MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 19, 2010) – Philippine leader Benigno Aquino III have met with five governors of Mindanao and discussed with them the government’s anti-poverty program and peace efforts in the troubled region.
Among those Aquino had met were Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, two of the most influential political leaders in the southern Philippines.
Both Sulu and Maguindanao are part of the five-province Muslim autonomous region and one of the poorest in the country. The governors also briefed the president about the current state of the provinces and their issues and concerns about the impoverished region.
Aquino also met Monday with government secretaries. (Mindanao Examiner)
Showing posts with label Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Philippine leader, Mindanao governors meet; talk about peace, anti-poverty programs
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sulu Projects Launched
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan speaks to housing planners and engineers during an inspection in the province. Tan says he is prioritizing housing projects and other infrastructure programs in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Thousands get free bags, school supplies in Sulu
Thousands of Muslim students receive new bags and school supplies on two-days of humanitarian mission on a coastal town of Maimbung in the southern Philippine province of Sulu. Governor Sakur Tan and his son, Samier Tan, the mayor of Maimbung town, and wife, Nurunisah Tan, led the First Family in the distribution of some 10,000 bags, notebooks and pad papers to throngs of students in different schools from 27 villages. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Jung Francisco).SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 21, 2010) – Thousands of Muslim students received new bags and school supplies on two-days of humanitarian mission on a coastal town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
Governor Sakur Tan and wife Hajja Nurinisah Tan, and son, Samier Tan, the mayor of Maimbung town, led the First Family in the distribution of some 10,000 bags, notebooks and pad papers to throngs of students in different schools.
The young Tan said he would distribute more bags and other school supplies to students in the town and would prioritize livelihood projects and health care to the locals, mostly fishermen; including the minority Badjao natives.
The governor’s wife, herself a professional nurse, and daughter Sheila Hayudini; Dr Farah Omar, of the Integrated Provincial Health Office and the Department of Health, also gave out Vitamin A and deworming medicines to school children in five areas where the humanitarian missions were held.
The two-day event ended on Tuesday, but more bags had been distributed on Wednesday.
“This is just the beginning of more humanitarian missions not only in Maimbung, but in other towns in Sulu as well, just as what we did the last years. This program will continue and we will reach out to more people in far-flung areas,” the governor, a known philanthropist in the southern Philippines, said.
Tan also ordered his engineers to inspect the state of various schools, mostly built from old buildings, in the town and come up with recommendations on how to improve its condition or whether the structure is still safe.
The governor previously built a new school in the town and is now planning to put up a university in Maimbing which will specialize in fisheries and agriculture. “We want this university open to all and everything will be free, from tuition to books, and we shall lead our students to become professional and experts in the fields of fisheries and agriculture because Sulu is rich in natural resources and we have vast marine resources,” he said.
On Saturday, dozens of Islamic students will also graduate from a madrasah that the Tans built in the capital town of Jolo where the governor’s wife also put up a children’s playground and a mosque. And a waiting shed to spare school children from the sweltering heat of the sun or cold rain.
“We are happy that the madrasah is able to graduate many students, who are the pioneer of the Islamic school. We are planning to build more madaris in other areas because education is very important for our people. With good education, we can bring about change and peace and progress in Sulu,” the First Lady said. (With reports from Jung Francisco and Ramon Deles)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Poll body proclaims re-elected Sulu governor
Re-elected governor of Sulu province Hajji Sakur Tan embraces his wife Hajja Nurunisah Tan after lawyer Vidzfar Julie of the Commission on Elections on Saturday night, May 15, 2010 proclaimed the politician as winner in the May 10 local and national elections. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 16, 2010) – Philippine elections officials have proclaimed influential politician Sakur Tan, who was re-elected as governor of Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.
Lawyer Vidzfar Julie, the local head of the Commission on Elections, on Saturday night, declared Tan as the winner in the May 10 general elections. “The governor has won the elections,” he told reporters.
Tan, a philanthropist, won more than 24,000 votes over Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison and former Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari. Tan vowed to continue peace and development efforts in the province where security forces are fighting militants linked to the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, blamed for the spate of terrorism in the southern region.
“We will continue what we had begun and our priority remains the same – peace and development and progress for the province of Sulu and its people,” Tan said, adding, the critical role of different sectors and the cooperation of the public are important in achieving peace and progress in Sulu.
Various sectors and civil society groups in the province have thrown their support to Tan and pledged to continue supporting his benevolent policies.
Tan won the polls despite attempts by his political foes to cheat him by bribing voters and intimidating them in some areas in the province.
Tan praised the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in Sulu. “We are commending the Commission on Elections and our Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for maintaining peace and order during Monday’s elections,” he said.
Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu, largely credited the cooperation of the public and the different sectors to the peaceful elections.
“The credit goes to the different sectors and the public. There was a strong cooperation from all sectors and the people of Sulu for peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections,” Guerrero said.
Police also said the peaceful elections were due to long security planning and cooperation of local politicians who signed a peace covenant even before the polls had began. “The peace covenant signed by the local politicians and their cooperation led to the peaceful elections in Sulu,” said Senior Superintendent Joseph Ramac, commander of a special police task force which covered the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi during the polls. (Mindanao Examiner)
Lawyer Vidzfar Julie, the local head of the Commission on Elections, on Saturday night, declared Tan as the winner in the May 10 general elections. “The governor has won the elections,” he told reporters.
Tan, a philanthropist, won more than 24,000 votes over Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison and former Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari. Tan vowed to continue peace and development efforts in the province where security forces are fighting militants linked to the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, blamed for the spate of terrorism in the southern region.
“We will continue what we had begun and our priority remains the same – peace and development and progress for the province of Sulu and its people,” Tan said, adding, the critical role of different sectors and the cooperation of the public are important in achieving peace and progress in Sulu.
Various sectors and civil society groups in the province have thrown their support to Tan and pledged to continue supporting his benevolent policies.
Tan won the polls despite attempts by his political foes to cheat him by bribing voters and intimidating them in some areas in the province.
Tan praised the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in Sulu. “We are commending the Commission on Elections and our Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for maintaining peace and order during Monday’s elections,” he said.
Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu, largely credited the cooperation of the public and the different sectors to the peaceful elections.
“The credit goes to the different sectors and the public. There was a strong cooperation from all sectors and the people of Sulu for peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections,” Guerrero said.
Police also said the peaceful elections were due to long security planning and cooperation of local politicians who signed a peace covenant even before the polls had began. “The peace covenant signed by the local politicians and their cooperation led to the peaceful elections in Sulu,” said Senior Superintendent Joseph Ramac, commander of a special police task force which covered the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi during the polls. (Mindanao Examiner)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Exiting Philippine leader to visit Sulu
President Gloria Arroyo, who is stepping down on June 30, is proclaimed in Pampanga province where she wins a seat in Congress. Arroyo is to visit Sulu province on Friday, May 14, 2010 to inspect government projects with re-elected Sulu governor Sakur Tan.
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 13, 2010) – Philippine soldiers have tightened security in the southern province of Sulu where President Gloria Arroyo is expected to visit Friday.
Arroyo, who won a Congressional seat in Monday’s general elections, is to step down on June 30, but still would visit the town of Maimbung to see development projects in the area.
The re-elected governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan, is set to welcome the President and led the tour in Maimbung where he is proposing to build a school of fisheries and agriculture and offer free education.
Tan already developed the wharf in Maimbung and introduced fish cages and marine culture to provide livelihood to thousands of Muslim fishermen during his first term.
Arroyo is also expected to unveil fresh package of aid and development projects to the impoverished province before she steps down. Arroyo, who has majority members of Congress behind here, is said to be aspiring to become the House Speaker.
Opposition senator Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III is leading in the presidential race against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who was ousted and convicted of plunder in 2001. (Mindanao Examiner)
Arroyo, who won a Congressional seat in Monday’s general elections, is to step down on June 30, but still would visit the town of Maimbung to see development projects in the area.
The re-elected governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan, is set to welcome the President and led the tour in Maimbung where he is proposing to build a school of fisheries and agriculture and offer free education.
Tan already developed the wharf in Maimbung and introduced fish cages and marine culture to provide livelihood to thousands of Muslim fishermen during his first term.
Arroyo is also expected to unveil fresh package of aid and development projects to the impoverished province before she steps down. Arroyo, who has majority members of Congress behind here, is said to be aspiring to become the House Speaker.
Opposition senator Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III is leading in the presidential race against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who was ousted and convicted of plunder in 2001. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Release of Sulu rehab fund sought from ARMM
SULU, Philippines - Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan on Sunday expressed dismay over the alleged delay in the release of the P10-million fund for the rehabilitation of an ice and cold storage facility in the capital town of Jolo which will benefit marginal fishermen.
Tan said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao allegedly failed to release to the provincial government the fund for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of the ice and cold storage facility here despite being released already by the national government to the ARMM.
According to Tan, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture released the funding to the ARMM during the time of former Governor Zaldy Ampatuan.
As this developed, Tan urged ARMM acting Governor Ansaruddin Adiong to direct the BFAR to release the funds for the project and not to show his alleged “fear” on the former administrator of ARMM.
“Governor Adiong should exercise his power and prerogative as ARMM governor this time and not to show fear on the official who is keeping custody of funds for the fishery projects in the provinces under the ARMM,” Tan said.
Tan said Adiong is allegedly hesitant to address some failures of a BFAR official in the implementation of some fisheries projects in the region.
Tan had earlier accused Adiong of duplicating the system of Ampatuan in running the government affairs of the ARMM, an accusation Adiong has already vehemently denied. (Nonoy Lacson)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sulu offers free college education in agriculture and fisheries
SULU, Philippines – Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he is planning to make college education free for local students who want to pursue careers in Agriculture and Fishery, the state-owned Philippine Information Agency reported.
"Agriculture and fishery is the lifeblood of the province, the Sulu Sea is one of the richest if not the richest fishing grounds in the entire world and the enormous potential of this resource has benefited other provinces and it is now time that we produce local experts in this field, so that the people of Sulu can utilize the richness of its resource in an efficient and sustainable manner," Tan said during a recent ground breaking ceremony for a housing program of the Provincial Government in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the town of Maimbung.
Tan said the construction of an extension school building in Maimbung that will specialize for this purpose is now underway. He said the positive developments in agriculture and fishery through the cooperative program undoubtedly needs to sustain to ensure productivity in these sectors. The need for local professionals in these fields is vital in the enhancement of agriculture and fishery in Sulu.
"Focusing on the strengths and potentials of Sulu is a more prudent and pragmatic way of attaining economic independence in the province, more so if our local constituents have the capability to ensure the effective and sustainable handling of these potentials which happens to be in the field of agri-fishery, this is true people empowerment," Tan said.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
RP should strengthen foreign ties, says Gibo
Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro and Lakas-Kampi-CMD Provincial Chairman and re-electionist Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan answer questions from journalists. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
MANILA - The next administration should focus not only on internal concerns but also on strengthening the Philippines’ ties with other countries to guarantee national security, spur economic growth and protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers worldwide, Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro said.
At the same time, Gibo said Filipinos should speak with one voice before the global community, especially when it comes to fulfilling its international commitments, to protect its reputation overseas and build investor confidence in the domestic economy.
“Filipinos should speak with one voice,” he said in a recent media forum. “There must be no crack. Our reputation as a country that is ready, willing and able to stand up to its commitments made fairly, freely, must be proven because there is a sad question mark on that in the world scene. And that is also one factor why investments, perhaps, have not come.”.
Gibo said Philippine foreign relations was one topic “sorely missed” in the discussions during forums and debates among presidential candidates in this year’s elections, even though it is a key pillar in developing our economy and even in improving the quality of our human capital.
“One of the canons of Philippine diplomacy, Philippine foreign policy, is that we rely on our good and principled relations with other countries for our national security, national economic security, and thirdly, the welfare of Filipinos abroad,” Gibo said.
He said that to develop Filipino skills and brainpower, the country should learn to interact globally and open itself “not merely to investments but to influences worldwide.”
Gibo said that if elected President, he would continue strengthening the Philippines’ ties with its traditional allies such as the United States, Australia and Japan, while developing bilateral and trade relations with the Middle East, the European Community and South America.
The Philippines must also continue to build its partnerships with China, which is a major trade partner and potentially the largest market for Philippine exports, Gibo said.
Moreover, China is also a key element in maintaining economic growth and preserving peace and stability in East Asia, he added.
China, he said, also presents a large market for the country’s tourism sector and is a potential partner in investments on power and energy,
In the first six months of a Teodoro presidency, Gibo said that due to pressing domestic concerns, he would prefer to stay in the country rather than travel overseas, save for attending the upcoming Asean Summit in Vietnam in October and the APEC Summit in in Japan in November.
A former Defense chief, Gibo has huge public support and governors and mayors are campaigning for him to ensure his victory and that of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD candidates for the May 10 general elections.
At the same time, Gibo said Filipinos should speak with one voice before the global community, especially when it comes to fulfilling its international commitments, to protect its reputation overseas and build investor confidence in the domestic economy.
“Filipinos should speak with one voice,” he said in a recent media forum. “There must be no crack. Our reputation as a country that is ready, willing and able to stand up to its commitments made fairly, freely, must be proven because there is a sad question mark on that in the world scene. And that is also one factor why investments, perhaps, have not come.”.
Gibo said Philippine foreign relations was one topic “sorely missed” in the discussions during forums and debates among presidential candidates in this year’s elections, even though it is a key pillar in developing our economy and even in improving the quality of our human capital.
“One of the canons of Philippine diplomacy, Philippine foreign policy, is that we rely on our good and principled relations with other countries for our national security, national economic security, and thirdly, the welfare of Filipinos abroad,” Gibo said.
He said that to develop Filipino skills and brainpower, the country should learn to interact globally and open itself “not merely to investments but to influences worldwide.”
Gibo said that if elected President, he would continue strengthening the Philippines’ ties with its traditional allies such as the United States, Australia and Japan, while developing bilateral and trade relations with the Middle East, the European Community and South America.
The Philippines must also continue to build its partnerships with China, which is a major trade partner and potentially the largest market for Philippine exports, Gibo said.
Moreover, China is also a key element in maintaining economic growth and preserving peace and stability in East Asia, he added.
China, he said, also presents a large market for the country’s tourism sector and is a potential partner in investments on power and energy,
In the first six months of a Teodoro presidency, Gibo said that due to pressing domestic concerns, he would prefer to stay in the country rather than travel overseas, save for attending the upcoming Asean Summit in Vietnam in October and the APEC Summit in in Japan in November.
A former Defense chief, Gibo has huge public support and governors and mayors are campaigning for him to ensure his victory and that of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD candidates for the May 10 general elections.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lakas-Kampi-CMD show force in Sulu
Some 15,000 people paraded Monday, March 29, 2010 in Jolo town in Sulu province during the proclamation rally of the ruling political coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD headed by Governor Sakur Tan, who is seeking reelection in the forthcoming May general elections. Tan is campaigning for former defense chief Gilberto Teodoro who is running for the presidency, and his vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano. The proclamation rally is the biggest so far in Sulu’s political history. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 29, 2010) – Some 15,000 people paraded Monday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu in a show of force in the proclamation rally of the President Gloria arroyo’s political coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, the local coalition chairman, led the rally and vowed support to the government’s candidates headed by former defense chief Gilberto Teodoro who is running for president in the May national and local polls.
Tan, who is seeking reelection, also introduced his official slate with Abdel Anni as his running mate. Most of Tan’s candidates are veteran politicians and incumbent officials whose track records have been proven in the past.
“Let us continue what we have started – peace and order and economy and development and progress of this beautiful province – remain our top priority. Let’s all unite for peace and progress and future of Sulu,” Tan, a known philanthropist, told cheering supporters.
He also campaigned for Teodoro and Manzano and the coalition candidates for the Senate and Congress. The proclamation rally, attended by various civil society groups and various peoples’ organizations, was so far the largest in Sulu’s political history.
Supporters of Tan estimated the crowd to be 15,000-20,000 who paraded around the capital town of Jolo. Hundreds of residents also lined up the streets to welcome the rally.
“If elections are to be held today, the whole slate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD will win hands down – from the presidential candidate down to the municipal council. Governor Tan, in his three years as our leader, brought us progress and development,” said Amir Sakandal, a trader.
Filipinos are to choose their new leaders in the first ever automated elections in May 10. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, the local coalition chairman, led the rally and vowed support to the government’s candidates headed by former defense chief Gilberto Teodoro who is running for president in the May national and local polls.
Tan, who is seeking reelection, also introduced his official slate with Abdel Anni as his running mate. Most of Tan’s candidates are veteran politicians and incumbent officials whose track records have been proven in the past.
“Let us continue what we have started – peace and order and economy and development and progress of this beautiful province – remain our top priority. Let’s all unite for peace and progress and future of Sulu,” Tan, a known philanthropist, told cheering supporters.
He also campaigned for Teodoro and Manzano and the coalition candidates for the Senate and Congress. The proclamation rally, attended by various civil society groups and various peoples’ organizations, was so far the largest in Sulu’s political history.
Supporters of Tan estimated the crowd to be 15,000-20,000 who paraded around the capital town of Jolo. Hundreds of residents also lined up the streets to welcome the rally.
“If elections are to be held today, the whole slate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD will win hands down – from the presidential candidate down to the municipal council. Governor Tan, in his three years as our leader, brought us progress and development,” said Amir Sakandal, a trader.
Filipinos are to choose their new leaders in the first ever automated elections in May 10. (Mindanao Examiner)
Monday, March 01, 2010
Gawad Kalinga to build community in Sulu; pro-poor housing inaugurated
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan briefs representatives of the Gawad Kalinga Community Foundation - Jerick Limoanco and Rey Balatayo - during a housing project site inspection Sunday, February 28, 2010 in Maimbung town. The Gawad Kalinga says it will build at least 120 housing units in the town in partnership with the Sulu provincial government. Muslim children play on a bridge in Maimbung town and behind them is a housing project which was also inaugurated Sunday by Governor Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 28, 2010) – Over 100 houses which will benefit mostly poor families are to be erected in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said on Sunday.
Officials said the project is part of the Gawad Kalinga program and the Sulu provincial government. Two representatives of the Gawad Kalinga met with Governor Sakur Tan on Sunday and inspected the site where at least 120 houses would be constructed soon.
Tan briefed Jerick Limoanco and Rey Balatayo about the proposed housing site in the town of Maimbung. They were welcome by residents in the area.
“We are going to build houses. We are going to build a Gawad Kalinga community and this will benefit many people here in Sulu,” Balatayo said.
Gawad Kalinga is a Philippine-based poverty reduction and nation-building movement launched by Couples for Christ, a Catholic lay community, to care for worse-off Filipinos and survivors of natural disasters.
Last year, the Gawad Kalinga Global Summit was held in Boston, Massachusetts, where the foundation also launched its Vision 2024 platform - a 21-year timeline aimed to eradicate homelessness, hunger, and poverty for the millions of impoverished Filipino families all over the Philippines", bringing the country into First World status by 2024.
Tan said aside from the housing project, provincial infrastructure projects are also going on in many areas in Sulu.
After the site inspection, Tan also inaugurated a multi-million pro-poor housing project in Maimbung and was attended by village leaders. Dozens of new houses, many of them sitting on stilts, have been constructed in coastal towns.
“We have been doubling our time to finish more projects. The provincial (housing projects) costs millions of pesos and many poor families are now benefiting from these infrastructure and other pro-poor projects,” he said.
Tan also inspected several road and off-shore fisheries and lobster-fattening projects in Sulu. He said many fishermen have organized themselves into cooperatives and are benefiting from the government technical support, including loans and trainings. (Mindanao Examiner)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Radyo ng Bayan in Sulu province gets new facelift
The facade of the state-owned Radyo ng Bayan in Sulu province which was recently inaugurated in the capital town of Jolo.
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 17, 2010) – The state-run Radyo ng Bayan inaugurated its newly renovated broadcast station in the capital town of Jolo in Sulu province.
Zenaida Masong, station manager of the dxSM, expressed her gratitude to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan who funded the renovation of the radio station. She said it was also during the time of Tan, then the congressman of Sulu, that the Radyo ng Bayan acquired a 10-kilowatt Harris transmitter.
Masong said the total cost of the renovation reached more than half a
million pesos which Tan funded. The radio station also added some P300,000 more for other improvements. She said the improvements included the building housing the radio station, among others.
“This is the first time that a government official has given Radyo Ng Bayan assistance in this scale and Governor Sakur Tan made us feel the importance and value of media in public service,” she said.
Engineer Mike Pangilinan, of the government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, who represented Director John Manalili, expressed his gratitude to the support of Governor Tan to the Radyo Ng Bayan.
The Radyo ng Bayan and the Sulu Provincial Government’s constructive
collaboration in providing information to the people and the community is a noble duty. Radyo Ng Bayan is an ally of the provincial government for progress and development, Thank you to Governor Sakur Tan,” Pangilinan said during the inauguration of the dxSM.
He said in addition to the improvement of the Radyo Ng Bayan, dxSM will soon have its own digital audio and video capabilities, including teleconferencing facilities.
The inauguration was attended by many town and provincial officials.
“The renovated Radyo ng Bayan, constructed with the support and assistance of the Provincial Government, is a testament of how we value friends from media,” the governor said.
He also appealed to media to give due space and attention to the better things that are happening in Sulu instead of sensationalizing news which is affecting the good image of the province.
“Despite the portrayal of the province as violence-prone as we usually
see in the news and hear over the broadcast medium, we always treat media as friends and allies of the government, to the extent of almost pampering them. The power of media in shaping public opinion is well acknowledged,” he said. (The Sulu Provincial Information Office contributed to this report.)
Zenaida Masong, station manager of the dxSM, expressed her gratitude to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan who funded the renovation of the radio station. She said it was also during the time of Tan, then the congressman of Sulu, that the Radyo ng Bayan acquired a 10-kilowatt Harris transmitter.
Masong said the total cost of the renovation reached more than half a
million pesos which Tan funded. The radio station also added some P300,000 more for other improvements. She said the improvements included the building housing the radio station, among others.
“This is the first time that a government official has given Radyo Ng Bayan assistance in this scale and Governor Sakur Tan made us feel the importance and value of media in public service,” she said.
Engineer Mike Pangilinan, of the government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, who represented Director John Manalili, expressed his gratitude to the support of Governor Tan to the Radyo Ng Bayan.
The Radyo ng Bayan and the Sulu Provincial Government’s constructive
collaboration in providing information to the people and the community is a noble duty. Radyo Ng Bayan is an ally of the provincial government for progress and development, Thank you to Governor Sakur Tan,” Pangilinan said during the inauguration of the dxSM.
He said in addition to the improvement of the Radyo Ng Bayan, dxSM will soon have its own digital audio and video capabilities, including teleconferencing facilities.
The inauguration was attended by many town and provincial officials.
“The renovated Radyo ng Bayan, constructed with the support and assistance of the Provincial Government, is a testament of how we value friends from media,” the governor said.
He also appealed to media to give due space and attention to the better things that are happening in Sulu instead of sensationalizing news which is affecting the good image of the province.
“Despite the portrayal of the province as violence-prone as we usually
see in the news and hear over the broadcast medium, we always treat media as friends and allies of the government, to the extent of almost pampering them. The power of media in shaping public opinion is well acknowledged,” he said. (The Sulu Provincial Information Office contributed to this report.)
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
New ARMM Education chief introduces reforms, vows to bring more changes to benefit teachers
COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 9, 2010) – The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has kicked off a series of campaign against unauthorized deductions or contributions from the paychecks of teachers in the region, starting with Lanao del Sur where the unscrupulous scheme was reportedly rampant.
On his 6th day in office and upon the order of ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, newly installed Education Secretary Hamid Barra, distributed on February 6 the salaries for January of more than 10,000 teachers from five divisions of Lanao del Sur province.
Barra said he was ordered by Adiong to “make sure that no teacher will go home without his paycheck.”
Teachers had complained that as much as P 1,700 was illegally deducted from their salaries in the past for alleged unauthorized deductions. Others said teachers who were applying for jobs were allegedly being told to pay as much as P150,000 each to ensure their hiring.
Barra said the leadership of Adiong is seriously committed to give what is due to teachers. “We mean business this time,” he said.
He said the January paychecks of teachers in Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces were distributed on time through at the division levels.
DepEd-ARMM has more than 22,000 personnel, 90 percent of this are teachers.
Barra said he accepted his appointment as Education Secretary on the condition that he will introduce drastic reforms on which Adiong agreed. He said he is determined to implement reforms based on his four core values – knowledge, faith, virtue and practice.
“He (Adiong) also wants reforms in DepEd-ARMM. We have the same concern,” Barra said.
Barra said his agency will soon establish a hot line so teachers and other stakeholders can call and air their concerns or grievances and he pledged to act on all reports.
The Education department, according to Barra, is also conducting Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment before reforms will take place and this comes in three phases.
Barra said he would regularly visit schools in the five provinces under the ARMM and would conduct meetings with school heads to listen to their reports and issues and concerns.
Barra assured that the issues and concerns submitted to his office will be looked into. “We will gradually deal with all these issues and concerns. We will look for strategies to solve these concerns of our teachers in the region,” he said.
A compliance and management audit will be conducted to assess the extent if teachers are in conformity with the standing rules and regulation of the department and the finance and personnel of the school or office will also be verified, he said.
Barra also warned “fixers” in the Education department that they will be sanctioned if proven that they are involved in the “selling of appointments (papers).”
“Jobs are not for sale. Those who passed the teachers examination will be given what they deserved,” Barra said.
He called on the more than 20,000 teachers all over the Muslim autonomous region to do their job and be committed to their profession. “We are here to work as a team, to work for the future of our children. This is for their education,” Barra said.
In Sulu, hundreds of teachers in the past have long complained of various anomalies and delay in salaries and had sought the help of Governor Sakur Tan to bring the issues to the attention of the ARMM.
Tan brought the issues and complaints of the teachers not only to the attention of the previous ARMM administration, but also to President Gloria Arroyo and the Department of Education in Manila.
The governor was also instrumental in bringing the teachers' licensure examination to Sulu that benefited thousands of teachers and applicants in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. Previous licensure examinations were being held in Zamboanga City where teachers spend more money for hotel and their travel.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno installed Adiong as acting governor on December 11 following the detention of ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan in connection with the brutal killings of 57 people, including at least 31 journalists in Maguindanao province on November 23. (Jo Henry and Mark Navales contributed to this report)
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Philippine Defense chief sees peaceful elections in Sulu
Dr. Sakur Tan, the provincial governor of Sulu. ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / February 7, 2010) – Filipino Defense chief Norberto Gonzales assured peaceful elections in the southern province of Sulu after meeting with local politicians, government media said Sunday.
It said Gonzales with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Representative Munir Arbison and that both have agreed to peaceful elections in May. Tan, a religious man, is seeking reelection under the government’s political coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD, while Arbison, who is on his third and last term, is running against the incumbent governor.
“Cultivating his old personal ties with the Tausugs, Gonzales convinced Governor Sakur Tan and Congressman Munir Arbison, together with their respective supporters who were either incumbent holders or candidates for elected local positions in Sulu, to put aside their arms and instead engage in a fair and brotherly competition,” the Philippine News Agency reported.
Last month, Senior Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, the regional police chief, ordered the investigation into the reports that some 300 firearms landed in the coastal town of Luuk.
Tan, citing intelligence reports, said the weapons were smuggled in Luuk by a still unidentified armed group after President Gloria Arroyo declared martial law in December in Maguindanao province where security forces recovered huge caches of light infantry and heavy artillery weapons allegedly owned by the powerful Ampatuan clan.
It was unknown whether the weapons came from Maguindanao or who owns arms cache.
The Ampatuan clan is one of the most feared in Mindanao and also among the wealthiest in the impoverished Maguindanao province, whose governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his sons, Zaldy Ampatuan, the regional governor, and Andal Ampatuan Jr., and several family members and relatives were linked by authorities to the gruesome killings of 57 people on November 23.
Among those killed were 31 journalists and wife and relatives of Buluan vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, who is a candidate for governor of Maguindanao in next year’s polls. The victims were on a political caravan when they were abducted and killed by more then 100 gunmen allegedly led by Ampatuan Jr.
All of them were eventually arrested in connection with the brutal slayings. The Ampatuans denied all the accusations against them.
Tan last year also put Sulu under a state of emergency after Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped three Red Cross workers. He also ordered security forces to dismantle all private armies of political warlords in the province.
Police also recruited some 2,000 civilians to form part of the Police Auxiliary Unit to help authorities fight terrorism and guard villages against rebel attacks.
The Abu Sayyaf group was also linked to last year’s failed assassination attempt on Tan outside his office in Patikul town. Militants bombed Tan’s convoy on May 13 that wounded 10 people, including a local town mayor Hatta Berto.
Tan just came from his office and on his way home when a motorcycle bomb exploded near his vehicle. Police later captured two suspected bombers Juhan Alimuddin and Sulayman Muin who confessed to investigators that they were hired by Tan’s political foe to kill the governor.
It said Gonzales with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Representative Munir Arbison and that both have agreed to peaceful elections in May. Tan, a religious man, is seeking reelection under the government’s political coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD, while Arbison, who is on his third and last term, is running against the incumbent governor.
“Cultivating his old personal ties with the Tausugs, Gonzales convinced Governor Sakur Tan and Congressman Munir Arbison, together with their respective supporters who were either incumbent holders or candidates for elected local positions in Sulu, to put aside their arms and instead engage in a fair and brotherly competition,” the Philippine News Agency reported.
Last month, Senior Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, the regional police chief, ordered the investigation into the reports that some 300 firearms landed in the coastal town of Luuk.
Tan, citing intelligence reports, said the weapons were smuggled in Luuk by a still unidentified armed group after President Gloria Arroyo declared martial law in December in Maguindanao province where security forces recovered huge caches of light infantry and heavy artillery weapons allegedly owned by the powerful Ampatuan clan.
It was unknown whether the weapons came from Maguindanao or who owns arms cache.
The Ampatuan clan is one of the most feared in Mindanao and also among the wealthiest in the impoverished Maguindanao province, whose governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his sons, Zaldy Ampatuan, the regional governor, and Andal Ampatuan Jr., and several family members and relatives were linked by authorities to the gruesome killings of 57 people on November 23.
Among those killed were 31 journalists and wife and relatives of Buluan vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, who is a candidate for governor of Maguindanao in next year’s polls. The victims were on a political caravan when they were abducted and killed by more then 100 gunmen allegedly led by Ampatuan Jr.
All of them were eventually arrested in connection with the brutal slayings. The Ampatuans denied all the accusations against them.
Tan last year also put Sulu under a state of emergency after Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped three Red Cross workers. He also ordered security forces to dismantle all private armies of political warlords in the province.
Police also recruited some 2,000 civilians to form part of the Police Auxiliary Unit to help authorities fight terrorism and guard villages against rebel attacks.
The Abu Sayyaf group was also linked to last year’s failed assassination attempt on Tan outside his office in Patikul town. Militants bombed Tan’s convoy on May 13 that wounded 10 people, including a local town mayor Hatta Berto.
Tan just came from his office and on his way home when a motorcycle bomb exploded near his vehicle. Police later captured two suspected bombers Juhan Alimuddin and Sulayman Muin who confessed to investigators that they were hired by Tan’s political foe to kill the governor.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Philippines Defense chief enjoys durian in Sulu province
Philippine Defense chief Norberto Gonzales enjoys eating durian besides Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a visit in Sulu province in the southern Philippines. Tan says Sulu is rich in many varieties of fruits such as durian and mangosteen and is ready to supply various markets in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)Thursday, January 14, 2010
Outgoing US Ambassador praised in the Philippines
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / January 14, 2010) - Sulu governor Dr Sakur Tan has praised outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney for her contribution to peace and development efforts in the southern province which is a beneficiary of multi-million pesos worth of humanitarian projects.
Tan also thanked Kenney, who is ending her tour in the Philippines, for her many contributions to the progress of Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
“On behalf on my people, we thank the good Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who was a frequent visitor of Sulu, for her many contribution to peace and development. And forever, we will be grateful to you,” Tan told reporters.
Kenney was a frequent visitor in Sulu where she led US officials in many inaugurations of infrastructure projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development and Growth with Equity in Mindanao.
Tan said it was also during Kenney’s time that Washington, through the USAID and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines poured tens of millions of dollars worth of humanitarian and development projects, including the rehabilitation of the airport in Jolo town.
“Ambassador Kristie Kenney is a face that Sulu had grown accustomed to. What with her frequent visits and calls that render normalcy and acknowledgment that all is well in Sulu despite the otherwise impressions that are unkindly tagged on the face of this promising. The hands of welcome of the Tausug will always be kept warm for Kristie,” Tan said.
“In our subdued way, we may not be eloquent or articulate enough or even openly enough to describe our sense of pride and honor that the representative of the strongest country in the globe is a true friend of many students and pupils, of many needy residents, and the many constituents of far-flung villages. A good dream is worth sharing; the American Dream is a reality worth emulating,” he added.
Kenney ends her tour of duty and will return to the United States after serving for more than three years as ambassador to Manila after President Barrack Obama designated Harry Thomas, Jr. as the new ambassador to the Philippines.
Tan said in his stint as public servant, he considers himself lucky because he has two great women, referring to Kenney and President Gloria Arroyo, who stood behind him and the people of Sulu and made the going easier in this seemingly “ungovernable land.”
“President Gloria -Arroyo, an epitome of an iron lady who brushed aside the machissimo of traditional politics, and of course Ambassador Kenney, who in their own distinct yet complementing ways, steered me in the right path and aided me to clear even the hardest hurdles placed in my path.”
“I can’t help but beam with added pride that of the many matters that demand the attention of then President George Bush and President Arroyo when they met in Australia, the need of Sulu for an expanded airport runway was included in their agenda. Now, as history had witnessed, we have inaugurated the completed extended runway of the Jolo Airport, and rightly so, President Arroyo and Ambassador Kenney were in Sulu to grace the occasion,” Tan said.
The airport was inaugurated last month.
The governor said words will not be enough to enumerate the myriads of projects that the American people and government had rendered to Sulu and its people.
“During the tour of duty of Her Excellency Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the many visits that she had made to Sulu will remain embedded in the minds and hearts of many Tausug. Sulu had gone through many sadness and lamentations. Yet there is this special sort of sadness of seeing a good friend bidding us farewell.”
”But there are comforting hopes and expectations that the good relations between the American people and the people of Sulu will continue and usher forward an era free from the shackles of the past but bonded in shared convictions towards a peaceful world for all mankind,” Tan said.
Most of the American infrastructure projects in Sulu were built by US troops who belong to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and assisted by Filipino soldiers. Among them were schools, roads, bridges, health centers, water projects and buildings in Sulu’s 19 towns.
Kenney said working with so many Filipinos, from all walks of life, has been one of the most memorable experiences of her life. She said it has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve as the US ambassador to the Philippines for more than three and a half years.
“I have come to deeply appreciate not just the warmth and friendship of Filipinos, but also their determination to make their country, region, and world a better place for their children and grandchildren. It has been a true pleasure to live in this beautiful country, and to lead the US Embassy in efforts to partner with the government and people of the Philippines for the greater good of Americans and Filipinos alike,” Kenney said.
The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation, also praised Kenney for her support to the peace process in Mindanao. Kenney visited a rebel base in Mindanao last year and spoke with the secluded MILF chieftain Murad Ebrahim.
Kenney was the first US ambassador to visit the rebel base.
“She could have stayed longer in the Philippines. She has contributed a lot in the peace process and Ambassador Kenney would be remembered well by the Bangsamoro people for her sincerity and untiring efforts and contribution to the peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government,” said Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tan also thanked Kenney, who is ending her tour in the Philippines, for her many contributions to the progress of Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
“On behalf on my people, we thank the good Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who was a frequent visitor of Sulu, for her many contribution to peace and development. And forever, we will be grateful to you,” Tan told reporters.
Kenney was a frequent visitor in Sulu where she led US officials in many inaugurations of infrastructure projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development and Growth with Equity in Mindanao.
Tan said it was also during Kenney’s time that Washington, through the USAID and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines poured tens of millions of dollars worth of humanitarian and development projects, including the rehabilitation of the airport in Jolo town.
“Ambassador Kristie Kenney is a face that Sulu had grown accustomed to. What with her frequent visits and calls that render normalcy and acknowledgment that all is well in Sulu despite the otherwise impressions that are unkindly tagged on the face of this promising. The hands of welcome of the Tausug will always be kept warm for Kristie,” Tan said.
“In our subdued way, we may not be eloquent or articulate enough or even openly enough to describe our sense of pride and honor that the representative of the strongest country in the globe is a true friend of many students and pupils, of many needy residents, and the many constituents of far-flung villages. A good dream is worth sharing; the American Dream is a reality worth emulating,” he added.
Kenney ends her tour of duty and will return to the United States after serving for more than three years as ambassador to Manila after President Barrack Obama designated Harry Thomas, Jr. as the new ambassador to the Philippines.
Tan said in his stint as public servant, he considers himself lucky because he has two great women, referring to Kenney and President Gloria Arroyo, who stood behind him and the people of Sulu and made the going easier in this seemingly “ungovernable land.”
“President Gloria -Arroyo, an epitome of an iron lady who brushed aside the machissimo of traditional politics, and of course Ambassador Kenney, who in their own distinct yet complementing ways, steered me in the right path and aided me to clear even the hardest hurdles placed in my path.”
“I can’t help but beam with added pride that of the many matters that demand the attention of then President George Bush and President Arroyo when they met in Australia, the need of Sulu for an expanded airport runway was included in their agenda. Now, as history had witnessed, we have inaugurated the completed extended runway of the Jolo Airport, and rightly so, President Arroyo and Ambassador Kenney were in Sulu to grace the occasion,” Tan said.
The airport was inaugurated last month.
The governor said words will not be enough to enumerate the myriads of projects that the American people and government had rendered to Sulu and its people.
“During the tour of duty of Her Excellency Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the many visits that she had made to Sulu will remain embedded in the minds and hearts of many Tausug. Sulu had gone through many sadness and lamentations. Yet there is this special sort of sadness of seeing a good friend bidding us farewell.”
”But there are comforting hopes and expectations that the good relations between the American people and the people of Sulu will continue and usher forward an era free from the shackles of the past but bonded in shared convictions towards a peaceful world for all mankind,” Tan said.
Most of the American infrastructure projects in Sulu were built by US troops who belong to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and assisted by Filipino soldiers. Among them were schools, roads, bridges, health centers, water projects and buildings in Sulu’s 19 towns.
Kenney said working with so many Filipinos, from all walks of life, has been one of the most memorable experiences of her life. She said it has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve as the US ambassador to the Philippines for more than three and a half years.
“I have come to deeply appreciate not just the warmth and friendship of Filipinos, but also their determination to make their country, region, and world a better place for their children and grandchildren. It has been a true pleasure to live in this beautiful country, and to lead the US Embassy in efforts to partner with the government and people of the Philippines for the greater good of Americans and Filipinos alike,” Kenney said.
The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation, also praised Kenney for her support to the peace process in Mindanao. Kenney visited a rebel base in Mindanao last year and spoke with the secluded MILF chieftain Murad Ebrahim.
Kenney was the first US ambassador to visit the rebel base.
“She could have stayed longer in the Philippines. She has contributed a lot in the peace process and Ambassador Kenney would be remembered well by the Bangsamoro people for her sincerity and untiring efforts and contribution to the peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government,” said Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader. (Mindanao Examiner)
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