Mindanao Reader visits Sulu Part II

The main purpose of my coming to Sulu is to visit the Mindanao State University-Sulu to conduct a consultation among the student leaders and check their welfare. MSU-Sulu is one of the eleven campuses of the MSU-System. As an  MSU campus, it has the mandate to intensify education of the Muslim youth and to empower them. This is necessary to implement the government's policy on integrating the Muslims and other minorities into the body politics.

MSU-Sulu

MSU-Sulu Department Nursing.

MSU-Sulu was established in 1974 by the Mindanao State University Board of Regents through resolution 860. The objective was to make it a tool to rehabilitate Sulu and address the Tausug rebellion. Accordingly, one of the commanders, the famous Commander Camlon, in a consultation with the Commission on National Integration asked for a university--so there was the MSU-Sulu.

In the school year 2009-2010, this campus registered 4130 students. It literally competes with the Moro armed groups in recruiting the youth. Every Tausug youth who couldn't attend tertiary education increases its probability to carry arms and join them (armed groups) in the mountains. That's why it is imperative for the government to pour out its resources for the campus development to attract more students.

With the SSG Presidentiables Nhur-in and Jemar

The dynamic student leaders of Sulu.

Benhar and a lady friend. Benhar is a student of MSU-Patikul Agricultural extension. 

Sharing smiles with Radz, Zorayda, Nhur-in and Dang. 

Photo-ops with the grandson of Commander Camlon. I couldn't imagine the hardships of his grandpa. The son of  Camlon is working at  MSU-Sulu. Others are in the armed forces of the Philippines. 

 She's a dedicated  faculty with PhD in agriculture who conducts classes in  nearby MSU-Maimbong Agricultural Extension. They are the unsung heroes whose contribution in education and peace development are rarely mentioned. They are the agents of peace. She once shared that classes are suspended if there are AFP and Abu Sayyaf encounters in the area. 

Mindanao State University-Sulu continues to perform its duty to educate and equip our Tausug brothers and sisters and other ethnic tribes in the Sulu and nearby Islands. I shared to them that hopefully one day, when the people of the North will hear the word Sulu, it will no longer be the picture of war and the Moro rebels that will first enter their minds, but a picture of MSU-Sulu and its students laughing peacefully interacting with the teachers.

There are still many things that need to be improved in the school such as maintenance and repairs of some buildings.It might be due to limited fundings and some leadership and cultural factor. It is for the Chancellor to zealously outsource funds from the higher authorities and even politicians. With a joint effort of the administration, faculty, staffs, students, alumni, LGU, and the community, this campus will reach far and widen its impact on education and peace development.

With MSU-Sulu committed to its mandate plus the peace-loving students who will eventually hold key positions in the society, I am confident that lasting peace will eventually reign in the region. On this I hope. And I believe it will come to pass.

Mindanaoreader visits Sulu Part 1

Yes! I went to the beautiful Island of Jolo, Sulu. I didn't even feel a hint of nervousness. Sulu is commonly perceived as dangerous, war zone, home of the barbaric Abu Sayyaf, and unsafe place. I cannot blame you if you have this perception because seemingly all news coming out from this Island contain if not bombing or kidnapping, an encounter with the AFP and the Moro rebels and the beheadings.

I was in Sulu last July 20-23, and 29-30. It was in this period that Australia issued travel advisory  in which they  "strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of terrorist attack kidnapping, and violent crime. Armed clashes between Philippine security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or other armed groups could occur anywhere, anytime in central and western Mindanao."I neglected the advsisory. I'm not an Australian.

To my amazement, I've discovered many beautiful things in Sulu which were not mentioned in the news. The island is very rich in agricultural products and fish of different kinds. The people are kind and very hospitable. Let me share to you some of the pics taken there.    

The Sulu Provincial Capitol. It's where the office of the Provincial Governor Sakur Tan is located.  During the mid-15th century until the 19th century, Sulu is being led by the Sultans in an Islamic Sultanate. Sultans "office" or its palace is called Astana. So from "Astana" to "Capitol". There are still Sultans in the area , the descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. They still have the influence, though  not as strong and as wide as before. And I mean "they" because there are four or more  who claim that they are the right and lawful Sultans.

Mount Carmel: The Christian cemetery located in Jolo. Though majority are Muslims, the Tausug respect the Christians. Christians and Muslims live harmoniously in Jolo.

The  Majestic Tulay Masjid: The largest and tallest structure is situated at the heart of Jolo (the capital). The Sulu architecture should remind us that they are not backward people, but civilized people influenced by the advent of Islam in    12h century.  Islam is more than an influence; it's their life.

We have our own wrong conceptions and biases against Muslims and the Sulu people. One way to eliminate these is to be with them, talk, and eat with them. Then we'll realize that we have much more similarities than our differences. Planning to visit Mindanao? You may consider Sulu. Just make sure you have friends/contacts when you visit the Island. Surprise visit is not advised.