The geographical location of Basilan is too far from the seat of BARMM government in Cotabato City, for which Gov. Salliman stressed the need for connectivity in all aspects to BARMM from economic, political and cultural. Hence, he said that the new sea route is a very significant step towards that goal.
Salliman added that he is also asking the MOTC to further advocate and strengthen the inter-connectivity of the island provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan and to the mainland.
Furthermore, the governor is also hoping for Lamitan City port to become an international port as envisioned by the BARMM and that a feasibility study as to its functionality should be conducted.
“I know na malayo at mahaba yung struggles natin kung paano natin e-visualize yung plano at bigyang ng kongkretong expression kung paano ito mag function at mabenefit sa Bangsamoro homeland. Isa po ito sa struggles natin na nakabase ito sa sincerity ng bawat isa, nakabase sa support ng bawat isa pati yung local government at stakeholders at private sectors. As the governor, aasahan nyo hindi lang po supporta ang ibibigay namin kung ano man yung favor na pagkaisahan natin collectively i-own natin ito. Asahan ‘nyo hindi lang support kung di tutulungan, protektahan namin ito at definitely wala na pong gulo na mangyari sa lugar natin dahil ibang level na yung economic activities natin at ibang level na yung engagement natin,” Salliman stressed.
(I know that this will be a protracted struggle for us to visualize our plans to provide concrete expression for the benefit of the people of the Bangsamoro. This is one of our struggles, which are based on the sincerity, based on everyone's support, the local government, stakeholders and private sectors. As the governor, rest assured that we will provide not just support but we will own it and protect this since we already have different level of economic activities.)
