Zamboanga City, February 10, 2025 – Brigadier General Alvin V. Luzon, Commander of the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade, served as a key resource speaker at the Basilan Young Professionals (BYP) Program for Development and Peace, held at LM Metro Hotel, Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City. His discussion focused on “Challenges in Sustaining Peace and Sustainable Development,” emphasizing security advancements and ongoing efforts to promote stability in Basilan.
This initiative aligns with the Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Action towards Resilience and Empowerment (AS2G CARE) Project 2.0, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Katilingbanong Pamahandi sa Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (KPMFI) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Basilan. The project includes a 10-day Leadership Training aimed at equipping young professionals from Basilan’s municipalities and cities with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective peacebuilding, governance, and community development.
Among the distinguished speakers at the event was Basilan Governor Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman Salliman, who delivered a talk titled “Basilan Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” Ariel C. Hernandez, Chair of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) and Consultant to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), also shared his insights on the region’s peace and development efforts.
During his address, Brig. Gen. Luzon provided an in-depth security assessment of Basilan, highlighting both the progress and the ongoing challenges faced by the security sector in maintaining stability. He underscored the importance of reshaping public perception about Basilan, stating, “We are advocating for a new and positive narrative for Basilan. The people of Basilan nurture a culture of peace, and ‘Rido’ was never part of their heritage. We have successfully achieved our mission to declare Basilan as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-Free. Now, join us in making it ‘Rido’-Free too.”
His engagement with the youth participants underscored the vital role young professionals play in sustaining peace and development in the province. By fostering a deeper understanding of security concerns and community resilience, the event reaffirmed the commitment of various sectors to building a more progressive and conflict-free Basilan.
The initiative highlights the importance of collective action in sustaining the gains of peace and governance in the province, empowering the next generation to be active contributors in shaping Basilan’s future.
