism, casual racism, and religious gaps.

The culminating activity of these workshops was the creation of a national conference for the Moro youth, where it would be a safe space for them to converge and mingle with each other. The two-day event started off with a cultural night, where the participants were dressed in Moro and indigenous-inspired attire.

The next day, the participants learned about the social media campaigns that were produced by the regional workshops, and were subject to breakout sessions on digital advocacy, community organizing, and journalism.

“The MPower journey is a journey of small steps,” said Fatima Star U. Lamalan, Project Coordinator for Salaam Movement, during the cultural night. “The M was meant for us to decide. There are endless possibilities.”

During the said event, Al Qalam Executive Director and Bangsamoro Transition Commission Member Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan spoke about the need for peace in each of the participants’ communities.

“We are working to make sure that peace in all forms, peace in all sectors will be achieved. We work for our community. We work for our people.” Lidasan said.

MSummit National Conference and Awarding Ceremony

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

There is a need to give a platform to deserving Moro youth who have made significant contributions to their local communities. For them to be given a proper forum of recognition and awareness, there will be a national convention of Moro youth.

The purpose for this event is three-fold; to network and forge connections between the Moro youth, to give recognition to the contributions that Moro youth have done for their communities at large, and to empower them to work for the causes that need to be worked on. This event will also feature the offline and online campaigns done by the Salaam Regional Workshop Participants, especially their online and offline campaigns.

It is believed that, once connections are formed, groups will emerge from the National Convention that will serve as the basis for nationwide Moro civil youth groups.

Network

The MSummit is one of the first attempts to convene the most active and empowered Moro youths from all over the Philippines. This will be a good avenue for the youths to get inspiration from each other’s initiatives in furthering their own respective causes.

Recognize

The undeniably is a need to recognize the efforts of Moro or Moro-serving individuals or organizations in order to get their stories be shown and be driven inspiration out of, and ultimately, achieve the final objective of the event.

Empower

By recognizing these youths and exposing them to a bigger group where they share commonalities with, we get to empower them in a way that will serve as their driving factors to further with their initiatives and advocacies. This, in effect, can also lead them to empower others to act on their part of this responsibility.

The MSummit Primer: Social Media Offline Campaigns

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Preparations are underway for the MSummit: Moro National Youth Conference, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store! One of the things we’re hyped about are the results of the Generation #MPower: Salaam Regional Workshop social media campaigns. With each team focusing on a cause close to their hearts, each activity and post featured sentiments from Moro youth. Whether it’s about casual racism, tribalism, or fostering interreligious dialogue, our participants proved that there isn’t any issue that the youth cannot handle.

#ReGAP

REGAP facilitated a mosaic making activity for Muslim and non-Muslim youth with the theme “Unity among different religions”. This was a twist on the Generation MPower workshop’s design, where art therapy was used to get the youth to know more about themselves and their perspective of the world.

#ToREAL

Last October 23-24, #ToREAL went camping at SEARSOLIN, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City. The campers were toril and Xavier University students who immersed themselves into dialogues to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding. The camp engaged the participants in activities and dialogue that molded friendship and created common understanding.

SCRAM: Stop Casual Racism Against Muslims

SCRAM recently conducted a conversation on “Casual Racism” committed against Muslims.

Casual racism on Muslims is brought about by the misconceptions and the lack of proper understanding of the Islamic Religion. These are questions which appear to be acceptable and normal to the addresser, while sensitive and detrimental to the addressee.

#Trybalismo

Trybalismo conducted a Moro Tribes Youth Assembly with the theme, “Interconnecting Differences for an Inclusive and Unified Community”.

Muslim Moro Youth voiced out their visions of an #inclusive and #united Bangsamoro Community to their fellow young Moros, as an encouragement to get involved in the journey of interconnecting differences , cultivating inclusivity and establishing unity.

An Uprising for Peace: A Moro Writer Chooses to #MPower

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

What comes to mind when you hear about the Bangsamoro?

The constant narrative of the Bangsamoro, its people and its culture, has been defined by decades of conflict and struggle towards the right to self-governance and self-determination. The Moro youth of today were born with these stories already in mind. They have been molded by what society views them as; that to be Moro, you must be a certain way.

Such is the case with Ali K. Satol, Jr. His latest work, Al-Intifada (The Uprising) features his short story “Oplan Merdeka.” Inspired by the story of Jibin Arula and the Jabidah massacre, Ali weaves a tale of struggle and determination that is so often unreported.

We delve into Ali’s search for identity, the ideologies that inform his writing, and the message he wishes to #MPower all Moro, Milennial and Mindanawon youth with.

1. Who is Ali Satol, Jr?

He is passionate, he pursues excellence. I was born spoiled, as I am the youngest and the only boy. However, when I matured, I turned my becoming spoiled into my search for nothing but the best. I am now spoiled in the growth of Allah (SWT). I am also sensitive, and I have my own internal world. My weakness is that I always try to be strong for others, that I sometimes forget myself.

2. How does being a Moro inform your writing?

“Writing can never be ideology-free. That is, we cannot be entirely objective. The essence of a writer informs the work, and vice-versa.” Ali says. “As a Moro writer, of course, it manifests in my work. I want to write the narrative of the Moro people, of my people. That is what I want to do with my work.”

I am always predisposed to my ideology. It is like Descartes – “I think therefore I am.” I write because I am a Moro-Muslim, and I am a Moro-Muslim because I write. I am also trying, through my writing, to dispel the notion that society can limit us to what we can do.

3. What moved you to create Al-Intifada?

Al-Intifada is a work of fiction, but it is inspired by real events. Fiction is my weakness. I am always so used to writing about myself – creative nonfiction, as it were. I have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to write, for example when my piece entitled “The Fish” was published in Dagmay.

So, when the assignment came for us to write fiction, I had to transcend my being selfish and writing about myself to writing about other people and their stories. For example, there are Moro people in the far-flung areas of Mindanao who have never even heard of the Jabidah massacre. This was the catalyst for the creation of the MNLF, and then the MILF. They need to understand why these events are happening to them.

I also write about the Moro story for non-Moros to get used to the language that we speak. The media has made it seem that the words “Allahu Akbar” are something to be feared, when in reality it is a phrase meaning “God is the Greatest.” It was meant as praise to the Supreme Being. It is not a precursor to violence. We do not have to fear words. So whenever a Moro says or writes “In Shaa Allah” or “Assalamu Alaykum” they are not afraid. We must mainstream it.

4. What kind of stories are you trying to tell, as a writer?

I am trying to write the story of the Moro people. With creative nonfiction, you end up having a realization of the world. I usually root my writing in spirituality and philosophy, because these aspects of our lives guides us as people.

5. Writing is a form of art. What do you want to see in other Moro writers, artists?

There needs to be more Moro writers. The facets of the Bangsamoro story can only be told through us. Write more about our own mythology, our own oral traditions. Also, I do not want them to forget to pursue excellence in all forms, and to lead with honor; the Moro identity is something you carry with you always.

6. What lessons have you found in writing? What does it reveal about yourself, you ummah, the greater community?

Do not neglect the spiritual aspect of ourselves. The communication that we have with the Divine is very important, and it helps us to become better at communicating our stories. We need to read more, because this is the foundation. It influences and enriches our writing.

Stories that #MPower: #Trybalismo

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

The concept of MPower encapsulates more than just one identity—it is a cultural and personal creed. Whether one is Moro, Millennial or Mindanawon, we embrace them all. We wish to inspire young leaders to live up to their full potential, and, along the way, allow them to define what their “M” means. In empowering them towards service, we end up empowering an entire generation.

We brought that concept to our Generation MPower: Salaam Regional Workshops, and they were a blast! From meeting with old and new friends in our Muslim Student Associations, to engaging with the issues that Moro youth deemed important, we were able to learn from them and impart some of our own wisdom. We were able to witness how the Moro, Mindanaoan, and Millennial youth put their ideas to action. This lead them to creating their own social media campaigns that reflected their community’s needs and values.

Here’s a look at some of the social media campaigns that really wowed us:

Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatollah wa barakaatuh.

We can never eliminate the fact that we have been organized into different nations and tribes. However, this difference does not necessarily mean that we should also build walls between one another and be selective of whom we should develop connections with.

 

Allah has mentioned in Q49:13, “O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.” This statement from the Creator of mankind encourages us all to maximize our links with people regardless of what nations and tribes they belong. Thus, let’s not make our respective tribes as a dispute to create unity among us.
#trybalismo
#MPower
#MuslimYouthPower
#MindanaoYouthPower

Stories That #MPower | #SCRAM: Stop Casual Racism Against Muslims 

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Our Generation MPower: Salaam Regional Workshops were a blast! From meeting with old and new friends in our Muslim Student Associations, to engaging with the issues that Moro youth deemed important, and getting to impart some of our own wisdom, we were all able to witness how the Moro, Mindanaoan, and Millennial youth put their ideas to action.

Here’s a look at some of the campaigns that really wowed us:

#SCRAM

“May buhok ka pala?”

“Hindi ka mukhang Muslim.”

“Naliligo ba kayo ng naka hijab?”

“Kaya pala ganyan ang accent kasi Muslim.”

“Do you speak Muslim?”

Here in Mindanao, Muslims dominantly experience being victims of casual racism due to lack of background about Islam, family orientation, peer pressure, influence of the media, and etc.

CASUAL RACISM is the conduct of using offensive words or phrases and stereotypes or prejudices, as a form of joke, insult, or normal activity, that involves one’s race, religion, tribal affiliation, color, etc. Casual Racism leads to marginalization of those who experience it. It degrades one’s self-esteem and it can cause anxiety and depression (Australian Human Rights Commission).

With our power to influence through social media, let’s work together to disseminate information and spread awareness about racist actions and language, and encourage people to apply racial cultural sensitivity.

Thank you for your concern to humanity. Our little ways are of big help to those who are victims of casual racism. Together, let’s SCRAM! STOP CASUAL RACISM AGAINST MUSLIMS.

Stories That #MPower | #ToReal Camp: Addressing Misconceptions  

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Our Generation MPower: Salaam Regional Workshops were a blast! From meeting with old and new friends in our Muslim Student Associations, to engaging with the issues that Moro youth deemed important, and getting to impart some of our own wisdom, we were all able to witness how the Moro, Mindanaoan, and Millennial youth put their ideas to action.

Here’s a look at some of the campaigns that really wowed us:

After the Marawi Siege, there has been news circulating that some of the fighters on the battle ground were students from torils (Islamic seminaries). This particular issue spread misconceptions regarding toril students being indoctrinated by the toril itself since most Islamic Seminaries here in the Philippines do not have a structured and organized curriculum and that there are no government agencies or institutions that checks directly the operation of torils as of the moment. It is partially true that some of the toril students are vulnerable to extremism because of their limited worldview. Also, many residents, especially in non-Muslim areas, aren’t aware of the existence of torils.

The #ToReal Camp, the campaign’s offline event, is a 2-day camp that will gather 10 toril students from Cagayan de Oro City and 10 non-muslim students of Xavier University. The campers will immerse themselves in series of activities, talks, and reflections that will develop their sense of belongness, enable them to acknowledge their own identity, and help them realize their purpose in the community.

The organization involved in this campaign is the Xavier University Siraj Muslim Religious Organization.The ultimate goal of this event is to eradicate the vulnerability of the toril students to extremism and to raise awareness of common understanding and tolerance.

Stories That #MPower | ReGap: Erasing Religious Gaps

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Our Generation MPower: Salaam Regional Workshops were a blast! From meeting with old and new friends in our Muslim Student Associations, to engaging with the issues that Moro youth deemed important, and getting to impart some of our own wisdom, we were all able to witness how the Moro, Mindanaoan, and Millennial youth put their ideas to action.

Here’s a look at some of the campaigns that really wowed us:

In a Filipino and Catholic University such as Xavier University- Ateneo De Cagayan, diversity is seen with the various religions prevailing in the said community. With this difference, it creates huge disparity and gap between students because of their existing conception of the other religions.

This problem has affected the interaction, communication and understanding of students in the university. Through a thorough workshop, we will be able to address the issue on the participants and give new insights, views and perspectives to them. Religion has become a decisive force in the contemporary world and instead of having it as a solution to conflicts, it was now portrayed as a source of problem

Since gaps between different religions are very timely nowadays it is just right for us to take a step and do something about it. We can’t just be hypocrites and complain all the time without doing something to make this a world a better place to live in, so furthering our online campaign would not just eventually help in reducing gaps between religions but also create better relationship among other and better environment.

The ultimate goal of the event is to address the focused issue which is religion gaps and lessen or reduce this gap among the students of Xavier University and allow the participant to be part of the campaign.

Behind The Veil: A Mutanaqqibah’s Dream for Peace

Published on , by Kristelle Rizardo.

Breaking boundaries is not an easy feat. Just ask Fatima Star Lamalan, Salaam Movement Project Coordinator and the first niqabi graduate of the Ateneo de Davao University – a Jesuit, Catholic university.

In light of Davao City’s recently-passed ordinance protecting the rights of Muslim women everywhere to wear the hijab, niqab, and burka – here in Davao City, which is a melting pot of cultures, the hijab is a normal sight. Encountering a niqabi, especially in this society, is a new experience. Picture2

“What people fail to realize, is that those of us who are niqabis, we are people, too.” Star recounts. “I have had a lot of people – even my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters – comment and tell me that the niqab is not obligatory. But it’s my choice. I choose to wear it, and I am more comfortable in it.”

To most people, and even her fellow classmates and friends, this was a big change. This also made her stand out from the rest of the Atenean community, and even the outside community. Initially, wearing the niqab was a large adjustment for her, but Star took it upon herself as a point of wanting to embrace Islam further.

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“Oddly enough, my niqab became a part of me and how I presented myself. Even when people couldn’t see my face, they still recognized me. I want to prove to people who think those who wear the veil, to people who think that Muslim women are oppressed: No. We’re not. This is my choice, and it has allowed me to do a lot of work – while the whole world thinks that this keeps me from being a productive member of the society and the Muslim ummah.”

Indeed, Star is not like how most people view niqabis. Most people who meet her for the first time are drawn in by her personality, her intelligence, and her humor. This is a far cry from how most Muslim women are perceived – to be meek, quiet, and speak only when spoken to. As Salaam Movement coordinator, she is active in pursuing interfaith and peace-building initiatives and speaking on behalf of those who are in the grassroots or in war-torn areas.

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“It has always been my dream to be able to have both the elite and the poor of our society meet in the middle. To bring those who are on top to the grassroots, and to uplift the grassroots into our world and show them that there is a different path other than kill or be killed.” Star gestures to herself. “I mean, I used to dream of being a niqabi, fighting in the battlefield when I was only eight years of age because I thought it was the right path to take. Ironically, I now work on behalf of preventing and countering violent extremism, against my dream as a little kid.” She adds with a laugh.

“This change in mindset I owe to my teachers in my madrasah years. Then I thought, just when I was almost losing hope – change is possible – and that I could make that happen, just as my teachers did. I strongly believe I can do and be that, as Salaam Project Coordinator.”

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What’s next for Salaam Movement? “To be able to gather the youth, and do just that –have everyone meet in the middle.” Star shares, and even through her niqab, you can see that she is smiling. “We are holding a National Conference for Muslim Youth and recognizing the good work done on behalf of peacebuilding.”

Truly, no matter how one presents themselves, we can always learn from other cultures and empower others. Whether you are a mutanaqqibah, a hijabi, or even if you aren’t a Moro person, one can still pursue the ideals of peace and interfaith relations.