- An individual Muslim refuses to acknowledge that he is a part of the entire Filipino community and that he does not consider himself as a Filipino and has thus identify himself by his religion. He prefers to be called a Muslim (or Maranao, Tausug, Maguindanao etc.) - Among the tributary problems (historical, sociological, economic, political, demographic, education, religion), it all boils down to the lack of understanding (Muslim) which results to prejudice and hostility among the Muslim-Christian community.
2. What went wrong?
- According to surveys: (1) failure of formal education to erase the negative image of Muslim Filipino. Education could pave the way to help change rejection to acceptance of Muslim Filipinos churches, mass media and civic organizations would also be a big help. (2) Muslim leadership, but this does not entail that Christians are relieved of their share and duty to seek a solution to this problem. (3) failure of the government to draw attention or spotlight on the Muslims and Indigenous minorities and has thus failed to provide a solution to the problem.
3. According to surveys, the dominant reaction was rejection
rejection by an average Christian Filipino towards an average Muslim Filipino. What caused such hostility (Muslim-Christian) that perpetuates to this day? - The hostility and prejudice is (again) a result of lack of understanding and such matter is not new here in the Philippines as it has existed long before the Spanish colonial rule and the American public policy that wavered separatism and integration. Up to this day it has continued by the ignorant and biased media aided by some members of the educated elite that shouldve raised awareness instead of contributing to the problem. This is true as our Muslims friends, to this day, are branded (by some) as brutal, treacherous, bandits or pirates.
4. Everyone almost seems to blame the government for this problem,
but is pointing fingers really a good thing? If not the government, who is to blame? - As the past and present government failed to provide a solution due to the officials neglecting their duty which prevented the creation of sympathetic understanding and realistic policies for the minority groups in the Philippines, people now blame them. However, pointing fingers really wouldnt solve anything. Everyone is to blame and no one is to blame. What everyone (both sides) needs to do now is to honestly admit fault, stop the blame-game, correct his own attitudes, motives and actions towards his fellow man so that both are prepared to face the future of the problem and shed hope to finding a proper and permanent solution. 5. Despite the introduction of change, why has the Muslim area been slow and seemed like they couldnt keep pace with the rest of the country (Philippines)? - Muslims are known for their conservative, reactionary nature which controls their thoughts and lives. But the forces of conservation itself prevents all change harmful to Islam. As such, some of them have yet to see the perks of national change for the betterment of the society.
6. Talk about Orchestration as an alternative solution to integration
and other measures that could be done to solve the Muslim Problem. - Orchestration is the fusion of desirable traits of the various ethnic groups in the Philippines for the purpose of forging one people. This is a way for people to accept pluralism as a workable solution to different cultures, religious faiths, language to work together in harmony for the good of the nation. With this, both sides would be able to learn to understand and accept one another and recognize both sides contribution to the countrys history, culture and life. - Best of all, a change of attitude from both sides is a must. Talking and dialogue is necessary as well. Through integration, both sides (Muslim and Christians) could peacefully exist and learn to live together, to uphold the value of respect and inculcate in our minds now that we cannot stand divided and could only be one solid nation. Stop the labels that actually divided us into sides and act as one especially in the midst of a changing world. A nation that in itself is divided should not hope for a better future.