AT the 2nd Mechanized Brigade in Maria Cristina minutes away from the loveliest tallest falls in the Philippines are alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who are implementing public safety and various projects with stakeholders and Moros of Lanao del Norte. I had an invitation to attend the grand decommissiong event in a gymnasium minutes away from Darapanan, Maguindanao but I chose to attend a small town’s anniversary because this was actual “disarmament” at work, former MILF are turning their homes into productive landscapes. Brigade Commander Col. Gapay and his operations team hosted breakfast sharing notes about their peace and bayanihan efforts. He was PMA batch-mate of Haribon Lanao Sur Brigade Commander Roseller Murillo. Their headquarters consisted of several huts nicely built; where we ate was an open veranda space. At Fort Bonifacio where I stood as a member of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board, we suggested Ramadhan awareness on promoting Islamic sensitivity for their soldiers. I am hoping this cascades to the battalions and brigades. Since Col. Gapay couldn’t be our guest speaker in Tangcal because of a prior commitment for Iligan City Day,  Deputy Commander Felicisimo Budiongan was to share a message for Tangcal, and I accompanied him to the far off town for the 59th anniversary culmination at the gymnasium. The deputy from Bohol province spent his three years at MSU Campus, thus he spoke some Meranao. He understood the motivation to aspire for tourism to come to the Moro areas where so much beauty is glaring but lacking in visitation. From the highway travel of an hour past Maigo, we transferred to a KM truck with large tires so that it could climb up the terrain towards Tangkal town. The climb was literally a long climb, some 30 minutes. The roads continue to be impassable for ordinary pedicabs so long jeeps with people on top was a normal sight. Felicisimo was thankful to see Tangcal for the town above hills had more hills to look above, a wide greenery, tapestry to behold. Speeches of guests inspired as Mayor Fatima Mutia Tomawis spoke of the need to work harder. Board Member nicknamed “Superman,” Atty. Yusop, says he continues to remind the government of the need for the national roads of Tangcal to be built so that it reach the metro proper . Speaking for Lasureco general manager and Energy Assistant Secretary Matanog Mapandi a native of Tangcal, we shared about the value of human rights and development, noting that development is demandable by the people, that government and civilians must work together. Poverty is a violation of human rights. People living in poverty are excluded from contribution and participation. You can see this reality in Abu Sayyaf kids and many others. Increase in human insecurity drives people away from productive and social activities. The State then as a duty-bearer must provide the conditions for the benefit of the people, the right-bearer. The creation of a Bangsamoro will empower and grant the people opportunity to participate as real active citizens of this country (Iqbal). Islam also reminded that people must do their part, Let there arise among you a community of believers enjoining what is good and forbidding what is wrong, they shall be in success, the Qur’an said. This Ramadhan is that month to remind ourselves of being khalifah, civic minded citizens who care for their own household and their society and environment. I too was thankful to be part of an aspiring town which showcased bits of infra projects that would benefit mothers and schoolchildren. Thanks to Pamana and Kalahi-CIDDS for the roads that would link the thousand residents together. Maybe the empty houses will have its residents return once the products continue to raise income, something to look forward to. (The author, Bae Samira Ali Gutoc-Tomawis is a former Sectoral Representative for Women in the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.)