Asia America Initiative is preparing to participate in the second HELP [Health, Education and Livelihood Programs] organized by the Office of the Presidential Advisor for the Peace Process in war-torn Muslim Mindanao. The Caravan, scheduled for late August in Sulu, Philippines combines a unique coalition of national and regional government agencies with the assistance of military units, former-guerillas and nongovernmental organizations. Our goal is to build common ground and establish sustainable social and economic development programs in some of the most impoverished areas in Southeast Asia. International contributions are welcome to support our efforts to help build common bonds between peoples of diverse cultures and religions.

In mid-May, reports of food shortages, especially rice, in many areas of Asia intensified. At the same time, the Peace Process in Mindanao, one of the potentially most productive farming areas in the region, began to unravel because of issues involving land ownership between Muslims and Christians. Asia America Initiative Director Albert Santoli traveled to Sulu and to the Lake Lanao farming area of in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to help get the peace process back on track through increasing livelihood capabilities of local farmers. As a result, AAI is working with local governments and community leaders in three key provinces to find solutions.

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