He said that the success of the Albarkaradjaan event is a manifestation of the collective commitment of the people that took-off to sustain the peace in Basilan and particularly redefining the Albarka town.

Albarkaradjaan is Albarka’s first festivities held on December 1-5, 2022 that showcase the culture and life of the people to project a peaceful community after years of struggle and conflict in order to entice more people to help the community become more developed.

Governor Hataman pointed out what makes some of the people in Basilan different from those of Manila or Luzon.

Speaking before the stakeholders of Albarka, such as the local officials and some employees present, and the provincial and government line agencies and non-government organizations, the governor has asked to help the government fix Basileños’ struggles with impact and quality, more than rhetoric.

“Our peace and development efforts should be felt by the people, based on capability and based on governance,” he said.

The governor believes that development has no boundaries, and that it should be continuing and progressing. Peace and security had been the province’s perennial problem, but the local government early on have declared war against terrorism.

“We must invest on the quality of life to sustain the gains of peace. Hindi baril and hinahawakan ng aing mga kabataan, kundi libro. Ang baril ay hindi parte ng buhay at kultura ng taga-Basilan o ng isang Muslim,” he stressed.

The governor echoed the call of President Marcos on the need for unity to improve the both the quantity and quality of the life of the people. He said that the efforts of the local government of Albarka is not enough without the support and cooperation of the people of Basilan and its leaders. (NBE/RVC/PIA9)