What
Peace Helped Me to Learn
by Neo Macatangay
The year 2012
opened a great year for me. I was able to finish my sophomore year of college,
as well as, end my term as an assistant treasurer of my organization with
happiness and contentment. As my summer comes by, I asked myself, "what to
do now?” Then I received a memo from the Office for Student Affairs of my
university. It was a lot of papers so I just scan them down, then I stumble on
this invitation to apply to a program called "National Youth Ambassador
Program for Peace (NYAPP) 2012". In that situation, a break shot came to
me and lead to the opening of a new chapter of my life, actually a life
changing chapter of my life.
The
application process started and with only a few days before the deadline, I got
busy with it. As people see me tapping on my laptop keyboards editing my
application form, they ask me, "don't you get tired?" or "why
are applying for that?” I had an answer to those questions, "As I grew up
in this world, I was opened to the words 'selfless' and 'service'. Those were
the words that became my adrenaline to apply to different programs,
organization, etc." After so, I just remain quiet and continue with what I
am doing. Weeks passed by, then I realized, I am at the boarding gate about to
on-board a plane bound to Cagayan De Oro (CDO), my first trip to Mindanao.
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| The signage that welcomed me at CDO |
When I arrived at Cagayan De Oro, I
thanked God for the opportunity. Why? Because of factors that almost hindered
me to come to this place. I came from the busy city of Manila and grew up as a Christian.
When people knew I was going to Cagayan De Oro, they asked me "Are you
serious? You might get kidnapped or get hit by a bomb". Those made my
parents get a little bit concerned. Another factor that almost stopped me was
that my parent's 25th wedding anniversary party that was scheduled on May 9.
The formation seminar of NYAPP was on the 8th to the 12th of May. But with
God's help, everything went to its place. I was allowed to go back to Manila on
May 9 and be back at CDO on May 10. At that point, I learned that good motives
are challenged, not to stop it, but test if it is genuine and true.
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| My roommates |
We reached CDO at lunch time. I was
blown away by its beauty; the venue of our seminar had an access to a beach. At
that moment, I realized people back home picture Mindanao using the news and
not by the way I am seeing it right now. We were all called to the function
hall and the Vice Mayor of CDO welcomed us through a speech. It was short and simple, but his words
that struck me the most were that “in CDO there are no Christians, there are no
Muslims, but there are Filipinos”. I was
overwhelmed by that equality and unity of the people, disregarding their
religions and respecting it. How I wish it could be for the whole Philippines.
I myself think it is possible, but it will take some time. Room
assignments were given to us, where each room has a mix of culture. A roommate
of mine asked me, "what is the image of Mindanao to you guys back in
Manila?” I told him and the rest of my roommates the truth of what our
perception to Mindanao. I was shocked because I realized that they are affected
by the negative connotation. I can't fully blame the media, but all I wish was
they also show the positive side of Mindanao and its cities.
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| A shot of my plane at NAIA 3 from CDO-Manila trip |
The second day early
morning I had to fly back to Manila for awhile for my parents' wedding
anniversary party. There was still no sun, but I was able to prove something.
CDO taxi drivers are friendlier than Manila taxi drivers. How did I say that?
You see when I was on my way to the airport our taxi broke down, but the drivers
did not tell me and my Kuya Frosk what happened. He only told us the situation
when he found us a replacement taxi. He did not let us stand outside and wait
for a new taxi on our own. Surely, it was a friendly gesture I will never
forget. At the party, I was able to share a little of what I have learned so
far in NYAPP. One of the reasons why my tiring trip going back to Manila was worth
it was because I was able to influence some people to the advocacy of PeaceTech
Inc. My tita, who is my mom’s closed friend, approached me and congratulated me
for my achievement in being part of NYAPP. She told me she wants to learn more
about PeaceTech Inc. when I get back. Her son was also eager to apply and join NYAPP
next year. Influencing others in these kinds of programs is truly heart-warming.
Even I felt tired and sleepy; it was all worth it, knowing that you influenced
other to join you in your advocacy.
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| Me and my fellow participants in one of our sessions |
The wedding
anniversary party of my parents ended at 12 midnight. I only slept an hour and
went to the airport already for my 4:15 am flight back to CDO. Even I was tired
or sleepy, I was still eager to go back, for unknown reason. I just felt that I
was missing half of my life if I will not get there fast. I was also praying
that my flight won't get delayed. Again with God's help, I was able to make it
during the morning exercise and joined them. Another lesson came up to me,
one's commitment to a motive is again tested. I said to myself that if you aim
for something never let go, problems and challenges are just tests by God to
see how dedicated and committed you are. God wants to know if you’re doing it
for real or just to show off. That is the question behind that situation of one's
life. And I felt happy I surpassed that. Day three was awesome; I was able to
find real friends that I shall forever treasure. Knowing what they feel about the
issues between the Muslims and Non-Muslims became my wake up call to act.
Innocent people are involved and affected in physical and verbal wars,
affecting them and leaving marks on their pasts, haunting their present.
Negative stereotyping, discrimination and unjust judgment cannot be applied to all;
there are people who do not deserve it. I met great people, even better people
than I am, who inspired me. I realized what I am doing now, is not yet enough,
unlike the people I met there who have done a lot and made a difference earlier
in their lives. I will take this chance to thank my fellow NYAPP 2012
participants, thank you for inspiring me. I salute you all! Thank you to
PeaceTech Inc. as well.
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| My fellow participants in their Cultural Costumes |
My respect for
the culture of the people of Cebu city, Cotabato city Marawi city, Zamboanga
city, and Iligan city grew more during the fourth day. They value their tradition
and culture so much. I was very much impressed by their dances, and I felt the
difficulty to learn them, starting off with the posture and all. With that, I
realized that the Philippine culture and tradition should also be valued like
that, for our youth are losing interest to it. That is why I was influenced by
my fellow participants, from the cities I enumerated, to be an example in
patronizing what is truly Filipino.
As the last day came, sadness
prevailed amongst us, knowing that we don't know when we will see each other
again. Genuine friendship is hard
to find, that is why I learned that friendships must be treasured, because we will
never know when we will find another one like it. It was raining when we board
our plane going back to manila, as if the heavens feel our sadness. Upon
arriving back to Manila, I was still in denial that the formation seminar was already
over. I really missed everyone, but my parents told me to stay positive. We
will never know, only time can tell, when we will see each other again. Just
hope that it will be soon. To be honest, the distance between each and every
one of us even made our friendship stronger. We truly became a family, a proof
that the Philippines, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, can be united
peacefully. That is why I hope in the near future, it really happens for the
whole country, not just in us at NYAPP.
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| The NYAPP 2012 Family |
This
experience is truly life changing to me. A lot of doors opened to me that I
embrace now. Now, I not only advocate for peace but also for human dignity,
because of all the people I met and influenced me.
Always believe
that you can do something for our country, for the world. You are not alone;
there are a lot of us taking a step for the betterment of the future. Do not
let your low self-esteem put you down. Let us join our efforts together, because
together we can make peace and change happen.
