In Cooperation with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines

The Moro Women’s Center was begun by Christian, Muslim and tribal women with the intention of providing protection from the loss of their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons to conscription by the military. Re-occurring war game maneuvers, referred to as the Balikatan Exercises, are part of the Philippines' overall and ongoing defense and security cooperation with the United States. These military maneuvers have been justified as a means of controlling Islamic extremists despite opposition from various groups and individuals.

In August, the exercises were completed in Carmen, northern Cotabato, but now threaten to begin anew in the Mindanao region, which has become known as Iraq’s “second front.” Thousands of Moros, including members of the Moro Women’s Center, launched a protest action against the exercises and U.S. intervention in the Philippines. The massive militarization of the region has created disenfranchisement and dislocation of entire communities. The Moro women, along with other Muslim women, Christians, and non-governmental organizations have stood united in their fight for justice and equality. They have fought for their rights to stay on their land and their ancestor’s land.

Today, the Moro Women’s Center is a primary resource for providing vital income-generating vocational training in addition to being a steadfast advocate for Moro people. The Center also has organized daycare centers in various communities and provides relief programs to those who have been displaced due to military activities. As the war on terrorism continues, the tension and violence intensifies in parts of southern Mindanao, the Moro Women’s Center is providing solutions for victimized inhabitants to live their lives without disruption from the Philippine government and foreign interests.

Global Ministries is working closely with its partner, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), in their support of the Moro Women’s Center. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines maintains the priorities: interfaith dialogue, education and development, and in doing justice, seeking peace, and building community.