By Ellson Quismorio
Basilan isn't the undesirable place that it once was.
This was Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman's reminder to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who had reportedly threatened local police scalawags that they would be sent to Basilan if they do not reform.
(Bureau of Public Information - ARMMM / MANILA BULLETIN)
"We fully understand that Mayor Isko Moreno is merely trying to make a point to corrupt policemen, but Basilan's bad rep of the old days are over. The people now need help in promoting the province as a premier tourist destination and a safe and secure place for investors and local businessmen," Hataman, a former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said.
"And statements like what the good mayor said make it twice as difficult for us to change this bad perception. It is unfair to those who worked hard to overcome such an adversity in their lives, and it serves no useful purpose for a people trying to hurdle the effects of terrorism. Hanggang ngayon, apektado pa rin sila," he pointed out.
As ARMM governor, Hataman said he implemented several programs aimed at curbing terrorism not only in Basilan but also in other provinces in Mindanao. In 2016, he established the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) for Peace, which resulted to the surrender, reformation and reintegration of more than 200 extremists from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Recognizing that terrorist and extremist groups exploit the impoverished situation of the people, Hataman made sure that extremism will not take root by institutionalizing government programs for housing and livelihood, as well as medical and educational assistance.
These programs are: Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE), Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Security (HELPS), and Empowering the Bangsamoro Region through Active Community Engagement (EMBRACE).
Hataman reckoned that the situation in Basilan "has greatly improved" thanks to the reformation effort during the ARMM era as well as the convergence initiatives of people in the community, in close collaboration with the local government unit and security sectors.
"In fact, on November 16, Lamitan City will be hosting its first-ever national televised sporting event when the Basilan Steel goes up against the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Lamitan Gym," the Deputy Speaker noted.
"We try hard to put Basilan on the map not for its former notoriety, but for its huge potential. We have great beaches and an excellent traditional crafts industry. Our coffee is at par with the world's best. We have so much more to offer and we need help in spreading the word to everyone," he added.
Hataman took the opportunity to invite people to come and see for themselves how much Basilan has changed and appealed to them to be ambassadors for the province.
"We know that more work is needed, and the people of Basilan are willing to take their province to the next stage. Level up na po kami, at kailangan namin ng tulong ng mga tao para maiparating ito sa lahat," he said.
(We have leveled up, and we need the people's help to spread this news to all.)