Contextualized Worldview of Conflictin Mindanao: Basis for Enhancing Peace Education Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study revisits the historical nature, causes, and status of the Mindanao conflict. This study also explores a group contextualization of the prolonged arm struggle. The Mindanao problem is a type of ethnic conflict. As education managers, the situation calls for determining the possibilities of guiding the young boys trained as fighters in training camp instead of sending them to school. If the peace education program will not be enhanced, these children who grew-up hearing the sounds of guns will be possibly be worse than the terrorists.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research was used for this study. The researcher used Slovin's formula in selecting respondents from identified ethnic groups across SOCCSKSARGEN region Philippines in 2016. Average mean was employed to analyze the respondents’ worldview of nature, causes, and status of conflict. ANOVA was used to determine the significant difference among the respondents' perception on the government’s resolution strategies and their worldview of nature, causes, and status of conflict. Finally, Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test was utilized to carry out the process.

RESULTS

Christians and Lumads perceived that the nature of conflict as Rido-based. Meanwhile, Muslims perceived the conflict as sovereignty-based, claiming that Mindanao is a Bangsamoro homeland but is occupied by Christians. Respondents perceived that poor governance highly caused Mindanao conflict. Muslims and Lumads have similar views and related sentiments over the discrimination by the Christian-dominated government. Results reveal that the status of clan conflict is due to land disputes and political conflict. There are no significant differences on the perspectives of respondents on the government strategies in addressing conflict. There is a significant difference on their worldview of the nature, causes, and status of the Mindanao conflict.

DISCUSSIONS

There is a significant difference on respondents’ view of conflict. Muslims and Lumads have similar views which is relatively higher than Christians. Moreover, promoting equal opportunities for all is the most recommended strategy for an enhanced peace education program. Finally, peace in Mindanao has a chance if local constituents are involved in the process.