The Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program–Leadership Communities (BYLP-LeadCom) is a dynamic year-long program that engages Bangsamoro youth leaders through on-site immersion and a series of leadership workshops. The program seeks to empower the youth to implement projects for health, education, livelihood, and peace so they can help transform the community they serve. The program had chosen thirty-five young leaders from Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a region in the southern Philippines deeply affected by long-running conflict. Among thirty-five fellows are eight young leaders of Lanao del Sur. The BYLP-LeadCom seeks to harness the strengths of Bangsamoro youth as agents of positive change in their respective communities. The initiative is a joint effort of the Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines (EFAP), Ayala Foundation, and Office of the Regional Governor- ARMM.
Due to Marawi City crisis, the eight fellows coming from Lanao del Sur were also directly affected by the siege. The young leaders evacuated from Marawi to Iligan City. Instead of staying in other places with their relatives, they chose to stay in Iligan to personally monitor other IDPs and render time in doing voluntary works with government and non-government groups. They participated in series of relief operations and psychosocial support services in Iligan City and in some areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
As young leaders whose eyes were opened to challenges faced by communities, they use their genuine passion to touch hearts and transform lives. They had been actively participating in many community works. One of their top concerns is the health of people. Being raised in rural areas with no good health practices, now, they promote sustainable healthcare.
The BYLP-LeadCom team is sincerely grateful to the opportunity that Zuellig Family Foundation had given with the strong support Sir Ariel Hernandez. The team had distributed 100 maternal kits and 100 packs of medicines. Since maternal kits were received by the team on July 7, 2017 and medicines on July 13, exactly the same recipients of maternal kits were not met on the release of medicines. On the positive side, there are total of 147 mothers or expectants benefited the distribution. 147 is more than 60% from the 238 surveyed mothers by the team in some areas of Lanao del Norte and Lano del Sur. The donation have reached Brgy. Del Carmen, Brgy. Sta. Elena, and Brgy. Tubod in Iligan City. It also reached both evacuation centers and home-based evacuees in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. Furthermore, some were also delivered in Saguiran especially for those who did not receive such donation.
Here is the list of beneficiaries:
| # | Age | Months of pregnancy | Birth Order | Address in Marawi | Current address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | 7 | 1st | Datu Saber | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 2 | 19 | – | 1st | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 3 | 29 | 8 | 4th | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 4 | – | 5th | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i | |
| 5 | 28 | 9 | 6th | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 6 | 27 | – | 5th | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 7 | 35 | – | 1st | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 8 | 18 | 3 | 1st | Brgy. Talimpong | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 9 | 38 | 5 | 5th | Bliss Papandayan | Momungan purok 5, Balo-i |
| 10 | 23 | 4 | 1st | Bliss Papandayan | Momungan Learning Center |
| 11 | 16 | 3 | 1st | Bobong Lumbac Marawi | Momungan Learning Center |
| 12 | 20 | 3 | 1st | Tuca Marantao | Momungan Learning Center |
| 13 | 18 | 7 | 1st | Bobong Lumbac Marawi | Momungan Learning Center |
| 14 | 23 | 8 | 2nd | Bangon | Momungan Learning Center |
| 15 | 18 | 7 | 1st | Bobong Lumbac | Momungan Learning Center |
| 16 | 35 | 9 | 5th | Tuca Marawi | Momungan Learning Center |
| 17 | 20 | 6 | 3rd | Kapai, Lanao del Sur | Momungan Learning Center |
| 18 | 24 | 9 | 3rd | Pangarungan Village | Momungan,Balo-i |
| 19 | 8 | Pangarungan Village | Payawan, Balo-i | ||
| 20 | 5 | Pangarungan Village | Payawan, Balo-i | ||
| 21 | – | Pangarungan Village | Mokhlis, Balo-i | ||
| 22 | 32 | – | 3rd | Dadayag Balindong | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 23 | 34 | 6 | 2nd | Dadayag Balindong | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 24 | 30 | 7 | 1st | Dadayag Balindong | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 25 | 6 | 1st | Guimba | Balo-i (Home base) | |
| 26 | 26 | 9 | 2nd | Raya Madaya | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 27 | 27 | ? | 2nd | Raya Madaya | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 28 | 28 | – | 3rd | Bo. Marawi | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 29 | 22 | 9 | Raya Madaya | Balo-i (Home base) | |
| 30 | 28 | 9 | 3rd | Caloocan | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 31 | 9 | 2nd | Lilod | Balo-i (Home base) | |
| 32 | 18 | 6 | 3rd | Basak Malutlut | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 33 | 29 | 8 | 3rd | Basak Malutlut | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 34 | 36 | 9 | 3rd | Loksa Datu | Balo-i (Home base) |
| 35 | 5 | 2nd | Loksa Datu | West Poblacion, Balo-i | |
| 36 | 27 | 3 | 2nd | Loksa Datu | West Poblacion, Balo-i |
| 37 | 35 | 9 | 8th | Ragayan Marantao | West Poblacion, Balo-i |
| 38 | 32 | 9 | 5th | Sarimanok | West Poblacion, Balo-i |
| 39 | 23 | 9 | 1st | Sarimanok | West Poblacion, Balo-i |
| 40 | 24 | 6 | 1st | Sarimanok | West Poblacion, Balo-i |
| 41 | 25 | – | Ditsaan Ramain | West Poblacion, Balo-i | |
| 42 | 29 | 9 | 2nd | Bo. Marawi | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 43 | – | 2nd | Bo. Marawi | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 44 | 20 | ? | 2nd | Sabala a Manao | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 45 | 25 | 8 | 1st | Sabala a Manao | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 46 | 28 | 4 | 2nd | MSU, Marawi | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 47 | 29 | 5 | 1st | Disomangcop Village | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 48 | 32 | 4 | 2nd | Datu Saber | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 49 | 21 | 9 | 2nd | Datu Saber | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 50 | 30 | 8 | 1st | Bo. Green, Marawi | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 51 | 21 | – | 2nd | Bo. Marawi | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 52 | 28 | – | 3rd | Caloocan | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 53 | 26 | – | Datu Saber | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 54 | 24 | – | Datu Saber | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 55 | 40 | 8 | 4th | Datu Saber | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 56 | 29 | 7 | Gadongan | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 57 | 37 | 7 | Gadongan | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 58 | 31 | 9 | 2nd | Banggolo | Momungan, Balo-i |
| 59 | 23 | 7 | Marinaut | Momungan, Balo-i | |
| 60 | 3 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 61 | 1 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 62 | 1 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 63 | 2 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 64 | 2 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 65 | 1 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 66 | 4 | Lilod Paling | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 67 | – | Lilod, Marawi | West Poblacion, Balo-i | ||
| 68 | – | Lilod, Marawi | West Poblacion, Balo-i | ||
| 69 | 2 | Lilod, Marawi | West Poblacion, Balo-i | ||
| 70 | – | Lilod, Marawi | West Poblacion, Balo-i | ||
| 71 | – | Lilod, Marawi | West Poblacion, Balo-i | ||
| 72 | 2 | Sarimanok | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 73 | – | Sarimanok | Dilimbayan, Balo-i | ||
| 74 | 9 | Raya Madaya | Pagayawan, Balo-i | ||
| 75 | 4 | Raya Madaya | Pagayawan, Balo-i | ||
| 76 | 5 | Raya Madaya | Pagayawan, Balo-i | ||
| 77 | 6 | Raya Madaya | Pagayawan, Balo-i | ||
| 78 | 3 | Sarimanok | Balo-i | ||
| 79 | 2 | Sarimanok | Balo-i | ||
| 80 | ? | Rorogagus | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 81 | ? | Rorogagus | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 82 | ? | Caloocan | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 83 | ? | Capitol | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 84 | ? | New Capitol | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 85 | ? | Padian | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 86 | ? | Mapandi | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 87 | ? | Caloocan | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 88 | ? | Bandara ingud | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 89 | ? | Sabala Manao | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 90 | ? | Mapandi | Saguiran, Lanao del Sur | ||
| 91 | 38 | 6 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena, Iligan City | |
| 92 | 20 | 6 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 93 | 19 | 4 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 94 | 30 | 9 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 95 | 29 | 9 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 96 | 31 | 5 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 97 | 22 | – | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 98 | 25 | 7 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 99 | 36 | – | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 100 | 30 | – | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 101 | 31 | – | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 102 | 35 | – | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 103 | 38 | 8 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 104 | 28 | 6 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 105 | 34 | 3 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 106 | 37 | 3 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 107 | 25 | 7 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 108 | 29 | 7 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 109 | 19 | 7 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 110 | 21 | 4 | Marawi City | Brgy. Sta. Elena | |
| 111 | 8 | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 112 | 6 | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 113 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 114 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 115 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 116 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 117 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 118 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 119 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 120 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 121 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 122 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 123 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 124 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 125 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 126 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 127 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 128 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 129 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 130 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 131 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 132 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 133 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 134 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 135 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 136 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 137 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City | ||
| 138 | 31 | 9 | 3rd | Marinaut, Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen,Iligan City |
| 139 | 22 | 5 | 3rd | Sabala Manaw | Brgy.Del Carmen, Iligan City |
| 140 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 141 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 142 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 143 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 144 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 145 | ? | Marawi City | Brgy.Del Carmen | ||
| 146 | 7 | Marawi City | Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City | ||
| 147 | 9 | Marawi City | Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City |
BLYP-LeadCom sought the assistance of Barangay Health Clinic in Barangay Del Carmen, Iligan City from the gathering of data to distribution of maternal kits. Halimah Maulana is one of the recipients who is expected to give birth this month. The BYLP-LeadCom team had found out that there are still uncounted mothers within the barangay so the team again conducted house to house visitation. The health workers and receiving mothers expressed their gratitude for the generosity of the donors and the effort of the BYLP-LeadCom team.
Sta. Elena, Iligan City received maternal kits. The gathering of data and distribution were assisted by some friends from DSWD. Receivers were called to gather in one place for an easy distribution but for those who did not arrive, kits were still given to them through house to house distribution.
In Barangay Momungan, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, mothers were intentionally assembled in one area. The distribution of maternal kits also became an opportunity for BYLP-LeadCom team to deliver brief psychosocial support services. The team was formally trained by Balay Mindanaw for psychosocial activity and been delivering services in many barangays within the municipality of Saguiran. The gathering of data to distribution in Balo-i was helped by MLGU and BLGUs.
On July 8, 2016, the BYLP-LeadCom team went to Saguiran, Lanao del Sur with the help of Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc.. The force delivered Psychosocial Support Service to some barangays. It was the second PSS given in the municipality of Saguiran. The BYLP-LeadCom also gave the maternal kits to those mothers who were previously interviewed. Certainly, the operation became a lot more meaningful.
The mothers were 9 months pregnant when the team surveyed in their area. They are very happy that the kits were given to them since it is what they exactly need.
He is a premature baby from an IDP mother. He needs medical attention but due to lack of financial capability, the baby is now at the house instead of being nursed in the hospital as recommended by his doctor.
Health workers from Iligan City actively coordinated with the team in the help for IDPs mothers. They are greatly thankful to BYLP-LeadCom team and Zuellig Family Foundation for the kind hearts expressed.
She is a displaced mother by Marawi Siege. With the crisis experienced, she cannot think anymore of her health because provision of food became her priority. She is pleased that Zuellig Family Foundation through BYLP-LeadCom distributed medicines.
These expectants are both contractual workers in a government agency. They are directly affected by the siege since their houses are two of those that were disturbed by airstrikes.
These are mothers of less than a year old babies and are now pregnant for coming babies. They expressed their thankfulness and said that the kit has been the best kit they received.
Akisah A. Amerol is a refugee from Sabala Manaw, Marawi City to Erlinda Ville Del Carmen, Iligan City. She is 22 years old and a mother of two girls. Currently, she is 5 months pregnant to her 3rd baby. She used to be a vendor in Marawi Central Market while her husband is a fisherman.
She is now staying with her aunt in Barangay Del Carmen, Iligan City together with her family and siblings who were also refugees. Before they reached Iligan City, they had stayed in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur evacuation center for 2 weeks, and Balo-i, Lanao del Norte evacuation center for another 2 weeks. Luckily, their aunt had found them and took them from the evacuation center.
Their lives are still miserable because of scarcity of goods. They left the evacuation center for the reason that their children got sick. The aunt earns money from her sari-sari store whose gains cannot feed 13 more people. Their family is relying from the distribution of relief goods. Every day they move out of the house going to other barangays to look for relief operations. Mostly, they eat once a day to allow their children eat twice.
Akisah was not included on our listed data of pregnant women since she arrived in Barangay Del Carmen after we surveyed. When our team got the kits from IPHO Lanao del Sur Satellite Office at late afternoon, those were temporarily stocked at Lawi Residence in Erlinda Ville Del Carmen. When the team was unloading the boxes, Akisah was looking out from their window she said. Early in the morning, she knocked on the gate asking for emptied boxes so they can use as mats.
Feeling how pitiful she is, the team gave her as many emptied boxes as she wanted and of course a maternal kit for her. She was so surprised that she will be receiving a kit and insisting she came for the purpose of those boxes only. We said it was really for mothers like her so she slowly received the kit with teary eyes.
She shared that when the fire fight happened in Marawi City, she was so puzzled on what to do and just press her tummy while crying. She confessed that she is deeply problematic for the welfare and survival of her children especially her unborn baby. Nevertheless, she is hopeful because of her faith that God is the true provider and she believes that there are many good-hearted people who share God’s blessings. She is sincerely thankful to Zuellig Family Foundation for the maternal kits provided and for spreading love and care to every home.
Love,
BYLP-LeadCom fellows & IDPs