HIGHLIGHTING U.S. SUPPORT FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002386 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL KPAO RP USAID SUBJECT: HIGHLIGHTING U.S. SUPPORT FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES ¶1. Summary. During an October 14 visit to the terrorist-affiliated Southern Philippines island of Jolo, Sulu Province, the Ambassador expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao and emphasized the United States government's continued support for peace and prosperity in Mindanao. Groundbreakings for the construction of airport runway improvements, water distribution system enhancements, and the construction of a new firehouse exhibited USG commitment to enhanced infrastructure and economic development. The Ambassador also visited with local elementary students who are participating in a community reading program and with local high school students receiving scholarships to complete their last two years of education. The visit showcased the depth of USG involvement in Jolo, as development projects, public diplomacy and defense resources combine to assist the people and local governments of Jolo and Sulu. Local residents warmly welcomed the Ambassador and her delegation and reaffirmed their friendship and partnership with USG. Ambassador's trip was widely covered by national and regional media outlets. End summary. -------------- JOLO TOWN -------------- ¶2. The city of Jolo is the capital of the island province of Sulu and part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is the largest town in Sulu, and the province's center of commerce. Tausug is the dominant language and the population is 94% Muslim. Although the security situation is much improved in Jolo City compared to a few years ago, it continues to face challenges due to the presence of international terrorists. The U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force group located in Jolo works closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in carrying out civil-military operations and providing training. -------------- -------------- GROUNDBREAKINGS SIGNAL NEW BEGINNINGS IN JOLO -------------- -------------- ¶3. Groundbreaking events for two new infrastructure projects showcased the U.S. commitment and continued support for economic growth and peace in the Mindanao region. The Jolo Airport Runway Improvement Project will expand the runway and enable commercial jets to land, and thus permit the export of Jolo's products to national and international markets. Improvements to the Jolo Water Distribution System will better ensure access to potable water. Both 
projects are funded with U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) "1207 Program" resources and are excellent opportunities for USAID, the Department of State and DOD to jointly plan and develop initiatives that serve dual development and security objectives. The Ambassador delivered messages at both USAID-sponsored activities that reaffirmed the USG support for a peaceful and prosperous Mindanao region. Governor Tan of Sulu thanked the Ambassador for her numerous visits and expressed his appreciation for the continuing U.S. support and friendship. ¶4. The groundbreaking for the new firehouse building, which is being constructed with assistance from the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force of the Philippines, signaled a new beginning for the dedicated firefighters of Jolo. The Firefighters expressed their delight at having a new, modern, and comfortable building. The Ambassador thanked the firefighters for their hard work and the local government for their dedication to the safety of the community. There was a spirited clamor for photographs, particularly when local women invited the Ambassador to participate in a traditional dance. -------------- -- LUNCH MEETING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND PHILIPPINE MILITARY OFFICERS -------------- -- ¶5. Governor Tan hosted a lunch at his home for the Ambassador, the Jolo City Mayor, Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Commander, Major General Nelson Allaga, Sulu Military Chief Brigadier General Juancho Sabban, and mayors from throughout Sulu Province. During the ensuing in-depth conversation about USG assistance to Sulu, all parties affirmed their commitment to development in Sulu through partnership and collaboration. The local leaders assured the Ambassador that Jolo was committed to peace and its residents rejected violence and terrorism, and the Ambassador underscored the continuing U.S. support and assistance for peace and prosperity. The local military and civil authorities updated the Ambassador on the overall security situation and discussed the outlook for peace in Central Mindanao. The local officials expressed great interest in the upcoming U.S. elections. -------------- -- A BRIGHTER FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION -------------- -- ¶6. The Ambassador visited Mohammed Tulawie Central School, where MANILA 00002386 002 OF 002 USAID has begun a branch of its Village Community Reading program. Village reading sessions are three days long and are conducted throughout the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao to promote children's interest in reading and to increase the participation of parents, the community, and the local government in education. The program enjoys overwhelming support in the communities. With the governor of Sulu province assisting, the Ambassador read to approximately 100 first graders and then donated books for the program to the principal of the school. ¶7. The Ambassador also visited Notre Dame de Jolo College, to meet with scholarship recipients from Notre Dame de Jolo School for Boys and Notre Dame de Jolo School for Girls School. The students received English Access Microscholarships from the Embassy Cultural Affairs section, which allowed them to complete their last two years of high school at a local private school. Three student leaders gave brief presentations on their hopes for the future. The Ambassador related her experiences in reaching for her dreams and invited local government and military leaders to share their advice as well. The library at Notre Dame de Jolo College is the site of the American Corner in Jolo. The Ambassador toured the Corner and thanked the officer in charge for his service in teaching the young people and community of Jolo about American culture. -------------- COMMENT ¶8. The highly positive public reaction to the Ambassador's trip to Jolo underscored strong local support for joint U.S.-Philippine development and security initiatives in Sulu. In both public and private messages, local government officials and military officers uniformly praised U.S. assistance efforts in the region. They strongly endorse continued cooperation on a range of issues from economic development to education to police and military cooperation. Despite law and order challenges and widespread poverty, it is impressive to see the beginning of the transformation underway in Sulu. The residents warmly welcomed the message of a continuing U.S.-Philippine partnership for economic growth in Muslim Mindanao and were adamant in reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Mindanao. KENNEY