Wow Sulu! Patikul Municipality

Mindanao Examiner Productions - Photo by Mark Navales, Art work by Jung Francisco.

"Wow Sulu" is a tourism slogan of Governor Sakur Tan, of the province of Sulu, the 15th largest island of the Philippine Archipelago in terms of the area, spanning 1,600 square kilometers. Sulu is a part of the Sulu Archipelago, which stretches from the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula to the island of Borneo. The main island and also its islets are located between the island-provinces of Basilan to the northeast, and Tawi-Tawi to the southwest.

Sulu is located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.

Exotic fruits flood Sulu province

Exotic fruits, among them durian, are now flooding in the southern Philippine province of Sulu as peace and order continue to improve as locals prepare for the celebration of the Hari Raya festival, says Sulu Governor Dr Sakur Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 3, 2010) – Exotic fruits are now flooding in the southern Philippine province of Sulu as peace and order continue to improve as locals prepare for the celebration of the Hari Raya festival.

Among the fruits that are bountiful now in Sulu are durian (Durio zibethinus), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and lanzones (Lansium domesticum) and farmers sell them at low prices that locals now are feasting on homemade jams.

Local officials attribute the bountiful harvests to the stable peace and security situation in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

“Peace and order is very good. The security situation is excellent and trade and commerce are alive. Farmers enjoy the bountiful harvests and we have tons and tons of fruits – durian, mangosteen, lanzones among others,” said Sulu Governor Sakur Tan.

He said farmers can freely harvest their fruits without fear of attacks from rebels or operations by government forces.

And because there are so much fruits in Sulu, a medium-sized durian now sells for as low as 10 pesos each while a kilo of mangosteen is peg at 5 pesos and lanzones at 3 pesos a kilo.

Traders in nearby Zamboanga City and Basilan province are hauling the fruits and resell them at higher prices. In Zamboanga, durian sells for as much as 100 pesos a piece. Some even send them to as far as Manila where eating durian is a luxury rather than a delicacy because of its expensive prices there.

Sulu durian is considered by many as the best in the Philippines because of its small seeds and sweet white and yellow flesh.

Locals are now preparing for the Islamic festival Eid’l Fitr. The festival, which falls next week, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid’l Fitr is one of the highlights of the Muslim cultural and religious calendar. It is celebrated at the end of the fasting month or Ramadan, when the new moon is sighted.

The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

The celebration will also coincide with the maiden flights of Philippine Air Lines to Sulu from Zamboanga City. Effective September 10, PAL flies between Zamboanga and Jolo three times a week on AirPhil Express-operated flights under our Code Share Agreement.

Sulu is located at the southernmost portion of the Philippines, lying between the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, and is composed of over 150 islands and islets.

It boasts of a number of fine beaches, one of which is the famous Tubbataha Reef, a 33,200 hectare underwater splendor frequented by divers all over the world. It was honored by United Nations in 1993 as the first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu Governor Takes Oath, Vows To Support Aquino Government

Reelected Sulu governor Sakur Tan formally took his oath Wednesday, June 30, 2010 during inauguration rites attended by thousands of supporters at the provincial capitol and vowed to support the new Aquino government. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Jung Francisco)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 1, 2010) – Reelected Sulu governor Sakur Tan formally took his oath during inauguration rites attended by thousands of supporters at the provincial capitol and vowed to support the new Aquino government.

Tan, who was invited in the Wednesday inauguration of President-elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III, pledged his full support to the new administration.

“Although I was honored to be invited to the inauguration of our 15th President, Benigno Aquino III, I opted to be with my own people on this day, not out of disrespect for our new President. I’m sure that the new President understands that our people are the ones that put presidents, senators, congressmen, governors and the rest of elected officials in power and authority.”

“To be among you, the people, is not a measure of loyalty or of patronage, but rather, the practical reality which recognizes the fact on where sovereignty truly resides,” Tan said in his speech.

He later told reporters: “We are fully supportive of President Aquino. We will support his good government programs.”

Tan, clad in a pair of slacks and Barong Tagalog, was accompanied by First Lady Hajja Nurunisah Tan, who was likewise beautifully dressed in traditional red gown, and the official family and his brothers and sisters.

Top U.S. and Philippine military officials and various leaders of civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations were also present during Tan’s inauguration.

Tan vowed to continue his peace and development programs and to hasten local economy by enhancing trade and investments not only in Mindanao, but neighboring countries such as Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and in return provide livelihood and jobs to locals.

The three Asian countries also make up the East Asia Growth Area, a sub-regional economic cooperation initiative in Southeast Asia that included the Philippines.

“We are pursuing with vigor trade and other investments with our neighbor – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia – and hopefully forge sisterhood and trade agreements between these countries. We will also continue peace and development programs and other projects vital to the economy and progress of Sulu,” Tan told reporters.

Tan called on citizens and his political opponents to work together for peace and progress of the province. “Election campaigns are always divisive as some electorates are emotionally attached to their candidates. The heat of the campaign has now subsided and I call on everyone to begin the season of healing, as I call on, even my political opponents to join in our efforts to effect the changes that Sulu desperately needs. This is the time when petty issues and narrow interests subsume to the higher interests and welfare of the majority of the majority of the people,” he said.

Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu province, accompanied by his commanders and members of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, later met with Tan and discussed future humanitarian projects.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Joint Special Operation Task Force Philippines are always working hand-in-hand with the provincial government and Governor Sakur Tan is very supportive of our peace and development programs,” Guerrero said.

Filipino and American soldiers deployed in Sulu have been active in many humanitarian, development and infrastructure projects that benefited mostly poor Muslims in different areas in the province.

Tan’s first order to the police and military is to strictly enforce the total gun ban in Sulu and stop the proliferation of illegal weapons in the province. He also told authorities to curb illegal drugs in Sulu. “To curb violence, we will implement gun ban in the entire province. The proliferation of illegal drugs should be arrested before narcotics inflict irreparable damage to society. The law will give no quarters to drug-dealers and drug-users alike,” he said.

In the end of his speech, Tan lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections for the peaceful and successful automated elections in May, the first-ever in the country’s political history.

He also praised the various civil society organizations and members of the Muslim and Christian religious communities for strengthening inter-faith relations between peoples of different faiths in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Tan then went on to thank Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Executive Minister of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo - the largest independent church in Asia - who endorsed his candidacy.

A known philanthropist and a religious man, Tan won by a landslide against his two opponents – former Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari and Sulu Representative Munir Arbison – in the May 10 national polls. Last year, Tan survived an Abu Sayyaf assassination attempt after a roadside bomb exploded in Sulu which police claimed was masterminded by his political foes. (With reports from Jung Francisco and Ramon Noel Deles)

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.

Davao City's Exotic Durian!

A woman sells durian in Davao City in the southern Philippines. The fruit which many Filipinos consider as an aphrodisiac is a delicacy in Mindanao and is a favorite among travelers visiting Davao and Sulu where the spiky fruit is abound. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geo Solmerano)

Sulu Tourism: Wow Patikul

A shower of lights fill the coastal town of Patikul as the sun sets in the southern Philippine province of Sulu. Provincial Governor Sakur Tan says they are pursuing an ambitious

tourism program that will put Sulu in the map of world-class tourist destination.

(Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

Sulu Praises US support to peace and development; hails Obama

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 18, 2009) – Sulu Governor Sakur Tan praised the United States on Tuesday for its continuing support to peace and development in the province.

Tan said the United States Agency for International Development donated thousands of books and reference materials on Monday through US Ambassador Kristie Kenny.

“We thank President Barack Obama and Ambassador Kristie Kenney and the people of the United States and all those who continue to help us through various humanitarian projects and peace and development programs for Sulu,” he told reporters.

Tan said a book fair was also held on Tuesday and attended by hundreds of teachers and students.

The USAID is an independent government agency that provides economic development and humanitarian assistance to advance US economic and political interests overseas.

Kenney for her part pledged to continue peace and development supports to Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, Tan said.

He said Kenney also led US officials in the inauguration of the multi-million two-storey building of the Area Coordination Center near the Provincial Capitol in Patikul town.

The ACC coordinate Sulu’s various non-governmental agencies, military, police, emergency services and other organizations and serves as an inter-agency communication network.

Tan said the ACC is a facility established as a proactive, reactive, and post conflict mechanism to address various concerns at regional and local levels of governance and to solve problems of coordination and response.

The ACC functions both as a system and as a council for planning, integrating, directing, supervising, and implementing line-up government programs and projects particularly on political, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, development, security and information issues, said Fazlur-Rahman Abdulla, ACC Executive Director.

“The newly-inaugurated ACC is worth more than P20 million and was funded by the United States government. We have now a total of 20 Area Coordinating Centers – one for each of Sulu’s 19 towns and the central ACC headquarters in Patikul town. The Tausug people appreciate President Obama's assistance and the US government's continued support to our efforts to sustain peace and development in Sulu,” Abdulla told the Mindanao Examiner by phone on Tuesday.

U.S. troops are deployed in Sulu on the request of the Philippine government, to train and advise the local military. They are also active in humanitarian missions and were working alongside with Filipino soldiers in development projects on poor areas in Jolo. (Jung Francisco)

Sulu, todo-kayud muli!

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, Al-Haj, DH.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / August 12, 2009) – Pinaigting ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan ang ibat-ibang proyektong pangkabuhayan sa kanyang lalawigan bilang bahagi umano ng anti-poverty alleviation program.

Ipinag-utos ni Tan kahapon ang isang masigasig na kampanya sa ibat-ibang bayan ukol sa kooperatiba at ng sa gayun ay matulungan umano ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Nag-utos rin ito na dagdagan ang mga fish cages sa mga coastal town upang magsilbing pilot projects ng mga residente doon.

Sa hanay naman ng mga magsasaka ay marami na rin diumanong nagtatanim ng coffee beans dahil sa magandang market nito. Dati ay pulos mga kamoteng-kahoy lamang ang kanilang tanim, ayon kay Tan.

“Marami ng gustong maglagay ng kooperatiba, pero kailangan ay dumaan muna ang mga miyembro nito sa seminar upang mabigyan sila ng sapat na kaalaman. So far eh okay naman at maganda ang response ng ating mga kababayan.”

“Sa katunayan nga eh kailan lang ay nagtapos kami ng isang cooperative training and seminar and this will give our farmers and fisher folks an alternative source of income. We will provide them the necessary funding for their projects at ilan lamang ito sa ating mga livelihood projects ngayon,” wika pa ni Tan.

Inamin ni Tan na naghahabol ito sa mga programang nabalam dahil sa kidnapping nitong taon ng tatlong Red Cross workers na napalaya na rin lahat.

“Maraming trabaho ngayon at halos every day ay may meetings kami about all these programs and we have a lot of things to do to bring back the glory that is Sulu. Lahat ngayon eh nagtutulong-tulong para muling kaming makabangon,” ani Tan.

Nasa ilalim pa rin ng state of emergency ang buong Sulu matapos itong i-deklara ni Tan dahil sa Red Cross kidnappings. Suportado naman ng Malakanyang at ng Department of Interior and Local Government ito. (Mindanao Examiner)

Western Mindanao, Sulu nakidalamhati sa pagpanaw ni Cory

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Agosto 1, 2009) – Nakidalamhati kahapon ang buong puwersa ng militar at pulisya sa Western Mindanao sa pagpanaw ni dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino dahil sa komplikasyon sanhi ng colon cancer.

Sa Zamboanga City ay ipinag-utos ni Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino na ilagay sa half-mast ang lahat ng watawat sa buong Western Mindanao bilang respeto at pagdadalamhati ng mga sundalo.

Maging ang pulisysa sa rehiyon ay nagbaba na rin ng kanilang watawat sa half-mast.

“The Western Mindanao Command condoles with the Aquino family in the passing of one of our nation’s icon of democracy, ex-President Corazon Aquino,” ani Dolorfino sa kanyang pahayag sa media.

Ito rin ang iniutos ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan sa buong militar, pulisya at ahensya ng pamahalaan sa lalawigan. Kahapon ay nakababa na sa half-mast ang mga watawat sa Sulu.

“Isang tunay na simbolo ng demokrasya si dating Pangulong Cory Aquino at nakikidalamhati ako at ang aking pamilya at kaanak, at gayun na rin ang buong lalawigan ng Sulu sa pagpanaw ni Madam Cory.”

“Hindi natin malilimutan ang kabayanihan ni former President Aquino at ang panunumbalik ng ating kalayaan,” ani Tan. (Jung Francisco)

Sulu on its way to peace and progress

Sulu's Tourism Campaign Poster

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 27, 2009) – Provincial governor Sakur Tan said more development and infrastructure projects have been lined up for different areas in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Tan also urged farmers and fishermen in different municipalities in the province to form themselves into cooperatives so they can avail of government loans and more support to fisheries and agricultural programs.

He said although many groups have already formed into cooperatives, there are still more opportunity for the locals to start their own and eventually become self-sustaining.

“We are strongly advocating and promoting cooperatives throughout Sulu. We want everybody to enjoy the benefits of having cooperatives and pursue a sustainable livelihood programs,” Tan told reporters.

He also encouraged local women to organize cooperatives in their localities and help in nation building. “We have equal rights in Sulu. Our women are hardworking and intelligent and they can become good leaders too, just like our hardworking Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla and the others in the private and business sectors,” Tan said. "We are on our way to peace and progress and all we need is to sustain our gains."

Tan said the provincial government is also pursuing more programs and projects on agricultural, education and health, community development and people empowerment, as part of Sulu’s peace and development agenda. Infrastructure and other humanitarian projects are also continuing in Sulu, he said.

Many local farmers have also resorted to planting coffee beans from the traditional cassava because of its competitive prices and high market demands. Tan said the demand for Sulu’s Arabica and Robusta coffee beans is high because of its good quality and distinct aroma.

Aside from coffee beans, Sulu is a supplier of abaca ropes, marine products, rubber and copra. The province is also abundant in fruits such as durian and mangosteen berries, among others. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu airport nears completion

Perspective of the Sulu airport which is nearing completion.

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 20, 2009) – Filipino engineers are hurrying up the completion of renovation of the airport in Sulu province in the southern Philippines.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said the renovation is expected to be completed by August this year. If completed, huge planes such as 737s and cargo aircrafts will be able to fly and land safely, he said.

Tan said the project, which began last year, cost about $3 million and is funded by the United States. He added the project was made possible because of President Gloria Arroyo who sought the funding for the rehabilitation of the airport.

“We expect this airport renovation to be completed by August. With a bigger airport, more aircrafts can now fly and land safely in Sulu and the project will surely hasten trade and commerce,” he said.

He thanked Washington and President Arroyo for the project.

The airport’s runway, which was previously 1,800-meters, has been expanded to more than 2,000 meters so it could accommodate bigger passenger planes not only from Manila or Zamboanga, but from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei that make up the East Asia Growth Area, a sub-regional economic cooperation initiative in Southeast Asia that included the Philippines.

Tan said the President pledged more development projects for Sulu. “The President has promised us more projects for the people,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

World Class Resort Eyed in Sulu Island

Children play on a beach in Sulu province in the southern Philippines. Sulu is eyeing the development of Panglima Tahil Island to attract tourists. The island is known for its white sands and pristine beaches. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 19, 2009) - The Sulu provincial government has unveiled a master plan that will see the rising of an ultra-modern beach resort in Panglima Tahil island as a come-on for both local and foreign tourists.

A plan is afoot to build a P50-million resort on this scenic islet that would erase the stigma of Sulu as a war-torn province, the Philippine News Agency reported.

The indefatigable Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said there is plan to develop the Panglima Tahil, about 10 kilometers west of the capital town Jolo, and make it a haven for nature-lovers and tourists.

The island province of Sulu, situated in the southernmost portion of the country, is blessed with rich natural resources.

Tan noted that tapping the island’s potentials could uplift the economic conditions of its citizens. Sulu boasts of its pristine beaches, particularly on the island municipality of Panglima Tahil, where the Sulu provincial government plans to put up the resort, just 10 minutes by boat from Jolo.

The project is geared to put Sulu in the map as a world-class tourist destination and showcase its natural beauty and promote the beautiful province which has been unfairly tagged by media reports as a troubled island.

The establishment of a beach resort on the island will improve the peace and order condition in Sulu because it will bring socioeconomic benefits to the people through job creation and sale of indigenous and local products, thus addressing the high poverty incidence, Tan said.

The beach resort plan is a complex replete with modern recreational facilities such as water sports, diving activities, court games, and production and sale parks for ethnic ware, jewelry, traditional clothes and handicrafts. It will have its own power and water supply system, Tan said.

The project also proposes an artisan village, a venue and school for performing arts and modern telecommunications centers. The governor said the resort hotel will have 100 rooms, including function rooms to cater for conferences and seminars and other social activities.

Tan also said that the proposed beach resort will have modern telecommunications systems such as telephones, internet with wi-fi facilities, satellites, video, television and other amenities.

“The project will generate employment, especially to the local populace.

This will also improve the peace and order situation in the province and remove the wrong perception of the people about Sulu as a war-torn area,” he said.

“This will also locate Sulu in the map of tourism and investment destination in Southern Philippines. It would also bring significant revenues that other investors would see the viability of the tourism industry in the province.”

Two JI bombers captured in Sulu province

Sulu provincial police chief, Superintendent Muhibuddin Amil Ismail, points to suspected terrorists Sulayman Muin and Juhan Alimuddin, who were captured in the town of Patikul on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. The two were tagged as among those who bombed the convoy of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan on May 13 that left 10 people wounded. Tan escaped the assassination attempt. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Sulu Governor Dr Sakur Tan, Al Haj. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 27, 2009) – Police have captured two suspected terrorists implicated in the failed assassination of a Philippine governor, officials said on Wednesday.

Officials said the two men, Juhan Alimuddin and Sulayman Muin, were captured after a weeklong surveillance in Badjao village in the town of Patikul late Tuesday. Two other suspects managed to escape.

Alimuddin and Muin were tagged as among those who bombed May 13 the convoy of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan in Patikul town. Tan survived the assassination attempt, but a town mayor, Hatta Berto, of Pandami, and nine others were injured in the road bombing.

Tan just came from his office and on his way home when a motorcycle bomb exploded near his vehicle. The attack was condemned by many civil groups in Sulu.

Superintendent Muhibuddin Amil Ismail, the Sulu police chief, said a hand grenade, .45-caliber pistol and a .38-revolver were recovered from the Alimuddin and Muin, who are believed to be local members of the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya.

“We have been operating the past days and it finally paid off with the capture of the two terror suspects. We are still tracking down the others involved in the attack against Governor Sakur Tan,” said Ismail, who led the operation in Patikul.

He said civilian informants provided intelligence and helped in the capture of the suspects. “Citizens are themselves providing us information about the terrorists and the operation in going on to get the other suspects,” Ismail told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said the two suspects would be handed over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Manila.

The capture of the men came after PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa organized the Task Group Elected Government Officials.

Verzosa last week offered P500,000 bounty for the capture of those behind Tan’s failed assassination. It was unknown who ordered or masterminded the attack against Tan. (With a report from Nickee Butlangan)

Sulu Guv Gets Doctorate Degree

Governor Sakur Tan is being assisted by his wife, Hajja Nurunisah Tan, during the conferment of Doctor of Humanities by officials of the Sulu State College. Also in the photo are Jolo town mayor Hussin Amin; Dr Luningning Umar, of the Commission on Higher Education, and other officials of Sulu State College. (Contributed photo / Sonny Abing III)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2009) – Citing his excellent leadership in public governance and many accomplishments in the province of Sulu, Governor Sakur Tan has been conferred with the degree (honoris causa) of Doctor of Humanities by the Sulu State College.

Tan has become the first governor of Sulu province bestowed with the honorary degree. The Sulu State College bestowed the prestigious honor during its 27th Commencement Exercises recently, according to Sonny Abing III, the Sulu provincial spokesman.

"The Board of Trustees of the Sulu State College approved Board Resolution No. 23-Series of 2009 stipulating Governor Tan’s long accomplishments in public service and his many achievements as a leader and civil servant," Abing said.

Dr Luningning Umar, the chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and also a commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, led the conferment of the honorary degree on Tan.

Sulu State College President Dr Hamsali Jawali officiated Tan’s oath-taking. Tan was also inducted in the Sulu State College’s Alumni and awarded with plaque of appreciation being the guest speaker in the graduation rites.

Tan thanked the Sulu State College for conferring him the honorary degree and vowed to continue his literacy and education programs and pledged to continue his scholarship projects for many poor, but deserving Muslim students in the province.

Tan is a known philanthropist in the southern Philippines, who has helped not only poor Muslims, but indigent Christian families as well. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sulu gets more infra, development projects

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2009) - Manila is expected to pour some P300 million in various development projects in the southern Filipino province of Sulu.

President Gloria Arroyo has promised to fund the projects in Sulu in an effort to help the provincial government pursue its peace and development program.

Provincial governor Sakur Tan said the Abu Sayyaf problem in Sulu will not hinder the government from pursuing its various projects aimed at uplifting the living standards of the locals and at the same time promote peace.

“We are really pursuing different development projects and all these are for the benefit of the people of Sulu. We have to work together, stand united and pursue our goals and achieve peace for the benefit of everybody,” Tan's spokesman Sonny Abing III, quoted the provincial governor as saying.

He said among the proposed projects in Sulu are the construction of fish ports, world-class resorts, and agri-marine livelihood programs, and support for cooperatives to include tractors, fish cages, hatchery, and post-harvest facilities.

Tan said the President is supportive of the local development programs. He also praised Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, of the Muslim autonomous region, for his support to the efforts of the provincial government. (Mindanao Examiner)

Masjid (mosque) Tulay in Sulu province

The towering minarets of the magnificent Tulay mosque in the southern Philippine island of Sulu. Fog still covers the highest structure now in the province. Behind the mosque is Mount Tumatangis. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

More projects lined up for Sulu

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 6, 2009) – Development projects continue to pour in Sulu, one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, and efforts are underway to make it a peace zone in this part of the country.

The regional government pledged to help sustain peace and development efforts in Sulu and provincial Gov. Sakur Tan expressed gratitude to President Gloria Arroyo and Regional Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan for their support.

He also praised members of Arroyo’s Cabinet for their sincere desire and commitment in bringing development to Sulu.

Tan said that despite the kidnapping crisis involving three staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Malacañang and the Muslim autonomous region continued to bring socio-economic and infrastructure development to the province.

"This is something that we have to thank President Arroyo and the members of her Cabinet and ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan for being so concerned in bringing socio-economic and infrastructure development to our province," Tan said.

He also named the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and development (DSWD) as among those that have continued to pour in millions of funds for the development of the province.

He said: “President Arroyo is very much sincere on her desire to bring in development to Sulu which is aimed to uplift the living condition of the people of the province, and so is Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, our regional governor.

”So as not to be left behind, Tan said, the provincial government also put up a substantial amount of money for the construction of health centers, housing units and fish cages in Sulu.

Tan emphasized that the kidnapping and other forms of lawlessness perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf will not in anyway stop him from further introducing development to Sulu in coordination with the national government.

"The provincial and national government will continue to bring development to Sulu despite these kidnapping and other form of lawlessness activities of the rebels here," Tan said.

He also stressed that the formation of a cooperative among farmers in the province will continue as he vowed to bring more plowing machines for them. Tan said he will also donate pump boats to cooperatives engaged in cultivating high valued seaweeds in Sulu.

"We need to help these people so they can realize that they can earn a living in farming and cooperative is one of the best sources to guide them to goodness," he said. (With a report from Nonoy Lacson)

RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement helps build a strong republic, says Foreign Affairs

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 25, 2009) - The Philippines' Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States is indispensable to the nation’s security.

It released this Fact Sheet containing information on gains that accrue to the Philippines through the VFA.

* The RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is crucial to building a strong Philippines and maintaining a stable Asia-Pacific.

As an integral part of the network of alliances in the Asia-Pacific, the VFA helps preserve peace and stability in an era of uncertainty brought on by the emergence of non-traditional threats to security.

The VFA implements the Philippines’ only military alliance and its most effective deterrent against any potential aggressor.

By increasing interoperability between Philippine and US forces, the VFA enhances Philippine national security and helps create a stable environment conducive to economic development.
The VFA helps ensure that the AFP is kept abreast of new military strategies and technologies, as well as best practices of the US military, increasing its capacity to respond to both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, such as terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters and transnational crime.

In 2006, Philippines was assisted in the training and equipping of one (1) engineering company, three (3) Infantry battalions, one (1) Marine battalion, and three (3) Light Reaction Companies (LRC).

Last year, through a total of 25 major exercises under the VFA, Philippine armed forces personnel obtained enhanced training, assistance and support on defense capacities including surveillance, intelligence, reconstruction, communications, and mobility.

Through the VFA, the AFP is provided with the necessary materiel to effectively carry out its mandate of ensuring the nation’s security.

* The VFA is essential to RP-US cooperation in the Philippine Defense Reform Program.
As a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), the Philippines enjoys priority status in sourcing Excess Defense Articles.

The United States has already provided the AFP with 8 helicopters in 2000; 20 of the 30 committed UH-1H (Huey helicopters) in 2007; 1 cyclone; 6 fast anti-terrorism boats; 433 M-35 trucks; 30,000 M-16 rifles; 1 C130; 2 Point Class navy cutters; night vision goggles; navigation equipment; and protection equipment such as vests and helmets.

In addition to being the Philippines’ largest source of foreign military financing, valued at an average of $ 30 million annually in grants, the United States has also committed to share in the expenses for the implementation of the Joint Defense Assessment (JDA), costing approximately $ 400 million over a ten-year period. The US National Defense Authorization Act also allocated $ 12 million and $ 16 million to the Coast Watch South Project in 2007 and 2008, respectively, to strengthen security at our borders.

* The VFA generates income for the country

The VFA, through the 5-year RP-US Mutual Logistics Support Agreement that facilitates reciprocal provision of logistic support, supplies and services during military exercises, provided revenues for the AFP amounting to US$706,425.28 from seventy (70) recorded transactions.
United States ship visits to the Philippines have brought in $ 5 million and $ 9.5 million in 2006 and 2007, respectively, as proceeds from the replenishment of supplies and logistics.

* The VFA facilitates RP-US cooperation eliminating the scourge of terrorism and in rebuilding in times of disaster.

In 2008, the aircraft carrier USS Reagan assisted in relief activities following typhoon Frank. Its 13 cargo aircraft and helicopters have flown 316 sorties delivering 479,105 Ibs. of relief supplies.
Through logistic and intelligence assistance received from the United States, Philippine forces have captured 38 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and killed 127 others, including Khadafy Janjalani, ASG spokesperson, Abu Solaiman, and ASG sub commander, Ismin Sahiron.

The civic-humanitarian component of VFA-related exercises also form the backbone of the soft approach to combating terrorism and fosters inter-faith cooperation between Christian and Muslim communities.

This was clearly evident when United States Senator Daniel Inouye, the incumbent chairman of the US Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Philippines and was touched when he saw both Christian and Muslim Filipinos in Zamboanga cheering on US troops and waving the flags of both countries.

He commented that RP-US joint community cooperation “under the guidance and leadership of the Philippine armed forces, has played great dividends.”
* The VFA directly benefits the Filipino people through its civil-military and humanitarian component.

In the 2008, Balikatan, 17,209 patients were treated through the medical civic action program (MEDCAP), and 10 schools were repainted or rebuilt through the engineering civic action program (ENCAP).

In Puerto Princesa City, Balabac town Mayor Shuaib Astami expressed gratitude for the “blessings received by his town” through a five-day humanitarian and civic assistance program that formed part of Balikatan 08. About 2,500 residents were able to avail themselves of free medical and dental services, and joint RP and US forces were able to construct a two-room school building. The US forces also donated school supplies and athletic gear for elementary and high school students.

In Sulu, RP and US forces conducted a joint two-week medical mission in 19 towns in the province. Sulu Governor Sakur Tan noted that the humanitarian missions “will help a lot of people and we are supporting these efforts and we appreciate what the United States is doing in Sulu.”

The Governor praised Balikatan 08 for “paving the way for peace and a progressive Sulu” and attributed the fact that Sulu is the most peaceful of Muslim provinces in the South due to “the presence of American forces” there.

Balikatan 09’s Civil-Military Operation (CMO) activities are scheduled to be conducted in Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon and would benefit 11,000 Bicolanos through MEDCAP and 9 barangays through ENCAP.

In a press briefing for Balikatan 09, the governors of the three provinces welcomed the medical and engineering missions as an extension of the US tradition of humanitarian assistance.

Humanitarian mission ships, such as the USNS Mercy which visited Mindanao and Western Samar, helped 32,981 patients and 4,468 animals under the MEDCAP valued at $2.068 million. A total of 7 ENCAP projects, valued at $165,500, were also undertaken.

* The VFA is a concrete manifestation of the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

"The United States is perhaps the Philippines’ most important bilateral partner. It is the Philippines’ largest export market, its largest trading partner, its largest investor (cumulative basis) and the largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) grants. It is the only country with which the Philippines has a defense alliance, and which provides the Philippines with much-needed military equipment and training," the Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
"Clearly, the strategic defense relations, with the VFA as its anchor, have been instrumental in strengthening the country, securing its stability and in ensuring its continued prosperity," it added.

Anti-US protesters said the accord violated the sovereignty on the Philippines.

Sulu students serenade soldiers

Students from the Hadji Butu Elementary School in Jolo town in Sulu province.

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 19, 2009) - As a manifestation of their gratitude, pupils from Hadji Butu Elementary School in Jolo town, paid a visit to serenade government troops under the Joint Task Force Comet at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Sulu province, a military statement said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the students were guests during the military’s radio program rendering the moving songs with titles “Children for Peace and Peace in Mindanao.”

They dedicated their performance to all the soldiers, who are defending the people of Sulu from all forms of threats to safety.

The marines who had endured rigid training were awed by the thoughtfulness that these children exhibited through their serenade. Having a safe learning environment is but their right, yet the appreciation in their eyes was glowing.

School Principal Hadja Nur-Yam Aking said that it is a gesture of their appreciation towards the military’s aid in constructing and renovating 11 classrooms. The school project, which was urgently implemented through the emergency fund of Task Force-Sulu, was inaugurated on December 5 last year.

She said prior to the implementation of the project, both students and teachers were troubled by the flood problem. Attendance of students dropped, and many of them transferred to other schools.

“Classrooms then were filled with water. Instead of classroom instruction, both students and teachers spent the whole time cleaning and taking out the water from their respective rooms. This situation is far from ideal in an educational system that already lacks many resources,” she said.

“In laying down the foundation of education, the significant help of JTF Comet and the US Forces contributes to a bright future for the children in Sulu. It is not only the teachers, but also the children who discovered that the military cares about them,” Aking said.

Teacher Jubie Yusop-Fernandez said that now the classrooms were elevated to impede water to get in, students now do better work in their studies, attributing it to the new, clean, and well ventilated rooms.

“Our performance is enhanced as well,” she said.

Twelve-year-old Fatima Husna Kasim, who wants to become a teacher, said that she and her classmates now attend classes every day. “We are always excited to go to school every day because our classroom is already beautiful. We always keep it clean. We dislike it so much every time classes are dispersed or holidays are announced,” shares Fatima.

Meanwhile, teacher Jocelyn Juson, who is also a mother of three said that education is the most important thing to prepare the children for the future.

“What we really care about is to ensure that our children can learn in the best environment possible. Students are more likely to prosper when the ambience is encouraging to learning,” she said.

In response, Joint Task Force Comet chief, Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, expressed that the military values very much the appreciative waves from both the children and school staff, a proof of their sense of security with the soldiers, which generated a jovial atmosphere.

“We are humbled how a school project was transformed into a world of difference for these children and for the teachers. Our troops will determinedly fight for the children’s rights to education and extend help in providing an atmosphere most conducive to learning in any simple way we can,” Sabban said.

“In every challenging time, it is the people’s support and trust that always uplift the Armed Forces’ spirit. An appreciation from them is an inspiration for us to continuously perform our mandated mission with our utmost best at all times,” he added.

Grand Tulay Mosque (Masjid) in Sulu province

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