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| Governor Sakur Tan |
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Governor Sakur Tan has repeatedly thanked all those who greeted him during his 73rd birthday and among the personalities who wished him well were former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senators Bong Go, Bong Revilla and Loren Legarda, including the whole newscasters of GMA’s Unang Hirit.
Tan firstly thanked the throng of Tausugs and civil workers who greeted him on July 13, many of them went to his office and residence where he had a simple celebration. It was an emotional affair for many who largely credited Tan for transforming Sulu to what it is today – a bustling and peaceful province.
Even though nearly a week had passed, birthday greetings continue to flood Tan’s social media page as well as the Facebook account of the provincial government, and the Bangsamoro Governors’ Caucus with GMA 7’s Suzie Abrera sending her video greeting on July 18. Abrera said: “Happy birthday to the super energetic Sulu Governor at Boss Papang ng Sulu province. God bless you, ingat po kayong lagi.”
Revilla’s greetings to Tan said: “Happy, happy birthday kay Governor Sakur Tan. Mabuhay ka Governor Tan at wish namin sa iyo ay humaba pa ang buhay mo. God bless you.”
In his video greeting, Duterte, a close friend of Tan, said: “Governor Sakur Tan of Sulu, mabuhay ka! Alam mo sa totoo lang Sakur, pag wala ka magulo ang…Zamboanga pati…kailangan ka ng mga tao. Sa panahon mo, nagtrabaho ka para sa akin. Ipagpatuloy mo lang para sa kapayapaan ng ating bayan. Mabuhay ka Governor Sakur Tan.”
Tan, in a phone interview with The Mindanao Examiner, said Duterte’s love for Sulu and its people is immeasurable, citing the many peace and development projects his administration poured into the province and the governor went on to thank the former president.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po Mahal na Presidente Duterte sa inyong pagbati sa aking kaarawan. Mahal na mahal po kayo ng mga Tausug, mahal na mahal namin kayo at maraming salamat po sa lahat ng inyong suporta sa Sulu,” Tan said.
Go, Duterte’s former aide, also greeted Tan, saying: “Happy birthday to Governor Sakur Tan of Sulu. Sir, I wish you long life, good health and prosperity. Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ingat ka parati, enjoy your birthday. Happy birthday Governor Sakur Tan.”
Tan said Go is also one of the people who really went out of his way to help Sulu and is very supportive of the provincial government’s peace efforts. He cited the two Malasakit Centers in Sulu which Go pursued to build. “Kay Senator Bong Go, thank you so much for giving us love, we are always grateful to you for all the projects that our people are now enjoying,” Tan said.
The Malasakit Center brings under one roof the national agencies from which patients may avail of medical assistance, namely the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored. Under the law, all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital are mandated to open a Malasakit Center while other public hospitals may establish their own provided they meet the standard criteria and can guarantee the sustainability of its operations.
Legarda also sent a letter to Tan and wrote: “Please accept my warmest greetings as you celebrate another year of your life. I wish you good health, peace of mind, and happiness. May you have more fruitful and wonderful years ahead.”
Even the news anchors of the premier television channel GMA sent their greetings to Tan with each of them wishing the philanthropic governor. “A great privilege afforded by one of the best Radio TV networks And perhaps the best, thank you so much GMA UNANG HIRIT KAPUSO,” Tan said.
Inspiring poem
A prominent Muslim lawyer, Ryan Jumaani also penned an inspiring poem for Tan.
This is what he wrote: “In the realm of valor and might, Where heroes dance in eternal light, There stands a figure, proud and strong, The Tausug Titan, a majestic song. Respected and admired by leaders, near and far. His wisdom and valor like a guiding star, Through the annals of time, his name resounds, A symbol of strength where honor abounds. A beacon of brilliance, his heart ablaze, Passion and fire guide his steady gaze.
With indomitable spirit, he leads the way, Inspiring hearts, each and every day. Through trials and triumphs, he stood tall, In times of darkness, he illuminated all, His leadership, a fortress of strength, A beacon of hope, a bridge to any length. His visionary mind paints a vibrant scene, A tapestry of dreams, where hope convenes. Through generations, his legacy resounds, Inspirational vision, forever renowned. Oh, Bangsa Sug, your identity is so true, Shaped by his wisdom, steadfast and true. The Tausug Titan, a legend to revere.
In his essence, your spirit's frontier. His name shall echo in the winds that blow, A symphony of strength, a tale to bestow. For in his story, we find our own, A legacy etched, forever known. Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan, an eternal flame, In our hearts, we carry his name, Forever be etched in gold, A legacy cherished, stories forever told.” (Mindanao Examiner)
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