SEAP 2018: My Experience

by Jession Diwangan, Mindanao Philippine

On May 10, 2018, I heard a heartbroken news in which my cousin had been killed by some government agent. I knew a lot about him and I could not find any unsound activities that he got involved with during his short life. He was just barely 18 years old when somebody took her gun out and shot him in the head. This event is not new in my country. Headlines about extrajudicial killings on the war of drugs is commonplace in the news. But our family could not demand for justice since seems our courage had already been devoured by the fear of castigation. We felt helpless and hopeless to raise our outcry for justice. Thus, we remain passive for the entire time. But not anymore. Thanks to SEAP 2018.

First of all, I am still really grateful to Fr. Jomari Manzano SJ for giving me the opportunity to attend SEAP 2018. On 2^nd of June, 2018, together with other participants from Mindanao island, we flew to Manila and the SEAP team welcome us with much hospitality. The place is cold and cozy, perfect for conference and discussion. The food that being served was amazing and delicious. The team and the staff of the program were all friendly and approachable and activities, lectures and choice of speakers were all well prepared.

On the day start of the program, I took the chance to get to know the other participants from other Asian nations and was overwhelm seeing the diversity of cultures and languages of all participants in the event hall. Hearing each of our likes and passion and the sharing of each of our experiences had developed the camaraderie among us despite our differences. Also, I have learned a lot in our lectures about gender issues, woman question and women struggle in Philippine context from renowned personality in Philippine Women’s Right. Talking about gender equality would not be possible without visiting the current social situation in the country in which the ever problem of poverty, discrimination and other countless issues had been reviewed which some of those are still prevalent to my hometown. Then the following day, we went to some area at Malabon to watch the real story of people who were oppressed by the people in authority. Hearing their tragic story, their inspiring struggle had given me the spirit to fight back what is right. The exposure really had much impact on me. For the first time in my life, I do certainly feel the need to act for change for people without voices and powerless, for people who are oppressed and helpless. The following days we went through on the topics such as how to utilize social media as means to protest, to forward the cause and to convey useful information.

After a week of lectures, discussions and activities, I felt that I am finally equipped with courage to fight back for people like us who has been oppressed and discriminated. I would never remain passive this time. Meanwhile, I plan to organize Lumad youth leaders in my community that would engage and get involved in community building, to oversee social discrimination and oppression. The overall experience to be in the program is memorable and rewarding. I met new friends, learn some of their language and shares a moment with them. It seems like Christ gathers his apostles and to send them to bring the good news to voiceless, powerless and helpless people.