WHEN the Resilient and Equitable Access to Care and Health in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Project was formally launched this January, it felt deeply personal. As someone born in Basilan, I know what it means to grow up in a place where geography and years of conflict have too often stood between families and basic health care—especially for mothers and children.
I still remember the height of the Basilan conflict in the early 1970s, when my siblings and I would scramble to the foxholes beneath our beds whenever the community alarm sounded, warning of an impending attack. Those were also the days when we lined up for yellow corn and pan bakwit, or waited for rations dropped from military helicopters.
The REACH-BASULTA launch, held on January 22 at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence, brought together the International Organization for Migration or IOM, the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Health of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process, and other local partners.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya described the project as “not just a response to current health challenges, but a commitment to building a sustainable and resilient health system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals,” especially in geographically isolated areas like Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
BARMM Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding spoke of renewed hope in the region, noting that poor health-seeking behavior had once been a major challenge. “Now, we are placing greater importance on life—especially the lives of our children and mothers,” he said.
JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi emphasized that the goal is to create an environment where pregnancy and childbirth are safe, and where children can thrive with dignity. IOM Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett reminded everyone that mobile and displaced populations must not be left behind in health planning.
What gives me the greatest confidence, however, is the leadership on the ground. As a Basilan resident, I have high hopes in our local chief executives, many of whom I believe are among the best in the country. They understand the terrain, the culture, the daily realities, and the other challenges of island life. I truly believe this project can be implemented properly because our LCEs have the capability and commitment to make it work.
On behalf of Basilan residents, thank you, Japan and IOM.
