CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Fifty women leaders and community stakeholders from Lanao del Sur came together for a four-day training-workshop on the vital role of women in peacebuilding and security, held from August 18 to 21, 2025, at the N Hotel.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur through its Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office, the workshop carried the theme “So Kalilintad na Sii ko Papas o Mga Babai” (Peace Lies in the Hands of Women). It is part of a continuing program that seeks to train and empower 300 women peace mediators across the province.
Participants included traditional women leaders, barangay chairwomen, educators, social workers, municipal GAD focal persons, as well as representatives from the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP-WCPD), the 103rd Brigade, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
Women as Agents of Peace
In her welcome message, Ms. Alliah K. Lucman emphasized the shifting role of women in conflict-affected communities.
“Women are not merely victims of conflict but are, in fact, the primary agents of peace,” she said, underscoring the importance of equipping women with the tools to mediate and lead in peace initiatives.
The sessions highlighted women’s ability to break cycles of silence and fear in the face of violence, particularly against women and children, while strengthening customary mechanisms of justice such as Taritib and Igma.
A Framework for Women, Peace, and Security
One of the key presentations came from Ms. Hassana H. Malic of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC-BARMM), who discussed the BARMM Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (BRAPWPS). The plan serves as a regional framework to institutionalize women’s meaningful participation in conflict resolution, governance, and community resilience.
Other resource speakers enriched the discussions with specialized topics:
- Bae Labi Baicon C. Nuska, Executive Director of Raheemah, on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Customary Mediation, and Effective Mediation Practices.
- Bae Noni L. Lao, President of BT’RA, on Mediation, Negotiation, Dialogue, and Facilitation.
- Prof. Yasmira P. Moner, GAD Director of MSU-IIT, who presented Sindaw ko Kapaginged: Advancing Women, Peace, and Security in Lanao and BARMM.
Hands-On Training for Local Peace Mediators
The workshop combined lectures, simulation exercises, and collaborative sessions to hone the participants’ skills in mediation, negotiation, and dialogue facilitation. These activities aimed to prepare women leaders to actively intervene in community disputes, address security challenges, and advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the province.
Building Inclusive and Lasting Peace
Closing the event, Ms. Jhohanessa L. Lucman stressed the need for inclusivity and unity in peacebuilding.
“Sustainable peace can only be achieved when women are at the center of leadership and decision-making,” she said.
Certificates of completion were awarded to the 50 participants, who are now equipped to serve as peace mediators in their respective communities.
The successful conduct of the training underscored the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening peacebuilding mechanisms, promoting inclusive governance, and recognizing the indispensable role of women in securing a just and lasting peace in Lanao del Sur.