Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday vowed to continue supporting Basilan province in its struggle for peace and development.
Abalos was in Sumisip, Basilan over the weekend to join the residents in celebrating the gains of peace on their 50th anniversary and the “Kalasig-Lasigan” Festival.
During the event, around 300 former Abu Sayyaf members who had returned to the fold of the law were presented to Abalos by Gov. Hadjiman Hataman Salliman and Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman.
“You have already implemented the government programs and the full development of Basilan will follow, especially in the (town of) Sumisip. That is important and I will help you,” Abalos said.
“Actually, Basilan and Sumisip are very beautiful. But we have a lot to do such as infrastructures, airports, seaports and that is now being done by the governor and the mayor,” Abalos added.
He urged the people of Basilan to continue to keep the peace and work together for the development and progress of their province.
“Peace is not just for one day. Peace is a continuing process. It is about courage to face adversity and resilience, to face challenges,” the Secretary said.
“I believe in the goodwill of each of you for the peace of Basilan and Sumisip,” Abalos said.
He also commended Mayor Hataman for steering Sumisip to “greater heights of development” as evidenced by the five Seal of Good Local Governance awards it received in the past years.
Abalos likewise hailed Salliman for bringing peace and development to the province, having been a consistent recipient of several accolades from the national government, such as the Galing Pook Award and the Gawad Kalasag Award.
“As we reflect on our journey, let us acknowledge the challenges we’ve overcome, the successes we’ve achieved, and the unity that has strengthened us along the way,” Salliman said.