Sulu opens a modern Jolo library

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. led government officials in the inauguration Wednesday of the Lupah Sug Provincial Library in the capital town of Jolo.

Tan invited Abalos to the ceremony attended by provincial and municipal government officials, including representatives from different government agencies, the police and military, and education officials.

The state-of-the-art, two-story library was designed by Manilabased architect Alfred Caritavo and engineer Henry William Nihevas, said Tan.

“Kinuha namin sila sa Maynila at dinala dito sa Sulu upang gawin ang state-of-the-art library. The last time that we had a public library was in 1974, that was about five decades ago,” he told Abalos.

The library, funded and built by the provincial government, is also equipped with over four dozen iMAC or Apple desktop computers, fast internet connection, and modern furniture, provincial engineer Abdurasad Baih said.

“Our library is really at the forefront of modern design and advanced technology. We have iMac desktops and an internet connection that can be used by our residents. That is what Governor Tan really wants for all Tausugs — to gain and advance through literacy efforts,” he told The Manila Times by phone from Jolo.

On Tuesday, Tan also inaugurated the Sulu Police Provincial Pastoral Office in Jolo. The building was also funded by Tan, said Col. Narciso Paragas, the provincial police chief. “Hindi ito mangyayari kung hindi dahil sa tulong ni Governor Tan,” he said.