ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded Sultan Kudarat province for its efforts to demonstrate unity in the face of diversity, living up to its battle cry, “SK, Sikat Ka: Simbolo ng Katahimikan at Kaunlaran” (Symbol of Peace and Progress).
Marcos acknowledged the provincial government’s peace and development initiatives as well as the important role residents play in achieving “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Kayo ang buhay na pruweba na puwedeng mamuhay nang matiwasay ang mga mamamayan na iba’t iba ang relihiyon o sari-sari ang rehiyong pinagmulan. Ang resulta nito ay hindi lang mapayapang lipunan, ngunit isang maunlad na ekonomiya. Isang asensadong Sultan Kudarat na payapa at progresibo,” Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of financial assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and their families at the Sultan Kudarat Sports and Cultural Center on May 10.
(Sultan Kudarat serves as a living testament to how unity works within a community. It is a place where people from different religions and regions can live peacefully together. This not only results in a peaceful society but also a thriving economy—a progressive Sultan Kudarat that is peaceful and prosperous.)
Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for the Marcos administration, particularly in carrying out the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
The official vowed to continue working hand-in-hand with the national government under Marcos Jr.’s leadership in support of the country’s key developmental agenda.
“Rest assured, Mr. President, katulad po ng aming ipinakitang suporta sa inyo noong nakaraang halalan, patuloy po ang aming 100 percent support,” Mangudadatu told the president.
(Rest assured, Mr. President, that our 100 percent support will continue, just like the support we showed you in the last election.)
The governor also described the president as a “man of action,” saying that he delivers on his promises for the betterment of Filipinos.
“When I received the call last week, na darating ang ating mahal na Pangulo, nasabi po talaga natin na ‘man of words and man of action’ [ang ating Pangulo]. Kaya tayo po sa Sultan Kudarat ay tunay na mapalad. From the bottom of our hearts, Mr. President, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta, sa inyong tiwala, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Mangudadatu added.
(When I received the call last week that our dear president was coming, we really said that [our president] is a ‘man of words and a man of action.’ That’s why we at Sultan Kudarat are truly lucky. From the bottom of our hearts, Mr. President, we thank you for your support, your trust, and your love for the Filipino people.)
Marcos Jr. visited the province of Sultan Kudarat to lead the distribution of assistance to farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
At least 10,000 residents in the province received cash aid and interventions from the Office of the President, Office of the House Speaker, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Accompanying the president were his cabinet members, headed by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Local Government and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu.
The presidential visit was the third major event the province hosted this year.
In late April, Sultan Kudarat became the official provincial partner of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) pageant and accommodated the candidates for tourism shoots, the runway challenge, and the national costume competition.
Also in February, Sultan Kudarat Province hosted the largest “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair,” where over P1.2 billion worth of services and benefits were provided to over 300,000 individuals. (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)
