The MHAM Community Extension Services Office (CESO) spearheaded a relief operation campaign for the displaced people brought about by the armed conflict known as the Marawi siege in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Operation Tinabangay: A Relief Operation for displaced people amid Marawi siege
Rice to rise: A basic necessity for the displaced families
Coined as “Operation Tinabangay”, the relief operation campaign for our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters caught in the crossfires of war in Marawi City is now on its second batch in response to the number of evacuees who are affected by the clash between the government troops against the Islamic State extremists.
As MHAM CM relentlessly upholds its core in keeping the founders’ legacy in reaching out to neighboring areas where natural and man-made disasters have occurred, the relief campaign was also in cooperation with the Student Council headed by Governor-elect, Louie Lopez.
Well-received by the Tabang Sibilyan-Visayas with its representative, Jamil Faisar Saro Adiong last June 16, 2017, the first donation includes packs of rice, clothings and assorted medicines which were generously donated by MHAM personnel, teaching and non-teaching staff and students. Among other accepted donations and food items includes rice, noodles, assorted canned goods and non-food items such as blankets, plastic mats, mosquito nets and hygiene kits.
Second batch of relief donations for the displaced victims
With CESO Director, Mr. Jarvis Prochina…
As CESO’s mission is to believe in the value of working together for the common good where man’s inherit optimism, industry and ingenuity can be well-manifested, the donation campaign is MHAM’s immediate way to be one with the affected families and individuals who are still trapped of the continuous military operations in order to eliminate the Islamic extremists.
According to CESO Director, Mr. Jarvis Prochina, the relief campaign is part of CESO’s responsibility to extend help to the victims especially in times of crisis and urgencies.
“We extend our solidarity to our brothers and sisters in the affected area who are still in need of these necessities. As one MHAM family, this donation campaign is also intended to show sympathy to our Muslim students from Marawi City who are studying here because they too, are afflicted”, said Prochina.
With the “Operation Tinabangay” forerunner
Meanwhile, junior student Faizah D. Disomangcop, expressed her sentiments on the on-going clash between the government forces and the fighters from the Maute group and other loyal bandits to Islamic State where her community has been so much affected. Born and raised in Marawi City, this MHAM student is one of the products of Dansalan College where she spent her elementary years. Her Alma Mater was one of the several facilities that the Maute terror group has set on fire including St. Mary’s Church, Marawi City Jail and the Ninoy Aquino School.
With CESO Director, Mr. Jarvis Prochina and MHAM junior student, Faizah D. Disomangcop at the CESO office…
Interview with junior student and Muslim Students Association (MSA) member, Faizah D. Disomangcop…
“It is a sad reality with the way things are happening in my own native place and at the same time, it is very frustrating as it is now more than forty days since the gun fight has erupted. As residents we feel mad to the bandits and even to the military attacks with less improvement. Moreover, as the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the President’s Martial Law declaration in Mindanao in a landmark ruling, I think it can spark much conflict and unending peace in Mindanao”, said 26-year old Disomangcop in an interview.
Marawi resident and MSA member in her sentiments amid Marawi siege
A graduate from Mindanao State University-Marawi from high school to college where she took up BS in Nursing, she is also an active member of the MHAM CM Muslim Students Association (MSA). As a Marawi resident, she is always grateful for the solidarity and support from the generous donations coming from her co-students and the entire MHAM family. At present, the MSA in Cebu is also facilitating and coordinating to local groups for the collection of possible donations for the displaced people amid Marawi siege.
As the MHAM CM CESO and the Student Body always rise to extend help without counting the cost, to date, donations are still in place to be delivered to the area where hundreds of people have been killed including militants, members of the security forces and innocent civilians, resulting to thousands of residents who have been displaced by the bloody siege.
Over the years, the CESO continues to uplift the lives of fellow citizens bearing its fulfilling vision which is to empower communities acting as catalyst in total human development with opportunities to develop themselves and take charge of development initiatives in their own communities. One of its goals is to achieve a society where empowered people are taking crucial roles in community development as a tool to combat helplessness and addiction to poverty. Regardless of time and place, race and religion, MHAM’s unwavering support and commitment in serving the humanity knows no bound and is always at hand. (Ana Liza Abao)