On July 24, 2024, during a courtesy call at the Adventist Church in the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM) in Tiayon, Ipil, Philippines, sixty new volunteers and the establishment of five additional schools in the conflict-stricken areas of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi were officially announced. This collaborative effort between ZPM, the Socio-Economic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services (SULADS), and the Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) initiative aims to bring education and hope to these regions, assisting in their steady recovery from the ravages of conflict.

In the Sulu Cluster, there are two sites: Sulari and Kahoy Sinah, both located in Parang, Sulu. This island, situated in the southern Philippines, is rich in culture, has abundant marine resources, and is home to the Tausug and Badjau tribes, among the strongest Muslim tribes in the country. In November 2022, the Special Forces declared Sulu terrorist-free despite having experienced more than two decades of conflict.

For the longest time, Sulu lacked peace, education, and livelihood, especially in remote areas. However, the situation is improving. Two schools, the Peace Formation and Learning Centers, are located in Bud Bunga and Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu, serving the Tausug people. Last school year (2023-2024), these schools accommodated 328 pupils, excluding Adult Classes, according to Fellah Pagapong, the assigned registrar. With their new supervisor, Junarey Duarte, and the support of new volunteers, four schools will be in full operation this year and in the years to come, further contributing to the region's recovery and growth.

The influence of ZPM, SULADS, and AMR continues to grow in Tawi-Tawi, known as the seaweed capital of the Philippines. New schools will be established on Tahao Island and Guakan Island, with the school on Tambunan Island reopening.

The Tawi-Tawi Cluster, which includes schools on Bagid, Laa, Tando, Punduhan, Liabuoran, Tongbankaw, and Tah-tah islands, served 800 students during the 2023-2024 school year. According to Junarey Duarte, the former Tawi-Tawi Cluster Supervisor, these students primarily belong to the Sama, Tausug, Badjau, and Jama Mapun tribes. Ten schools will be fully operational this year with new leadership from Cluster Supervisor Diodolo Luad.

These schools have become annexes to local DepEd schools, allowing students to pursue their dreams through the dedication of ZPM SULADS AMR volunteers. The establishment of these five new schools aims to extend education and hope to more communities, providing opportunities for those who seek learning, peaceful living, and a bright future. Volunteers will engage in community activities, conduct house-to-house visitations, offer basic medical care such as blood pressure checks, and promote healthy living. They will provide free education to both adults and children and introduce basic livelihood skills to help sustain families.

The new group of volunteers received heartfelt encouragement from church leaders, with Vilmar Mandalupa, executive secretary, urging them to emulate David, a man after God’s own heart, and reminding them that God qualifies those He calls.

Victor Palin, ZPM Education Department director, shared his extensive experience in Tawi-Tawi, inspiring the volunteers to give their best efforts while keeping God at the center of their lives.

Additionally, Ranny De Vera, ZPM Adventist Mission director, provided an orientation on the volunteers' responsibilities in the field, addressing their needs through the HEAL (Health, Education, Agriculture, and Livelihood) program of SULADS.

With unwavering support from ZPM administrators and workers, this year's group of volunteers, named “Machaira,” is now ready for their mission.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.