DRUM AND BUGLE. Ninety members of drum and bugle corps from MSU Training Center led the street parade from Area 1 Brgy Emie Punud to Brgy Sagonsongan. Photo by Rey Anthony Anacleto
SAGONSONGAN, MARAWI CITY, Philippines — Since the day they transferred to transitory shelters, the displaced families have been trying to build a vibrant and self-governing community. Barangays Emie Punud and Sagonsongan hold the largest resettlement communities in Marawi. Seven areas of temporary shelters which were occupied by 1,112 displaced families are situated in these two villages.
The residents, still anxious about when they can return home, had attempted to start their life again with only the things they brought upon fleeing. Since then, the day of a life in the resettlement community surrounds on waiting for water delivery and relief goods distribution. Some were able to compose their motivation through their small businesses like stores and eateries.
This lackluster atmosphere was broken on November 29 when Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan together with the City Government of Marawi launched the KamBOLAyuka: Basketball for Peace through a grand parade that passed along the major roads where the seven resettlement areas are situated. It was participated by all area leaders, representatives of the City Government of Marawi, and the host barangays - Sagonsongan and Emie Punud. The drum and bugle corps was consists of 90 high school students from MSU Training Center.
PROMOTING PEACE. Eleven participating teams march to Sagonsongan to promote peace and community building. Photo from Rey Anthony Anacleto
Women and children went out to streets to support their representative players. Numerous motor vehicles were also used by the supporters to join in the parade. The players, wearing their uniform, were proudly raising their banners.
A total of 11 teams, including a team composed of original residents of Sagonsongan, participated in the activity.
PARADE. A team from Area 2 joined the parade wearing their uniforms. Photo by Rey Anthony Anacleto
After the parade, an opening program was conducted at Sagonsongan Covered Court. The mayor of Marawi was represented by the Dr Jun Gandamra, president of the Association of Barangay Councils. In his remarks, he expressed his gratitude to Xavier University for being an active partner of the local government in providing relevant assistance for the displaced families.
The basketball tournament started with a game of Area 2 and Area 6B.
BASKETBALL FOR PEACE. Unity photo of different teams from all resettlement areas in Marawi with the XU Community Development officers and the officials of the local government. Photo by Rey Anthony Anacleto
KamBOLAyuka was used as a title of the activity which is a Maranao word for "friendship." This activity was aimed at fostering camaraderie and community building among members of the resettlement areas. It also celebrated the Mindanao Week of Peace. An orientation of the players and team managers was conducted a day before the launching to inculcate its goals and values.
Community collaboration has been emphasized in this activity. The area presidents were assigned to serve as team managers. Organized volunteers from XU-led Angat Buhay resettlement community served as preparatory work mobilizers that include the preparation of the basketball court and traffic marshalls during the parade. Ian Comadug, the administrator of the resettlement communities, also played an active role in facilitating the registration and orientation of the players.
ANGAT BUHAY. The community leaders of XU-led Angat Buhay Village Area 7 co-organize the activity. Photo by Mohammad Nazief Naga
The residents of the temporary shelters both the players and supporters are now interacting. The activity has become a means of making friends and becoming a part of something exciting and fulfilling. It connects lives and encourages them to face the uncertainties together in rebuilding a new Marawi.∎