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Decades of wars and conflicts in Mindanao has scarred the weak alliance among its people and alienation and ethnic bias grew amidst the growing spiritual, moral degradation and abject poverty of the people These are the factors that gave birth to the Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI), an organization dedicated to peace, development and reconciliation.
KFI started in 1989 as a response to the declining socio-economic conditions in the region, the deteriorating peace and order and the widening gaps among Muslims and Christian communities in the area. It was established to deepen the awareness and meaningful understanding and unity between Muslims and Christians while pursuing a strategy to achieve economic prosperity, political unity and cultural development through peace education, and rights-based approach to development. “Kadtuntaya” is a Maguindanao term for mutual understanding, a fitting description for such a noble undertaking.
For 16 years, with only 60 staff and volunteers, KFI worked for women empowerment, food security, peace advocacy, effective governance, relief operation, agrarian reforms, disaster management, health services, day care center management, capacity building, community organizing, protection of children and women’s rights and environmental sustainability. It covers the areas of Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Sultan Kudarat. It employs a holistic method of total human approach to development based on an integrated area strategy. It works closely with the government, local government units, particularly the rural health units and various local and international civic and funding organizations to achieve its objectives.
KFI made possible the establishment of 14 peoples organizations; the establishment of peace zones in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato; and capability building for people in the partner communities. It has assisted thousands of people displaced by wars and affected by disasters and other forms of calamities. It has advocated and placed protective infrastructures to safeguard women and children’s rights and promote the culture of peace and reconciliation across ethnic and religious borders and established a climate of peaceful collaboration in the region.
The unwavering commitment of KFI has provided countless communities and individuals the ability for self-determination and helped regain their confidence and dignity as a people. It provided the people the opportunity to give peace a chance to work amidst the relentless winds of war and conflict. |
