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1523 16th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone 202.232.7020
Fax 202.232.7023
admin@asiaamerica.org
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Metro Manila,
Philippines Office
The Development for Peace in Sulu (DPIS) project was created in mid-2002 in the war torn Sulu Province in Muslim Mindanao by Asia America Initiative, as a model for grassroots development to establish sustainable peace in an area plagued by conflict and terror. Authorized by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Governor Paruk Hussin, the DPIS is credited for helping to stabilize health and education systems in the provincial capitol of Jolo and has inspired hope for social and economic development. In 2003, DPIS received a Presidential Citation for success in delivering over $2 million medical supplies and $1 million in educational assistance to help local leaders revitalize the poverty-stricken community. Since mid-2004, the DPIS Education Component has been additionally supported by grants from the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2005, AAI was designated as a “Lead Organization” in USAID’s innovative Educational Quality and Access for learning and Livelihood Skills (EQUALLs) consortium in Muslim Mindanao.
Sulu is one of the most impoverished provinces in the Philippines, with a school drop-out rate of around 65 percent and desperately sub-standard health and living conditions. Decades of armed conflict have been perpetuated by the isolation and poverty of the province's inhabitants. As a result, Sulu has become a founding home and breading ground for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the bin Laden-connected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
PEACE MEDIATION: AAI's Development for Peace project has helped build peace in the city of Jolo by providing hope through assisting community leaders and professionals to improve health, education and livelihood development. In addition, the AAI is currently assisting local officials in offering assistance to fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front [MNLF] to enter the mainstream of society through assistance with housing, livelihood training and opportunities, as well as educational and housing assistance for their families. The AAI has also bridged the cultural gap between various cultures and religions in the region by bringing people of varying backgrounds together to work for the benefit of the community. The AAI's Development for Peace project has contributed to sustaining peace in the city of Jolo and surrounding communities by:
- Assisting health, education and livelihood development
- Partnering with local and national officials to offer assistance to fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to enter mainstream society
- Encouraging people of varying cultural and religious backgrounds to work together for the benefit of the community
EDUCATION: The AAI is revitalizing the educational system in Sulu through:
- Providing educational equipment and supplies to a dozen "model" public schools
- Training teachers and school administrators
- Providing learning and information technology, such as computers and educational television
- Initiating programs such as the Adopt a Classroom project, which links individuals from other parts of the Philippines and the United States to contribute educational materials and friendship.
HEALTH: Since the AAI's first visit in 2002, when the province lacked all basic medical supplies, the AAI has provided over $3 million in urgently needed medicines and medical equipment to hospitals and school clinics. Our presence inspired the confidence of other donors who turned the regional hospital into a viable full service institution by:
- Creating a new wing of the hospital, essentially doubling its size
- Building a conference hall for continued training
- Providing infant and maternity care
LIVELIHOOD: The AAI's unique livelihood development program integrates public education with building a grassroots economic infrastructure. Accomplishments include:
- A home-grown fisheries processing and canning business at the Jolo Fisheries High School
- A poultry farm at the agricultural high school
- An adult women's literacy and livelihood program
- A handicrafts co-op for students at Mindanao State University is being developed
- Plans to expand the National Fisheries technology development center in Dagupan
The unique approach of the Development for Peace project is based on consistent interpersonal relationships with residents in a community that has endured generations of armed conflict. The Development for Peace in Sulu builds hope and deters violence through joint effort with local NGO partners, American private foundations and corporations, logistics support by the Philippine armed forces, as well as a grant from the U.S. Congress through the USAID."This project," says AAI President, Al Santoli, "builds trust between cultures and encourages residents - especially the youth -- to resist exploitation by violent organizations."
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...Because America Cares (First of two parts)
Frenci Carreon, Zamboanga Times, June 28, 2004
"This scholarship certainly assures us of our college education and of course our bright future. With this we can never be consumed by apprehension of failure to pursue college education," said Norjamin Kadil, one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship program of the Asia America Initiative (AAI).
The scholarship grant, which is part of the Asia America Initiative's (AAI) program for students of the Sulu National High School, will continue until the grantee graduates from college, provided he or she shall abide by the rules and regulations embodied in the terms and conditions promulgated by the Committee on Scholarships of the said high school.
[full article]
...Because America cares (Last of two parts)
Frenci Carreon, Zamboanga Times, June 28, 2004
Won't you try to lend a helping hand?
Frenci L. Carreon, Zamboanga Today, March 18, 2004
A Day in Jolo
Frenci L. Carreon, Zamboanga Today, March 17, 2004
A Version of Poverty
Frenci Carreon, Zamboanga Times, December 13, 2003
American NGO gives $1.5M in medicines to Mindanao
Joel Guinto, INQ7.net, May 14, 2003
ARMM, Cotabato evacuees get $2M medicine donation: Hussin cites US assistance
Edd K. Usman, Manila Bulletin, May 17, 2003
Initiative sees medicine as way to beat terrorism in Philippines
Bill Gertz, Washington Times, October 23, 2002
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