Missionary-led Literacy Programs Spark Unprecedented Shift, Rebels in South Philippines Embrace Change and Surrender in Mass Numbers

The remarkable surrender of approximately 100 insurgent supporters residing in San Fernando Municipality and three towns, namely Sacramento Valley, Sitio Sabolwan, and Magkalungay, in Bukidnon was greatly facilitated by Sulads' literacy programs on July 10, 2023. The initiative, which was designed to empower marginalized communities through education, shaped hearts and minds while promoting peace and order.

SULADS is a non-governmental, charitable educational organization in the Philippines with the mission of educating and inspiring unreached indigenous people. SULADS is derived from the Manobo word "sulad", which signifies brother or sister. In addition, it stands for Socio-economic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services.

The Sulads organization is known to be a missionary arm of the Adventist Church dedicated to reaching out to families and communities in challenging areas. It has been operating in places where poverty, insurgency, and limited access to education remain rampant. By offering literacy programs, vocational training, and other educational opportunities, SULADS was able to help build self-reliant communities and achieve sustainable peace.

The official surrender took place at the municipal gymnasium on Sunday morning, which was also attended by military personnel, policemen, government officials, and leaders from Adventist World Radio, Adventist Church in Central Mindanao (CMM), and Sulads. Local authorities and community leaders, and government officials such as the Mayor of San Fernando, Hon. Rogelio S. Yeke, and the Governor of Bukidnon, Hon. Rogelio Neil Roque, praised the organization for its invaluable contributions to encouraging positive change.

The 48th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Gilbert F. Gomez stated that the event should serve as an inspiration to achieve peace and order in San Fernando and the province of Bukidnon. Governor Roque led the “Panunumpa Sa Pagsalikway” or the Oath of Renunciation. Here, the surrenderees officially renounced their support to the rebel group and affirmed its allegiance to the government. It was followed by the peace covenant signing and the handing over of firearms.

Sulads President Pr. Ephraim L. Pitogo reiterated that the organization’s success happened because of its partnership with the government and men in uniform. He emphasized that the collaboration would address social issues easier and more efficiently in their pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous society.

As the Sulads organization continues its mission to promote education and uplift marginalized communities, it remains an exemplar of how education can be a catalyst of change and foster sustainable peace.

Quin Salarda, SPUC Communication Department