Joy and peace

Pope Francis opened the year, encouraging us to be more joyful. He defines: “True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons…which makes us experience the beauty of togetherness, of mutual support along life’s journey.”

Let us rejoice over the experiences of the Adlawon Lupong Tagapamayapa. The group won the national award for having engaged in conflict resolution and settling more than a hundred cases.

From the city level to the regional level they reached the national level and won as the most effective peacemakers.

Their work is very much deserving of recognition for if the barangay succeeds in settling disputes, it prevents or lessens the accumulation of cases in the courts. But, of course, there is the great service of creating harmony among persons in the locality.

We learned about the group in Sa Mata sa Kababayn-an where the Gender Focal Person became guests and the program anchor, Atty. Virginia Palanca-Santiago asked them if there were males in the barangay assisting in solving the problems of domestic violence.

So the next Tuesday, the Lupon members who became special guests included Noel Cadutdut, Eleuterio Eraña, Alfredo Zamora.

In the course of the conversation, we learned that the problems that disturb the peace in the home in Adlawon is similar to those in other localities: vices—drinking, gambling, marital infidelity, as well as abusive words.

Their effectiveness is understandable considering that they start even when there is no problem yet. They are in touch with the people because they go around to check on the situation. They have formed a quick response team to respond speedily when problems arise. When there is a domestic problem there is a male to approach the husband and a female to speak with the wife. So they do not jump to a conclusion on who is the cause of the problem.

They declared that they do a lot of listening. In fact, they do not say anything before they have listened a lot. After this they start with reminders like: look at what happens to the children when there is discord between wife and husband, they lose interest in their studies. After this they share what they have learned as lay ministers in church. But they said, maybe it’s also because they practice what they preach.

All our guests are farmers. And we were happy to know that with their work they have succeeded to have their children educated. In fact, one of these farmers had supported his wife in finishing an education degree. Since she has completed the course she has been hired as a teacher. Because of her work he supports his wife by doing all the housework: cleaning, cooking, washing clothes and taking care of a child. He doesn’t find this demeaning or embarrassing; instead he finds doing all these and more, most logical.

Their generosity is quite impressive. When they received some fees, they gathered these to buy the pupils slippers, bags, and other school supplies. When they were awarded a big amount as national winners for the top peacemakers nationwide they bought a multicab for the barangay instead of splurging on themselves.

They are also very eager to expand their knowledge and are always on the lookout for seminars or other trainings to attend. Atty. Virginia Palanca-Santiago and Ms. Fe Cabatingan were very glad that they had shared their experiences because there was a great deal that the viewers from other barangays could use to end domestic violence and build harmony in the home. For as Pope Francis stated: “The family is where we are formed as people. Every family is a brick in the building of society.”

Every year on the day of the procession of the Santo Niño fiesta, the Legal Alternatives for Women (LAW) Center, Inc. celebrates its founding anniversary. It was in 1996 that Atty. Alice Canonoy-Morada with a few women (Zinah Macquire, Nene Alegado, Edit Gascon-Bajenting) started to organize a group to provide women with legal services in their time of need. Many other women and men have been a part of LAW Center, Inc.; we cannot thank them enough for their readiness to offer their time, talent, even treasure to respond to the needs of women, especially victims of domestic violence.

What have helped us maintain the fervor and enthusiasm?  Maybe one important reason is the openness to work with various persons and groups who are in the endeavor of women empowerment, whether they are in government or are with nongovernment organizations. With government, it participated in programs of local government units as well as line agencies. It worked closely with the provincial government and was even provided with office space. Among other activities, in partnership with the provincial government it produced the Heritage Cards—Women Trail Blazers.

It continues to work with the Cebu City government’s Committee on Women and Family Affairs. It joined the Department of Labor and Employment in the implementation of livelihood projects. Schools make arrangements with LAW Center, Inc. for on-the-job training of their students. It has also collaborated with both Zonta I and II.

Since providing legal services is a major undertaking of LAW Center, Inc., it has been collaborating with both Federacion International de Abogadas and Cebu Lady Lawyers Association. Several media outlets have cooperated with LAW Center, Inc. There are very many to thank and to all of them we are very, very, very grateful and say: “May all the good things you do return to you a hundredfold.”

It has been very important for the group to be persistent and persevering, not to easily give up. Many of the victims waver, give up and later return to revive a complaint. Having become aware of such cycles, the team always gives the assurance the support is there.

Tragedies like the violent death of Atty. Arbet Sta. Ana Yongco who led legal services was a great challenge to transcend. We’ve had to pray a lot and put great trust in the Loving Divine Spirit; there are still many women who suffer—wanting or  needing all forms of assistance.