Sulu asks DOST for skills, technology training

A provincial government photo shows Sulu Governor Sakur Tan with officials from the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute officials led by Directors Imelda Agdappa and Scientist Maria Teresa De Guzman, of the Internal Audit Service.

SULU – Governor Sakur Tan has asked the Department of Science and Technology to help the provincial government identify appropriate technologies that can be used to develop and create a viable tourism industry.

Tan made the request during the recent call by DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute officials led by Directors Imelda Agdappa and Scientist Maria Teresa De Guzman, of the Internal Audit Service. 

The DOST group informed Tan of its food processing facility project which will benefit the Sulu State College. Agdappa said they have installed and tested the equipment and conducted the technology transfer training for the production of rice mongo curls and rice mongo instant blend dry cereal. 

Tan said he appreciates the efforts of the DOST and urged the agency to provide more technological training for Sulu. “Kailangan talaga ang technology. Ma-capacitate ang mga tao natin with the appropriate technology and skills, Tulad ng pag-process ng seafood,” he said, citing the province’s rich marine resources. 

He said Sulu has its own skills training center and benefits small and medium enterprises and residents who wanted to put up their own business. Tan said any assistance or training modules from the DOST, especially from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, will greatly help the provincial training center. 

The DOST group expressed optimism on the huge prospects of potential industries in Sulu. 

In the seaside town of Maimbung, the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu, restaurants and cafes have sprouted to accommodate local tourists and visitors. Sulu Rep. Samier Tan even put up a huge drive-in cinema in the town which is now always packed with people. He also put up a sprawling food center in the white sand Litayon Beach in Patikul town to help residents earn a decent living.  

Tan also met separately with officials of the Department of Tourism led by Undersecretary Myra Abubakar who brought with her the DOT regional directors from Mindanao - Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez - Region 9; Marie Elaine Uchuan - Region 10; Tanya Tan - Region 11; Armin Hautea - Region 12; and Nelia Arina - Region 13. 

He said the DOT officials conducted tourist site assessment and halal benchmarking in the province in an effort to promote the tourism industry in Sulu, which is dotted with white sand islands and islets and pristine beaches. 

Just this month, a documentary team from GMA Television’s Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho went to Sulu and met with Tan for its tourism segment. The team was composed of Sancia Novie Palma, segment producer; Rodel Pañales and Judy Tiquel Jr., videographers. (Mindanao Examiner)