Education and military leaders visited Bud Mana in Talipao, Sulu, following their participation in the SULADS 2nd Commencement Exercises and 4th Recognition Ceremony held at the Upper Sinumaan Peace Formation and Learning Center.
SULADS stands for Socioeconomic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Development Services. It is a volunteer-based educational and community development initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Philippines that focuses on serving children and families in geographically isolated and underserved communities, particularly among indigenous populations.
Established in 1979, SULADS sends volunteer teachers and missionaries to remote villages where access to formal education is limited or unavailable. Beyond classroom instruction, the program also promotes literacy, health education, peace-building, livelihood awareness, and values formation.
The initiative aims to help communities improve their quality of life through education while respecting local culture and traditions. Many SULADS volunteers live within the communities they serve, building relationships and working alongside residents to encourage sustainable growth and peaceful coexistence.
The delegation included Alternative Learning System(ALS)/Alternative Delivery Mode(ADM) Coordinator Nur-aisha A. Gonzalez, PhD; District Commissioner Marda S. Taludjog, PhD; and Brigadier General Emmanuel Cabasan, Commanding Officer of the 1103rd Kalis Brigade. They were joined by Colonel Abdelhalim Sakilan, Deputy Brigade Commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Genesis R. Gabrido, Commanding Officer of the 41st Infantry Battalion.
The visit marked their first time in Bud Mana, where they experienced the area’s peaceful environment and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery, the visitors paused to appreciate the calm and scenic landscape.
Upon arrival, Bud Mana volunteers—serving under the Adventist-Muslim Relations (AMR) department of the Adventist Church in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZPM)—warmly welcomed the group and introduced a lifestyle centered on health, sustainability, and service.
The guests were served a variety of nutritious, plant-based dishes prepared by the volunteers. Highlights included a creative vegetarian version of bulalo, traditional biko (rice cake) paired with warm sikwati (local cocoa drink), and refreshing drinks made from jackfruit and mango. These offerings not only promoted healthy living but also reflected the community’s genuine hospitality.
The leaders expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and commended Bud Mana’s efforts in promoting wellness, peaceful and simple living, and sustainable practices.
The visit strengthened the partnership between the military, the education sector, and the local community—highlighting a shared commitment to holistic community development and sustainable growth.
The original article is published in the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission website.