[ Manila Bulletin Online ] September 7, 2008
By ALI G. MACABALANG
JOLO, Sulu – The United States military has poured some $ 10 million in infrastructure and development projects in an effort to win hearts and minds in this southern island province, according to Filipino officials.
For its part, they said, the Philippine military spent over P39 million in similar projects in Sulu in partnership with the provincial government under Gov. Sakur Tan.
They said the US aid this year went to the constructions of 13 area coordinating centers and 14 road projects, including repairs of 20 school buildings, 25 artesian wells and eight water distribution systems across Sulu.
These projects were on top of other humanitarian programs that benefited the locals, from medical missions to training of policemen and soldiers in various workshops, Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, a Filipino marine commander, said.
Sabban said more development projects have been lined up in Sulu by both the Philippine and US militaries as part of the humanitarian mission of Balikatan, a codename for joint undertakings between Manila and Washington.
"Progress comes easily for a community where people are educated and well-informed. In recognizing this vital factor, the military makes it its goal to help bring education especially in far-flung communities. Investing in education is the key to peace and development, which is a long term solution," he said.
He said Tan signed an agreement with the Philippine military to maintain all finished projects.