Return of Kalipay

In the past five years, Pikit, Cotabato, experienced three major wars and armed conflicts – in 1997, 2000, and 2002. In 1997, less than a year after the Final Peace Agreement between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) was signed and amidst initial negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government, renewed counterinsurgency operations and militarization broke out in some regions of Mindanao. Pikit, home to Camp Rajah Muda – the third largest MILF camp – was the battlefield, the fighting affecting 23 (out of 42) barangays and displacing about 4,000 families or around 32,000 civilians. The neighboring municipalities of Paglaungan and Aleosan were also affected, with 75,000 of its population being displaced.

In Year 2000, despite the on-going peace talks between the GRP and MILF, military counterinsurgency operations were simultaneously conducted. Refugees rose to 41,000, coming from 27 barangays. They stayed in school buildings, mahads, madrashas and the gymnasium in the poblacion. Hundreds of evacuees put up makeshift houses while the others sought refuge in the home of their relatives. Pikit became known as the "Tent City".

Just recently, Pikit experienced fierce GRP military and MILF fighting, resulting in more casualties and victims. Evacuees who had been able to return to their homes and lands have complained of massive looting of their crops such as coconuts, bananas and corn. Civilian houses were ransacked and properties stolen. Even the walls and roofing of their houses were taken away.

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But before the recent military offensives, an effort to see the return of happiness to people in Pikit, had taken place. That may be shattered somewhat with the latest armed conflict last month. But it is a laudable effort that tries to heal the "invisible wounds of war". It is a psycho-social rehabilitation project called Balik Kalipay (meaning Return to Happiness) which is currently being implemented in Pikit with the support of the Royal Danish Embassy.

Dr. June Pagaduan Lopez, Balik Kalipay program director, writes in the Chinese-Filipino newspaper, Tulay, of the effects of the armed conflict on the emotional and mental health of the people of Pikit.

Through the use of play therapy among children and other procedures, project workers, writes June, were able to help Pikit residents confront and cope with the difficulties of living in a war zone. Long-buried feelings are allowed to come out, explosive as these might be.

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There’s the story of Abdul. He lived in Barangay Bulol, Pikit. In the all-out war against Muslim rebels in May 2000, thousands of residents had to evacuate. Abdul and his parents got into a small boat to head for a safer place. A bomb dropped by a military plane near Abdul’s boat scared him, and he jumped into the water. Writes June: "(Abdul’s) father got to him just in time, and Abdul was saved; but he had changed. He was no longer playful and friendly and began eating clay and sand. He avoided unfamiliar people. He could not speak well. His parents, not understanding what happened to him, often got angry with him, shouting and cursing whenever he was perceived to be misbehaving."

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Then there’s the story of Nina, a 32-year-old mother of four children, caught in a war zone; she lived in Barangay Gli-gli in Pikit. Nina and the other residents, fearing an attack by rebels, kept their belongings bundled up in sacks. "Men in our barangay dug deep holes in the ground where we sometimes hid our sacks.

One night, the residents panicked and ran to the nearest school, forgetting to bring their belongings. They found shelter in a school where they stayed for a month, where food was scarce because the relief workers were far from them. "I could not go to the poblacion because I did not know anyone there. I was so tired and ashamed because I didn’t have anything, Sometimes, I can’t imagine how I survived but God is good."

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Teachers, recalls June, tell stories of the effect of war on children. A Muslim boy said that if he grew up and became a doctor, he would kill a sick Christian. June says Charlie M. Inzon, coordinator of a Parish Disaster Team, said children whose parents had been abducted or killed during the war would eventually "embrace the violent way" taken by their elders.

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June writes that when Balik Kalipay was first introduced to evacuated families, the leaders, teachers and parents were bitter and skeptical. "Many wondered how happiness can be brought back when war had destroyed their livelihoods and taken their loved ones, made this world unsafe to live in, and destroyed their trust in others."

With play therapies conducted in the schools of Pikit, the first step in a long healing process is taken, says June. "Children are allowed to say their true feelings about themselves and the ‘enemy.’... When lives and properties are lost in wars, they are irretrievable. What should not be lost is the sense of hope that survivors, especially children, must have if they are to go on. For only then can they be assured of claiming their birthright – the right to lead joyful lives."

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Looking for a place to relax, where it’s cool, with verdant forests around you and sparkling pools to dip in? The place would be Doña Jovita Garden Resort along Km. 547, National Highway, Bagong Kalsada, Calamba – about an hour drive from Makati.

The resort has one giant public pool, four medium-sized pools that can be reserved for exclusive use of families or groups, and a kiddie pool. There’s a 20-foot man-made waterfalls with wading pool, and a 25-meter pellet shooting range with five bays.

Facilities and activities include picnic tables, huts, tree houses, two pavilions for up to 120 guests, mountain hiking, camping grounds, rappelling, billiard, volleyball, biking, horseback-riding and fishing.

You can hold your daughter’s wedding reception or your wedding anniversary, at the Mediterranean Annex which has room for 500 guests. It has air-conditioned facilities for seminars and social functions.

You can bring your own food, but the resort also serves all-time Filipino favorites and a host of fish dishes. Call 807-0245, fax 8422057 or email [email protected].

My email address: [email protected]