The University of the Philippines – Bangsamoro Development Initiative (UP-BDI) team and the Mindanao State University – Sulu (MSU-Sulu) delegation had the opportunity to meet Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan at the UP-BDI gathering held on the evening of April 23, 2025, at the Sulu Provincial Capitol Gymnasium.
The meeting was occasioned by the “Lupa Sug and the Path of Ahlus S-Su’luk: An International Conference on Sulu History and Power,” held in the province on 23-25 April 2025.
The UP team, led by UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, stated the university’s commitment to deliver expertise and support to further development in the Sulu province. She further stated that the Sulu international conference is a venue to discover ways to encourage participation for sustainability and stability in Sulu Province.
In the above photo, Governor Tan expressed his dedication to preserving the identity and legacy of the Bangsa Sug, citing the benefit of Sulu’s history for the harmony that the local people presently enjoy. He, likewise, thanked the conference proponents for delivering an important academic gathering to the province.
(Photos/reportage courtesy of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan’s Facebook page)
The following day, UP’s Regional Development Initiatives Team (UP-BDI), leveraging its multidisciplinary technical expertise, held a meeting with the Sulu Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and Mindanao State University (MSU) – Sulu to consider a capability-training initiative for Sulu local government and agency planners.
The PPDO, for context, gave a summary of the province’s present condition, its key challenges, and possible areas for interventions. The UP-BDI team stated its intention to collaborate with local government units and the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) to strengthen the province’s education system through teacher training and other ways, in line with Sulu Governor Tan’s education, peace, and socio-economic development efforts.
The above photo shows a glimpse of the meeting between the parties.
The UP-BDI delegation was composed of Prof. Lyre Anni E. Murao, Mr. Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, Mr. Martin Hilario L. Mapolon, Ms. Gracita R. Jacinto-Ali, UP Ugnayan Ng Pahinungod Dir. Michael A. Gatela, Arch/EnP. Minerva C. Rosel, Ms. Nhikki Pauline Lumayag, and Mr. John Carlo S. Evardo.
The Mindanao State University (MSU-Sulu) delegation was composed of Chancellor Nagder J. Abdurahman, Prof. Abuzanier A. Asanji, and Prof. Grace Akalal.
Also in attendance: Arch/EnP Fatima Nur-Aini Usban and Acting PPDC Engr/Enp. Benhal Akalal of PPDO.
(Photos/Reportage courtesy of the Sulu Provincial Planning & Development Office Facebook page.)
Days earlier, upon their arrival on April 22, 2025, the UP and MSU delegations likewise had the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to OIC Governor and incumbent Vice Governor Abdusakur “Toto” A. Tan II at the Sulu Provincial Capitol. At the courtesy call, the academics and OIC Governor Tan II had a fruitful discussion on peace and development in Sulu Province. He credited Sulu’s history in influencing its ways forward.
The meeting was occasioned by the upcoming “Sulu Project 2025: Lupa’ Sug and the Path of Ahlus s-Suluk – International Conference on Sulu History and Power,” on April 23–25 in Sulu Province.
The above photo shows the UP and MSU delegations with OIC Governor Tan II (third from right).
(Photos and reportage courtesy of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan’s Facebook page.)