Creative Arts Psychosocial Interventions for Conflict-Affected Children of the Marawi Siege in Southern Philippines

Abstract

Marawi City was besieged by ISIS-affiliated militants, reducing the city into rubble. Studies show that children exposed to armed conflict are at high risk of mental health problems and that creative arts psychosocial intervention is effective in promoting mental health. This arts-based research aimed to generate deep insights into the stressful experiences of children during the 5-month long battle of Marawi and to ignite the community to work together for community resilience. The study revealed that the children suffered greatly from mental stress and that through creative arts psychosocial interventions, the harmful effects of the siege were reduced. The study also revealed that the siege brought about psychological, social, economic, health, education, physical, security, and cultural impacts on children. To provide support for their children, the community organized themselves into “Lombay Ka Marawi” meaning, “rise up Marawi” to work collectively for community resilience and sustainability. The researchers recommend the active involvement of the people of Mindanao in the peace-building process and a sustainable strategy to promote mental health in a climate of peace and understanding.