Balay Mindanaw in Berlin, Germany We took the 8:00 in the morning train trip from Hamburg to Berlin yesterday (3 April). On the way, I was thinking why this kind of transport system couldn’t be established in Mindanao; so much money have been utilized for road constructions or repairs, however every three years to be exact, in our province to be specific, all this road network project seemed always starting anew. How I wished with the train transport system in Mindanao, our going to-and-fro the remotest partner communities such as Agusan, Surigao and Cotabato as well as the peoples’ and communities’ access to basic support services and tenurial security become easier, speedier and more relaxing. Arriving two minutes ahead of the scheduled meeting, we were fetched by Birgitta of Johanniter from the train station, going out, we took a taxi bound to their office. We were welcomed by everyone in the office, especially by Mrs. Jutta Meissner, Head of the Asia Desk. We had a very fruitful sharing about how we do our work, updates on the past and the ongoing humanitarian work that we have, our next steps on disaster preparedness for Mindanao and select Haiyan-stricken communities in Leyte and Panay. After a very good lunch with Mrs. Meissner and Birgitta, we then got a time interacting with some 20 staff of the Johanniter’s International Assistance. Kaloy started with the straight-from-the heart thanksgiving for the trust, for the continuing journey, and for the welcoming ambiance. He then presented in brief Balay Mindanaw Group and how the two institutions (BMFI and Johanniter) first got to know of each other. Ayi proceeded sharing about his and his family’s experience when Typhoon Washi hit Cagayan de Oro City and some neighboring areas. The mixed emotions of wanting to immediately help those affected at the same time salvaging things from home were evident. Hence, his belief of the mantra “We refuse to be victims; we choose to be resources”. Finally, I had the time to share some updates on the entire engagements: both significant gains and challenges; next crucial steps shared. The meeting ended with some prospects, getting Johanniter’s continuing support not only for emergency response but also for disaster preparedness work. More details shall be discussed with Ms Assunta Charles, the newly-deployed Country Representative for the Philippines. We then spent the night in Berlin at a very good friend’s home. Birgit and her young daughter offered us their best accommodation. Rosa’s room, which she treasured most, was offered to me; this for the first time that she let go use of her space and instead spent the night with her mom. I was touched with such an offer. I remembered our (Filipinos’) kind of hospitality, with Rosa’s spirit of sharing and generosity. Another touching moment in Berlin was Birgit’s taking us to the Memorial space depicting Berlin’s East and West divide - the emotions portrayed in the photos and dioramas to include the electronic narration of the struggles of individuals, of families and others… While listening to Birgit, my senses brought me back to the history of Khmer Rouge in Cambodia… Again, was wondering why I haven’t had any memory recall of any historical portraits representing the same kind of struggles in my own country - when I pretty much knew of some actual stories as heart-breaking as theirs. Just ended my reflections with the goal of proactively visiting historical places at home (Philippines), with my next-of-kins….:) We were a team of seven (7) last year when we went to Berlin. The gathering was about Balay Mindanaw sharing its concrete experience on security sector (state security) partnerships with some 30 friends and partners. Thanks to Misereor (Elisabeth and Elmar) and Commander Thomas Boelhke, Fregattenkapitan, Bundeswehr for the great work of making said share-and-dare activity a very good precedence for more south-north peacebuilding learning sessions.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 11:02:46 +0000
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