Pagari Park: the brigade porch

Since my assumption, I have openly invited acquaintances to drop on my porch either to have coffee or exchange thoughts with me. My porch then was a shaded and fenced area next to my temporary lodging and furnished with native furniture. The increasing number of visiting friends afterward required for a bigger space; hence, the Pagari Park. "Pagari" means friendship in Maranao.

A related article with pictures entitled "Army Sultan's shot for unity in Mindanao" at Mindanao Examiner and at Blogger; also in PIA Website (by Breezy Jimenez) as "Sultan Brigade Opens Pagari Park."

The park is a newly developed garden, transformed from a former dump of volcanic rocks, at the heart of the Sultan Brigade camp. This was officially opened during the 9^th Founding Anniversary of the Army's Sultan Brigade last 26 October. Former Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza-Dimaporo—a Christian married to a Muslim and a strong advocate for cultural harmony and eco-tourism—graced the inauguration of the park. Also, Iligan Diocese Catholic Bishop Elenito Galido, Islam Aleem Elias Macarandas, and Lumad Datu Rolando Soong came for the interfaith joint consecration.


















A fountain and ornamental plants under the trees beautifully complemented the rocks—some of which serve as natural tables and chairs. The park features three corners representing the major Philippine Muslim cultures—Maguindanao, Maranao, and Tausug—have inspired the brigade moniker of "Sultan." During the inauguration of the park, guests had the chance to have a glimpse of the different traditional wear of each ethnic group and sample their respective delicacies.

"Pagari Park has a strong good vibes," comments a theosophist echoing the observations of other guests. This encouraging remark is a wonderful incentive for the park to serve as the brigade porch in fostering unity and harmony.

Pagari Park was realized with the support and contributions of those who shared the thought of promoting peace. My personal gratitude to my wife, Belle, and her "committee of three" (Eza, Jeffrey & Nhor) for assisting me in realizing this concept; and to TSG Francisco Saladaga for his passionate commitment to this endeavor. Also, I acknowledge the invaluable support of the following: Hon. Jaber Azis, Michelle Daniel, Hon. Maminta Dimakuta, Robert Estroga Landscaping Services, Eza Galvez, Jeffrey Rufo Galvez, Norcaya Maquiling, Hon. Mastura Manangolo, Hon. Elias Montod, Alexis Natividad, Hon. Haironi Omar, Engr. Marivel Frances Ong, Engr. Hilal Sangcopan, Hon. Hadji Yusop Saripada, Engr. Roger Suyang, and other personnel of the brigade.

Peace: for our sake and the future

“Kita, karong henerasyon, maoy bug-at ang tahas nga masiguro ang atong mga anak ug sa mga mosunod pa, nga maayo ug malinaw ang katilingban” (We, the present generation, have the heavy responsibility of ensuring that our children and the ones to come are prepared with a better and a peaceful society for them to live in).

The children among the crowd delighted in the opening statement of Col Benito de Leon, the commander of 104^th Brigade, who delivered in broken Visayan dialect his peace message during the “Hudyaka sa Kalinaw” (Peace Celebration) at Iligan Public Plaza last Wednesday evening. This celebration, the last day of the Mindanao Week of Peace for the year called for by Presidential Proclamation No. 127 of 2001, was organized by the Lanao Educational Arts for Development (LEAD). The Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSOFP), with Jane Bernardo as President, supported the activity.

The “Hudyaka,” from afternoon through the night of December 3, started with interfaith Christian-Muslim-Higaunon prayers followed by Maranao and Higaunon cultural presentations of dances and songs. With the theme “Duyog Mindanaw: pandayon ta ang kalinaw “ (Together Mindanao:  let’s repair or construct peace), speakers shared their views how to achieve peace.

The lone military speaker echoed the theme of the Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC) for the week-long celebration to attain peace. “Integrity of Heart and Mind” as the road to reconciliation and peace, de Leon says, would also include “keeping our passions within due bounds.”  With emphasis he closed, “ang hagit sa pagpanday niining kalinaw kinahanglan nato atubangon sa karon para sa atong tanan ug sa musonod pang henerasyon” (we have to face the challenge to repair or construct peace now for our sakes and the future generations).

Army Sultan allays fears of Muslims

Similar Articles:

Mindanao Examiner: Army Reiterates Support to Peace Efforts in Mindanao

Philippine Army Web: Army sultan allays fears of Muslims

Iligan City (27 October). “Your military will always give high priority in ensuring the protection of the Filipino citizens whether they be Christians, Muslims, Lumads, or otherwise,” emphasized Col Benito T de Leon, Commander of 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, 1^st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Col. de Leon guested today in an interfaith dialogue wearing a Maranao cap given him after he was conferred the honorary title of “Sultan a Romapunut” (Leader of Peace) in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur during the MILF hostilities of 2000. The forum was sponsored by Pakigdait Inc, a civil society organization, attended by Traditional and Religious leaders and held at Iligan City. Rev. Fr. Regino R. Quijano is the Chairperson for Pakigdait while Mr. Musa M. Sanguila is the Chairperson of Civil Society Organization of Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development: both were also present.

The military officer’s statement was in reply to the questions to clarify issues concerning the safety of the people particularly of Muslims communities with the on-going operations to track Macapaar aka Bravo. Bravo was held responsible for the August 18 atrocities in Kolambugan and Kauswagan towns of Lanao del Norte.

Aside from presenting a generally peaceful situation, de Leon further explained that his brigade is at the same time assisting local government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and religious organizations which had come to help hasten the return of peaceful conditions in Lanao del Norte. He lauded the efforts of Pakigdait for spearheading the coordination in the return of 63 displaced families to their homes in Paiton, Kauswagan.

“Even as we pursue the lawless groups, we shall strictly abide by the instructions of minimizing collateral damage and in upholding the rights of the people as guaranteed in our Constitution,” de Leon said.