MARAWI CITY –  “‘Yong resiliency nila ang maganda sa kanila. They have strength in their faith, and they find strength in supporting each other,” shared Dr. Ismael Cordero Jr., one of the medical officers who volunteered to provide psychosocial processing for the residents here.

“We were able to assess both adults and children. They’ve been here for several days, we have observed their coping mechanism… they’re very resilient,” said Dr. Gioafe Anchenta. She is also providing psychosocial processing.

Medical and humanitarian volunteers from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) have been providing assistance to the residents of Marawi who are currently staying at the Provincial Capitol.

Dr. Ancheta shared some of the positive ways that these people are getting through this situation.

“Their coping mechanism includes helping each other out. They’re trusting Allah to provide despite all these happenings and they are also thankful for their lives.”

“They are also focusing on their day to day activities. Parang, ‘let’s keep ourselves busy, and work on the things that we can do’. Merong mga nag-jo-joke, dinadaan nila sa joke,” she said.

On the eve of the Independence Day, the residents were also treated with games. Laughter of both parents and their children filled the night as if there is no ongoing conflict.

Zhayrah Ampuan, from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur said, “Kahit papaano, pati mga matatanda ay may ngiti sa kanilang mukha.

Dr. Ancheta also shared some of the most heartwarming stories she heard from her patients. One them, a head of the household disguised her Christian staff to safely leave the conflict area.

“May mga staff sila that are not Muslims, and they heard na hinaharangan ang mga Christians. So what she did as the head of the household, binigyan niya ng mga hijab ang mga staff niya. Then she instructed them na huwag lang magsasalita. Nakaka-antig ng puso.”

Dr. Ismael said that most of the people he talked with have a positive outlook despite their situation, “Because of the situation, nawala na ang religion, o ang social class among themselves. Lahat sila ay nagdadamayan,” he said.

“The basic purpose of the psychosocial processing is to make the people understand the usual reaction to such a traumatic event at ano ang sarili nilang coping mechanism,” Dr. Ancheta explained.

On 5 June 2017, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza met with several local officials of Lanao del Sur. During the meeting, the officials were able to raise concerns and issues that need to be addressed immediately.

One of the major concerns raised is lack of functioning medical clinic. During the meeting, Dureza immediately contacted Department of Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial to assist in providing medical assistance. Ubial gave directives to once again start the operations of Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City. Dureza, meanwhile, tapped Davao City’s SPMC to send medical volunteers in Marawi. ###