At first, some Muslim Filipinos were resistant to the idea of seeking mental health support. “This is often viewed as taboo in Islam,” she explained. But Macatoon was not ready to give up. In 2018, she and Team Aqilah established Project MHARAWI. This programme established mental health hubs within Mindanao State University, addressing the specific psychosocial concerns of Muslim Filipinos. Now, 10,000 college students have access to Project MHARAWI through its two mental health hubs. 

Despite their best efforts, Team Aqilah struggled to meet the financial goals needed to keep the mental health hubs running. But, after hearing the stories of a coffee farmer and former rebel through Project MHARAWI, the team had a breakthrough. 

They created a social enterprise that integrated Lanao Del Sur’s expansive coffee production with opportunities to give Muslim Filipinos a better life. They now employ former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants, turning them into coffee farmers. With the help of USAID and Plan International’s Marawi Response Project, Team Aqilah underwent extensive training and obtained a coffee production grant package.  

USAID and Plan International’s Marawi Response Project (MRP) provided Team Aqilah with a series of entrepreneurship, leadership and project-pitching training, and a coffee production grant package that resulted in the creation of Cup of Hope.

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This initiative ensures that Team Aqilah can continue to offer mental health services such as seminars, workshops and training sessions that are anchored on the unique Muslim Filipino context. “We pass on the healing through our open connections with one another over good coffee. This happens regardless of people’s beliefs, gender or state in life,” shared Macatoon. Since its inception, Project MHARAWI has trained around 1,000 students and young adults. 

In 2023, Macatoon and Team Aqilah opened a brick-and-mortar Cup of Hope store, to meet the rising demand for their products. Aside from equipping Muslim Filipinos with tools to achieve financial freedom, the shop also serves as a sanctuary for displaced youths who seek support from their community. 

Read on for Norhanidah Macatoon’s perspective on opening the conversation around Muslim Filipinos’ mental health, how the citizens of Marawi are moving forward and her advice for empowering future leaders. 

What were the cultural expectations around processing traumatic events like the Marawi siege in 2017? Have cultural values changed since then? 

At first, Meranaws were reluctant to seek mental health interventions. However, since implementing the Project Mental Health for Marawi (MHARAWI), we have seen changes as they now accept the importance of maintaining a healthy state of mind. 

It is effective because it integrates Islamic concepts into mental health. It has been helpful, not harmful, in my healing journey, as I am able to share my coping mechanisms and experiences with fellow youth who are struggling with their mental health. They were able to lean on someone who shares the same sentiments and someone who empathises with them and is ready to listen. Our cultural values have changed; for Meranaws, peace of mind is kathatakna o mokarena, meaning that if you have a sound mind and are healthy, you have peace of mind. There is no health without mental health.

In what ways do you think Team Aqilah can contribute to the long-term recovery of Marawi, not just economically, but also emotionally and socially?

For us, Marawi Siege survivors' mental health is more significant to rehabilitate than the shattered buildings of the city. The war in Marawi left deep wounds that are not easy to heal from. However, we will continue to do our best to make our fellow displaced people feel that they are not alone. We can overcome any trial in life as long as we rely on Allah and strive for peace and comfort.

Why is it important to work with Plan International to amplify the voices of Muslim Filipinos? 

This year, Plan International Pilipinas is focused on campaigning for “Girls in Conflict and Crisis,” shedding light on the unique vulnerabilities of girls affected by conflicts and disasters. My story is part of an initiative to launch the Girls in Conflict campaign in Mindanao. This opens up the discussion around the gendered impact of armed conflict and displacement in the region. Plan International has helped elevate the unique roles girls and young women play in peacebuilding efforts on both the local and national levels.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to be changemakers, especially those who may feel limited by their circumstances or societal expectations?

For me, resilience is Sab'r (patience). It is having the faith to face what bothers you rather than suffering in silence. It also means knowing your why. Purify your intentions and ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" Because when you know your why, you can endure any how. When you know your why, you have the answer to the question, “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” (Who do you wake up for?). Human beings are created with a purpose. We only need to examine ourselves and our lives to fulfil our purpose on Earth.

We are limitless when we know our purpose. Despite the limits due to our resources, time, space and energy, when we take the initiative to create solutions, they become reality. When you work strategically despite your limited resources, changes will occur. While we breathe, we hope. Allah will provide if we trust the process and seek help through patience and prayers.

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

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