Violent extremism, among the youth of today, concerned most of the society in all parts of the world. Some Muslim youth, due to lack of opportunity, gradually resulted in such options. In the context of Sulu where its residents had been at war for almost a decade, people long for peace and stability in their native land, and placed high hopes to the youth of Sulu, believing that one day, with these youth, they can overcome this challenge as they bring pride to their fatherland.
Thus, Synergiea in collaboration with the Jolo Municipality Women’s Council (JMWC), the Local Yourh Development Office and Sanguniang Kabataan ng Jolo organized KaPEACEtahan KABATAAN “YOUTH on PEACE and ARTS FESTIVAL” that aims to help build peace together with the youth from the different barangays in Jolo. These organizations had long been very supportive to such agenda such that they organized a festival that shall enhance the youth in building their potentials in arts by showcasing their talents in singing, dancing, acting and poster painting which were witnessed by different barangay representatives such as SK officers, parents and guardians, LGU’s, Barangay officials, some students, and other stakeholders in the community.
Further, the event is to achieve the following objectives:
To enlighten the youth and to use their skills on arts to raise awareness on acts of violent extremism.
To capacitate the SK and other youth organizations through arts, with the participation of the community stakeholders to eradicate the influence of violent extremism among young children.
To showcase the talent on Arts among Tausug youth.
Starting with preliminaries such as registration spearheaded by secretariat from Jolo Municipality’s Women Council , and a prayer led by Mr. Ruhoddin S. Saabdulla, Jolo Tourism Officer II; the Singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the event emceed by Mr. Nash Abduhadi, commenced.
Afterwards, a Welcome Message delivered by Hja. Nur-Rayhan Alfad Tan, RN, President of the JMWC was delivered. She thanked everyone in presence especially Synergeia for spearheading such momentous event and a big opportunity for the talented youth of Sulu. As the head of Jolo Municipality’s Women Council, she encouraged everyone to believe that “men or women, young or old, everybody has a part to play and has a role to fulfill. Only by being given the opportunity, one can shine.” Her words had truly inspired the audience.
Afterwards, Mr. Elsimir Tawasil, the program officer of Synergeia read the objectives for today’s festival and introduced the other speakers for this event, Mr. Edsir A. Tan II, Councilor and also member of the committee on Peace; and Hon. Kerkhar S. Tan, Mayor of Sulu. All of them inspired the audience especially the youth attendees by emphasizing on the significance of their role in the society.
Hon. Kerkhar S. Tan couldn’t help himself but mention numerous times how big the contribution of the youth is in PVE. According to him, “It takes a village to raise a child. So we must take care of that village.” He emphasized that by looking out for the society, we also look out for our children.
To entertain all the participants, an intermission number was presented by Jolo Tausug Artist followed by the presentation of Jolo youth artists’ masterpieces from Barangay Alat, Asturias, Bus-Bus, Chinese Pier in a form of Canvas painting.
Not only youth from Barangay Chinese Pier showcased their talent in painting but also in bodily-kinesthetic aspect when the Barangay Chinese Pier Youth, whom are also KKDAT-Regional Chamipon for Interpretative Dance, performed an astounding and applauded dance. Thereafter, youth artists’ from Barangay Sanraymundo, Takut-Takut, Tulay and Walled City presented their masterpiesces Pier in a form of Canvas painting as well.
These are the masterpieces presented along with a brief interpretation provided by the artists during the activity:
“Rainbow symbolizes gender equality. Nakedness of people depicts equality despite wealth, position and status differences. The different colors signify culture equality, no stereotyping example, between Tausugs and Badjaos. The Dove symbolizes purity.”
“Mother nature for me symbolizes peace. Unity between Muslims and Christians or “Kagandahan ng pakikipag-kapwa”as well as each of them hides beauty in their differences”
“Peace is positive change and always choosing for the betterment. The Earth symbolizes prosperity. People holding hands for love and good relationship towards each other. The church, mosque and mosque for unity despite adversity. Book for knowledge and guidance.”
“Mosques as place of worship for Muslims. Frontliners are also included as they stayed strong despite all the difficulties during pandemic, we heal as one along with hospitals and LGU for the support. There is also heart with the word “salam” that symbolizes the love for each religion, be it Christians or Muslims. Roles of youth- leadership, courage, respect, technology are also included in the painting”
“For us, Peace is free from worries about one’s health or anything, It is the feeling of silence, serenity, and nostalgia that could be found in a person or place and for us, it is Sapah Mading, a lake in Sulu. Long before when going to hinterlands were still scary because of terrorism, kidnappings, etc., it was hard even for the natives of Jolo to visit such beautiful places. However, peace changed that and made us see the many wonders hidden in our motherland.”
“This is an abstract painting of a face to symbolize how peace looks like in Sulu. The difference in the color of two sides symbolizes how one transitions from the blasts of emotions (depicted by multitudes of color) to inner peace (with blue background).”
“The hand symbolizes how only us, human beings, can achieve our own peace. If we do not move or take action, peace is likely to be elusive. The stairs symbolize how peace paves the way to progress and people at the center of the painting symbolizes how human relationship is the core to achieving peace.”
These masterpieces were judged with a criteria read by Mr. Elsimir Tawasil. The winners were announced by the chairman of the Board of Judges. They are the following along with their prizes. Everybody felt like winners as a consolation prize of 2,000 pesos was given.
1st prize (10,000 pesos) – Barangay Tulay
2nd prize (7,000 pesos) – Barangay Bus-Bus
3rd prize (5,000 pesos) – Barangay Chinese Pier
The activity ended with a closing remarks delivered by Hon. Farrenz A. Tan, SK Federation President who pledged to take their part in Preventing Violent Extremism. They promised to be an example and a model to the youth by being kind, honest, respectful, and all the values a Tausug youth can ever possess. They also would like to finish their studies to be an asset in their family, in their community and moreover, to Lupah Sug. After his speech, there was a photo opportunity for everyone.
The said activity was highly praised by SK-Sanggunian Kabataan and other youth groups which they concluded that the youth of Sulu should be proud of their heritages in Arts and Culture that once flourished during its time as a Sultanate and Kingdom. With the huge support from JMWC and BLGU representatives whom helped organize and arrange the activity, the activity was indeed an over-all a success.
Everyday, whenever Mayor Josecor enters his office and talks to his staff, or wherever he may be touring around the Siayan, extending services, people couldn’t help but notice his friendly and kind demeanor. People would say “Palagi yan siya nakasmile.”“Ang gaan niya kausap.” And people, knowing how difficult and tiring his role in the society is, couldn’t help but wonder,
“What is his secret?”
When I asked Mayor Josecor about this, he couldn’t help but laugh as if I just asked the most silly question. But after a silent moment, he began telling his story…
“For 9 years, I have been serving Siayan. I started in 2012 when I was hired by the previous mayor as part of the municipal workforce. And in 2019 until the present, I am honoured to be elected as the Siayan mayor.
Since becoming a mayor, I have always inculcated in my mind that I have to equip myself, first and foremost, then my subordinates, with knowledge, confidence and motivation to perform our roles in making Siayan a progressive municipality. It has become my routine to always motivate my subordinates in going to work, and I also get my motivation from them. In fact, I do not want them to be intimidated by my presence or be afraid of me. I always tell them they are free to speak their minds in whatever they think could be for the greater good of the people in Siayan. If there is someone that should be scared, it should be me as I am the one with the biggest obligation.
This has been my principle in leading Siayan and I always enjoy every experience I have as the mayor- everytime I tour around the barangays, every encounter with the people and whenever I ask them for the services they wanted to enjoy. One time, when I went to a barangay, a father asked me to help me cure his son’s illness and I replied that “I am no doctor but I will come back for you.” I definitely did and when I came back, I brought food, toys, and medical services free for everyone.”
Such programs are what Mayor Josecor had been promoting in Siayan- programs that are anchored in eradicating poverty. Mayor Josecor knew that it is not one-man fight and it is not his battle alone, as he believed, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. Hence, with the help of the strengthened and empowered Local School Board and respectable organizations like Synergeia Foundation, strategies and activities are being undertaken to fully reach their vision for Siayan.
“Since we cannot give what we do not have, we made sure to fill our cups,” Mayor Josecor started when he explained the reason why they frequently attend capacity-building workshops which always results in LSB members eagerly proposing programs afterwards. These programs always result in long-term outcomes such as the production of Siayan’s greatest treasures. To Mayor Josecor, the good-natured people from his workplace and Siayan, in general, are what he considers to be the first on the line for according to him “There is just so much goodness found among the Subanen people (Siayan IP’s).” Another treasure Mayor Josecor considers is the crystallization of Bahay Pasilungan– a shelter where students living from Far-flung area could answer their modules; and the Siayan’s ‘Pangase wine,’ the pride of Subanen people, in addition to its already rich culture.
“We are doing our best to preserve these treasures and celebrate them every Araw ng Subanen especially the Pangase wine to which we are finding ways to preserve the taste and quality.” He detailed.
However, more than these treasures Mayor Josecor had mentioned, he still believed that the greatest treasure and riches one could possess is acquiring education.
“I firmly believe when Dr. Jose Rizal said that “the youth are the hope of the mother land.” Education is the key to success. For our community to succeed and eradicate poverty, the key factor is education. Thus, we have to educate our people, orient its impact, and fight the obstacles that hinder it. As a part of the government, my role is to provide any means necessary for the constituents especially the youth to get quality education.”
In the case of Siayan, the greatest challenge Mayor Josecor has encountered in the light of Education is the poor academic performance among Siayan’s school children. This was the turning point of Mayor Josecor’s platform as Education champion and as his career as a mayor. That was when he decided to take the driver’s seat in the education and face the battle head-on. With the help of LSB, SGC, Synergeia Inc., and other NGO, they designed strategies and activities in identifying the proper intervention for the many challenges they face.
Mayor Josecor showed support to the SGCs, parents, and teachers by conducting trainings, education summits and programs aimed to improve Education in all its aspect. A program they had yet to actualize is a tutorial activity for all the slow and non-readers. Incentives will be given to those learners who would show progress in their academic performances. The pandemic however became an impediment to currently realize this plan. However, it became an opportunity to focus on the basics first- health and then eventually move on to other matters. With the support coming from UNICEF and World Vision, Mayor Josecor utilized the Special Education Fund for good education governance and projects such as handwashing facilities, comfort rooms, facilities for teachers, and health services were delivered to the frontliners in the academe. Module printing assistance and school supplies were also part of the projects during this pandemic.
“Whatever we can do for our students to attain quality education, we do it,” Mayor firmly stated.
Indeed, Mayor Josecor is more than just words and is a man of actions. His efforts, along with the Local School Board were manifested when the LSB had a consistent and even increased rating since the previous mayor, Mayor Villarosa.
Figure 1. Local School Board Rating 2018-2021
In addition, the SGC performance, as well, had increased. Its rating of 3.2 in 2017 became 4.3 in 2021. More SGC projects such as Bahay Pasilungan, tutorial activities, etc. and involvements in school activities and programs had been the cause of such valuable increase in rating, as well as in enrolment increase.
Figure 2. School Governing Council Rating 2017-2021
Furthermore, Enrolment in Siayan had increased by 30% from the S.Y. 2017-2021 because of the mentioned projects and programs conducted by the LSB and the SGC.
Figure 3. Percentage of Enrolmentment from S.Y. 2017-2021
Being called as the poorest municipality was Mayor Josecor’s primary motivation in everyday challenges. According to him, “It pains me a lot but as Siayan’s leader, I can’t show any sign of weaknesses, especially to my subordinates and my constituents so I serve my people with a smile. Actually, that is my secret, serving my people with a smile.”
When we first met Mayor Juan Carlo Medina of Vigan City in 2017, he did not have a clear picture of how the learners of Vigan City were doing in terms of learning outcomes such as their reading performance, survival rates, achievement rates, etc. Dr. Nene Guevara advised him to begin looking at the data from DepEd for him to see the actual state of education in Vigan and discuss these numbers with the Local School Board (LSB). This conversation was a turning point for the mayor. Often, when mentoring other mayors in our Northern Luzon Education Council (NLEC) meetings and events, Mayor Medina would tell the story of this conversation with Dr. Guevara. He would say that it was embarrassing for him to not know, as a mayor, the state of education in Vigan. He would say that from that point, he made sure that education data evaluation becomes part of LSB meetings, and consulting with community stakeholders on crucial issues becomes his strategy in governing education in Vigan.
Indeed, it was a 180-degree turn-around for Mayor Medina. Since 2017, he has been championing education, not only in Vigan City, but in the entire country. His desire to make his presence count has led other Northern Luzon mayors to appreciate his candor so that during the launch of the NLEC in October 2019, he was elected by his co-mayors as the council’s first Chairman. He has also been tapped by Synergeia to act as a mentor for education stakeholders in Marawi City. Not only that, before and during the pandemic, he was called as resource person for various national events organized by Synergeia.
Getting to Know the Mayor
Taking a closer look at what makes Mayor Medina a champion, we could see that he takes his job as the “father of Vigan” very seriously. When he started his term, he knew only one thing – he will help the Biguenos to the best of his ability. He is systematic in his approach to improving LGU services, putting a premium on community consultation and measurement of results. His vocabulary does not know the word “ako”. He only works along the premise of “kami” and “amin”, referring to his humble approach of being one with the Vigan community in working for its own citizenry.
Mayor Medina’s open mind allows him to always actively seek out learning opportunities from mentors and from fellowship programs such as the Jesse Robredo Fellowship Program and Synergeia Foundation. Learnings from these are immediately applied in his programs in Vigan.
Randomly and unassumingly, Mayor Medina would take long walks to check if their projects were properly being implemented and their ordinances being strictly enforced by the people in government. He would talk to the locals just to see how they were doing. In fact, many of them would ask him for directions, thinking that he was just an ordinary Bigueno. He would gladly show them the way.
Because we have a Mayor who listens with his heart, programs for the most vulnerable were set up in Vigan. The cobble-stoning of the main streets in the heritage center of the city is beautiful and truly upholds its being a UNESCO heritage site. However, upon hearing a PWD complain how difficult it was for him to manipulate his wheelchair on the cobble stones, Mayor Medina is now incorporating PWD lanes into the design of the streets.
The suicide case of a teen-age girl in the past who was sexually-abused and impregnated by her step-father drove Mayor Medina to put more focus on the mental health programs for the people. He said, “Pati tayo sa gobyerno nagkulang dahil kung hindi siya matulungan ng nasa paligid nya, dapat tayo [sa gobyerno] ay nakahanda para tumulong sa kanya. Dapat maramdaman ng bawat tao sa Vigan na lagi kaming nandito para tumulong sa kanila.”
At the Mayor’s Office, one would see Mayor Medina on one of the small tables, working alongside his staff, and not in the grand Mayor’s Office with its own conference table.
Truly, under Mayor Medina’s leadership, the culture has been transformed from that of government being run by only a few people to a government that is run by its own people. Vigan City has seen a behavior change among its people that was never seen before. To the Biguenos, THEY are the government.
Seeing Huge Results with Good Governance
Mayor Medina took governance to a whole new level. Although the public took an active role in the city’s programs, he wanted to deepen the involvement of the entire community in the city’s development process. He wanted the people to be pro-active in identifying the problems of the city. He wanted them to play a key role in the city’s programs – from planning to implementation to evaluation. Through various forms of conversations with the Vigan stakeholders, together, they realized that their way forward was community participation.
Under Mayor Medina’s leadership, the approach to good governance revolved around three key factors – it had to be well-rounded, people-driven and people-focused. Processes, policies and programs were fastened on accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, participation, and evidence-based.
With laser vision, Mayor Medina and the various LGU committees prioritized projects based on poverty incidences, employment malnutrition, student performance and achievement rates, etc. Together, the community watched the numbers improve through time. Mayor Medina emphasized the need for measurements and indicators in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs. For one, the LGU adopted the Community-Based Monitoring System to delve deeper into the issues of poverty in the city. The LGU uses its own management information system.
Education as a Top Priority
As he got immersed in the tasks of being the Mayor of Vigan City, he realized that the problems they were dealing with in the city were not only multi-faceted. They were also inter-connected. Education problems cannot be dealt with without first addressing the employment of parents. Health problems of the people cannot be solved if their priority is to put food on the table. The parents will not work well unless they’re assured of the safety of their children in school. Therefore, solving multiple urban problems can only be done through good governance approaches where the people on the ground are involved and participative.
To Mayor Medina, this approach has resulted in multiple positive outcomes that are not independent of the programs and projects that brought them about. The multi-faceted perspective in improving education became the basis for the many programs targeting the welfare of children.
For example, Vigan City, being a UNESCO heritage site, Mayor Medina strengthened both the city’s tourism capability and, at the same time, its education programs. This was done by the contextualization of the school curriculum to incorporate Ilocano culture and tradition lessons. Home economic classes involved students cooking only Ilocano food. History classes were focused on Ilocano heroes and historical event. Students are continuously trained on tour-guiding.
There have been many accomplishments in education and welfare of children under Mayor Medina’s administration. A central kitchen feeding program was set up to decrease malnutrition rates. As such, the malnutrition rate decreased from 3.92% in 2008 to 1.6% in 2018. The central kitchen doubles as a kitchen for mass-feeding during calamities.
Mayor Medina also expanded to Local School Board (LSB) to ensure a wider consultative mechanism for education-related issues. Electric mobile vehicles were purchased to ensure that informal education was promoted to those who do not have access to mainstream education. The LSB invested in a massive summer reading program for children who had difficulties in reading. With a bigger Special Education Fund, they can now hire professional coaches to improve the performance of their athletes.
Acknowledging the potential of the youth sector, youth representatives are involved in the many local councils, including the Local School Board, and are empowered to join policy-making and the establishment of different youth groups and creation of various youth programs. Particularly, the youth sector spearheaded the Good Parenting Seminar to address Vigan’s problem of teens having uninvolved parents.
To provide better facilities and services to the people and just as important, increase the Special Education Fund (SEF) so more education programs are funded, he worked on increasing Real Property Tax (RPT) collection by capitalizing on the booming tourism business. The revaluation of properties in the city, which was last done in the 1980s, was implemented in 2018. Even with opposing forces from the business sector, he bravely worked on a staggered payment scheme for property owners. When before, the LGU solely relied on other government agencies for funding, the LGU of Vigan can now sufficiently fund these projects on its own. The citizenry are now benefitting from the improvement in the delivery of social services such as the education of their children. Farmers, fisher folks and other local workers are granted various training programs, materials and equipment to improve their livelihoods.
Health programs were intensified in Vigan. To lower the incidence of teenage pregnancy, HIV and other STDs, awareness trainings and testing were scaled. The LGBT community, being an affected sector, was represented in council meetings. One of the most successful programs was the setting up of condom dispensers in public toilets where anyone can get condoms for free at any time of the day. This bold innovation has greatly decreased the spread of STDs and teenage pregnancies in the city.
Disaster resilience is also a mainstream feature of Mayor Medina’s governance program. The LGU relentlessly educates and capacitates its citizens in disaster management. The Youth Responders Camping is a program that gets the youth to play a major role in risk reduction and management. Vigan is also the first LGU that accomplished the City Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment Data. The Vigan Regional Evacuation Center was also constructed to cater to the needs of Region I.
We Have a Winner!
Because of Mayor Medina’s highly-effective leadership style, the city’s creation of innovative programs and the beefing up of existing programs, Vigan City has earned many awards and recognitions. In education alone, Vigan City has won the Jesse Robredo Excellence Award in Education Governance in 2018. And in two successive years after, Vigan City received the Seal of Good Education Governance (i.e. 2019 and 2020-2021 awards).
