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Healing Marawi children thru art

MARAWI CITY -- In every war, the children are the most affected of all the so-called ‘collateral damages,’ for it changes their view about the world, the society, their future, and even themselves.

The art of healing, for one, is an effective process that has been done in war-torn areas as a post-traumatic therapy, according to internationally-acclaimed Muslim artist Ramir Tawasil, known for his “heArt of Healing” project.

Three-hundred fifteen children aged five and up participated in the 11-day art workshop conducted by Tawasil in Marawi from April 30 to May 10.

The project was supported by the House of Representatives through the Congressional office of Anak Mindanao party list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, the Salimujang Foundation and Anak Mindanao.

Sangcopan has a Maranaw father and Tausug mother. Tawasil, meanwhile, is a Tausug who lives in Zamboanga City.

Twenty-one facilitators, who are public school teachers, assisted Tawasil in the sessions, where they also served as the trainers for the kids.

“As a Muslim, the Marawi war has a great impact on me. Especially because I was a young boy and I was in Jolo when it was burned down during (the) fighting between the MNLF and military in 1974. I was in Zamboanga during the 2013 siege. I am a victim of these wars myself,” Tawasil said.

He said these experiences have influenced him to become a “peace artist,” citing peace themes dominating most of his artworks.

One of his major works, in fact, depicts the burning of Jolo.

“I am a communicator of our social issues through my paintings,” he said. Tawasil makes use of the unique Tausug “ukkil” motifs and style in his art.

The activities in his workshop with the Marawi kids included painting, doodle art, origami paper folding, and even story-telling.

With the children’s output, as many as 500 pieces will be framed and displayed for sale at PHP3,000 each at the House of Representatives, where the entire proceeds will be used to create a provident fund for them.

This will be staged back to back to a show of paintings and artworks of Mindanao artists, part of the revenues will also go to the provident fund.

Their paintings are amazing in terms of creativity and technique, said Tawasil. By tradition, Maranaws are really craftsmen, known for making renowned brasswares, mother of pearl inlaid woodworks, knives and trays, among others.

Tawasil, in fact, is already designing other art and culture-based projects for Marawi.

These include a monument in honor of fallen soldiers, the longest wall mural made of war debris, a loom weaving and a library hall for women that will serve as income-generating project for them.

He said the threat of terrorism returning in Marawi remains strong, a concern he had gathered during his interactions with locals.

Tawasil, however, believes even artwork can shield children from extremism. (Rey-Luis Banagudos/PNA)

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