A challenge for the people of Sulu

by Frencie L. Carreon

The reactions of a few citizens of Sulu province over the development projects ushered in by the United States Government puzzle citizens outside of the conflict-stricken province who ask, 'How can they resist assistance when they themselves can not lift themselves up on their own?'

One group said they cannot forget what the Americans had done in the Bud Dahu War, an incident that happened a hundred years ago in Sulu, where a number of Tausugs were killed by American invaders.

Former Sulu Governor Benjamin Loong during his executive leadership of the province argued however that such war was far being labeled a 'massacre' as some called it the 'Bud Dahu Massacre'. It was an honorable war, he stressed then, for Tausugs resisted the invasion and fought for their homeland. But even when lives were lost, it was a battle well-fought by the Filipinos of that time.

The past cannot be undone--one cannot keep on crying all his life over spilt milk. Neither must we make the present generation pay for the mistakes of ten generations past.

This reaction however by that group of 'concerned citizens' brings the hope and impression that, as 'concerned' people, they can also do the same and bring about development to their province. Such is certainly an idea that is most welcome.

We can always be proud of ourselves when we know we did something for our home town, city, or province--even though how minute our contribution may be. But we would always feel prouder--and a lot happier--when we know we did something for the less fortunate, whether others extolled us or not.

We need more citizens of Sulu who would do something for a good cause for their own people. Sulu needs to continually have government leaders who will not only have programs for direct community assistance but also for responsible socio-economic, political, and even environmental governance among its citizenry.

And perhaps, Sulu needs to let go of the bitter past, learn from its mistakes, and move forward. It may be hard, but if it is for the next generations, it should be a challenge.