“Age does not limit opportunities.” Otong K. Guimbalang, 73 years old from Barangay Kinebeka, Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao started to narrate his story in this positive perspective.
Otong never had a chance to see his parents. To survive, he started working at a very young age. He transferred from one place to another, living with his uncle, older siblings and distant relatives to be able to survive.
Until such time that he was able to establish his own family, tragedies still continue to haunt him. His wife, Saada, died in a crossfire because of rido (family feud). He had a succeeding marriage with Suraida which bore five kids. However, three of his children passed away because of illnesses and inborn disabilities. Suraida also departed later on due to cardiac arrest caused by stroke.
These various circumstances are the reasons why Otong never had a chance to go to school. But despite all of these trials which he has had to endure over the years, Otong never lost hope.
Otong dwelled in Camp Abubakar for quite a time. The elders, during that time, used to tease the young ones residing there about being unable to read and write. They even have exercises such as writing their names and reading the alphabet.
This awoke the interest of our hopeful. He began to teach himself reading using the sounds which he usually hears around him, until he had learned to read the basics.
From one camp to another, Otong transferred to Barangay Kinebeka with the help of their community leader whom he was treated as a family. This man was the father of the current Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) Member Sulon “Tez” Atong. He taught him farming essentials and livelihood. Since then, Otong has been living in the said barangay for over 50 years now.
The onset of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in their community inspired Otong more. When he heard about the launch of this venture, he did not falter to join. “Allah led the way to fulfil my ultimate dream,” he cheerfully said.
Otong firmly believes that education is the ticket towards good life. Even it is a bit strange for his age, he presented himself to enrol in the Basic Literacy Program (BLP). “Who am I to refuse free education,” he uttered. “This is a chance not everyone in this phase of life can benefit,” he added.
Today, while his children are having their own families and live in separate dwellings, he perseveres to survive on his own, and occupies himself with his new hobby- reading and writing. Now that the learning sessions have ended, he sees to it that his self-discoveries are not stagnant. He is looking forward to further his studies and advance to a higher level. Aside from his contribution to the Bangsamoro community, he is hopeful he will be able to play as a benefactor for the greater good of society.
Otong is one of the 574 BLP learners out of the 1,613 completers who were confirmed in the consecutive Completion Ceremonies. He also received several recognitions as an active student during the whole six months duration. His story was conveyed during the program as he was chosen to be the representative of his level to give an inspirational speech. The audience in great awe gave him a loud applause and a standing ovation.
“Thank you for making my hopes possible,” he said. He also emphasized that his eagerness comes with the thought that education shall endow him with good manners and brighter future. “The opportunity to acquire knowledge through this program is a great blessing from Allah,” he ended.
The Alternative Learning System being one of the components of the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Project Phase II (MTF-RDP/2) aims to deliver Community Development assistance and interventions to conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, particularly the six previously acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which serve as the targeted communities. It caters the educational needs of vulnerable groups such as adults like Otong, who have not been to school and are interested to pursue education or obtain practical knowledge or skills
The MTF-RDP/2, funded by The World Bank through the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), is a program carried-out through a project partnership agreement between the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
The MTF is a multi-donor trust fund supported by donors such as the European Union, the government of Sweden, Australia, Canada, United States, New Zealand and the World Bank. The World Bank functions as Trust Fund Administrator of the MTF.
In support to the objectives of the MTF-RDP/2, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) provided complementary assistance directly to CFSI through the project referred to as “Supporting Access to Basic Services and Building Institutional Capacity in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao or MTF-RDP/2-AECID.”