Strengthening Gender-Responsive Protection and Safeguarding in Ligawasan Marsh Communities
The Strengthening Livelihood and Climate Resilience for Ligawasan Marsh Communities in Mindanao (L-MARSH) Project supported by Islamic Relief Canada conducted a series of Gender-Responsive Community Development Workshops across 11 schools in the municipalities of Sultan sa Barongis (SSB) and General Salipada K. Pendatun (GSKP), Maguindanao del Sur.
Each workshop brought together 60 participants per area, selected to represent a diverse range of stakeholders— including students, teachers, Parent-Teacher-Community Association members, barangay local government unit (BLGU) representatives, Bantay Pawas (marsh guards) officers, fisherfolks, women leaders, farmers, and APEX officers. By engaging these groups, the workshops sought to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure inclusivity in addressing community challenges.
The sessions were conducted in the following schools in GSKP and SSB, including Bulod Elementary School, Paglala Memorial Elementary School, Bai Malaida Mangelien-Pendatun Central Elementary School, Salasal Elementary School, Ambolinog Elementary School, and Sandangen Elementary School in GSKP, as well as in Angkayamat Elementary School, Tugal Elementary School, Datu Alamasa Angas Elementary School, Darampua Elementary School, and Datu Tecson Mamalu Elementary School in SSB.
This initiative serves as a follow-up activity aimed at strengthening community-level structures for safety, accountability, and inclusive development, including Child Protection Policies, Code of Conduct in Schools, and Safeguarding.
The workshop emphasized safeguarding women, children, and rightsholders by fostering safe spaces for open dialogue and private sharing of sensitive experiences. It also ensured that community development plans are gender-sensitive and inclusive, meeting the needs of vulnerable groups.
As a concrete outcome, Child Protection Policies and Codes of Conduct in schools will be developed, while Ligawasan Marsh communities will activate and strengthen their Women and Children Protection Mechanisms.
Finalized conservation plans will also be printed and distributed to BLGUs and partners, ensuring that communities are not only informed but also equipped with tools to uphold gender justice and protection. [Article and photos by Jamel Diang and Bai Reyal Zhajanna Hasreen A. Salat – Cotabato State University interns] #