EU commends Basilan governor

BASILAN - European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron has commended Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman for his commitment to infrastructure development and peace-building efforts in the southern Muslim province of Basilan.

Véron’s commendation was contained in a letter he sent recently to Salliman, expressing his sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and the entire EU delegation during their visit to the province which is a part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. 

“On behalf of the European Union delegation to the Philippines. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your warm hospitality during my recent visit to Basilan. Your willingness to personally accommodate us and facilitate our movements throughout the island was deeply appreciated. 

The insightful conversation and local experiences that you provided not only enriched our understanding of Basilan but also fostered stronger ties between the EU and your beautiful province. The entire EU team was particularly impressed by your dedication to the well-being of your constituents your commitment to infrastructure development and peace-building is truly commendable. 

Furthermore, I would like to extend a personal invitation to you for dinner during your next visit to Manila. It would be a pleasure to reciprocate your gracious hospitality and continue our discussion in a more relaxed setting. Please do not hesitate to inform my office of your travel plans so we can arrange a mutually convenient time. Once again, thank you for the unforgettable experience you provided for my team and I,” Véron said in his letter. 

Salliman envisions the province with a stable power supply, an airport, an international seaport, and food security towards becoming the country's food basket— even beyond his term with barely more than a year remaining in office. 

Likewise, he said a feasibility study is underway for the possibility of establishing an airport in the province, and to level up the Lamitan port to international standards. 

The governor also emphasized that the province hopes to pilot comprehensive agriculture and aquaculture programs to achieve the level of food security and make Basilan the food basket of Mindanao and the country as a whole. 

The province recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary which was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos and other senior government officials. (Mindanao Examiner and Richard Falcatan)