CONSUL GENERAL’S WORKING VISIT TO TAWI-TAWI PROVINCE
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, accompanied by Consul Kamal Norfarid Kamarudin, made a two-day working visit to Tawi-Tawi at the invitation of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) from 26-28 September 2011, respectively. The visit was also in conjunction with the celebrations of Tawi-Tawi’s 38th Kamardikaan Day and the Agar-Agar Festival.
2. While on transit in Zamboanga City on 25 September, Consul General took the opportunity to meet with the Zamboanga-based Team Site 3 of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) VI headed by Capt. Khalid Jaafar. All other IMT personnel from Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia were also present. The following morning, Consul General arrived at the Sanga-Sanga Airport, Tawi-Tawi and was warmly received by the TCCI members. From the airport, Consul General went straight to Bongao Port to join the Hon. Sadikul A Sahali, Governor of Tawi-Tawi, Her Excellency Polyxeni Stefanidou, Greece Ambassador to the Philippines and other local dignitaries as well as the public to witness the Fluvial Parade. 11 boats, representing all the 11 municipalities of Tawi-Tawi province took part in the boat parade.
3. In the afternoon, Consul General had a meeting with Atty. Lorenzo Reyes, Chancellor of Mindanao State University of Tawi-Tawi. During the meeting, both sides exchanged ideas to identify potential in education for mutual benefit. Thereafter, Consul General paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Jesper Que, Mayor of Bongao. Several issues of mutual concerns were discussed during the meeting, among others, investment opportunities in Bongao, the prospect to form a sister city with city in Sabah, human trafficking and smuggling as well as peace and order in Mindanao. The day’s programme ended with Consul General honouring the Hon. Governor’s invitation to witness the search for Tawi-Tawi’s beauty queen, called Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011.
4. At the invitation of the Hon. Governor the following morning, Consul General joined other provincial leaders, dignitaries, guests and local people in the Festival’s closing ceremony. The Hon. Governor presented a set of local costume to Consul General which the latter donned at the ceremony. In his short impromptu message to the people of Tawi-Tawi, Consul General hailed the strong leadership of Governor Sahali, as Tawi-Tawi has become one of the peaceful provinces in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
5. In his remarks, the Consul General also encouraged the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Tawi-Tawi to further strengthen ties with Malaysia, particularly with Sabah for mutual benefit. In the afternoon, Consul General went to Simunul Municipality to visit Sheikh Karimal Makdum Mosque. It was the first mosque founded in the Philippines by an Arab trader named Makhdum Karim in the year 1380. In the evening, Consul General had a round-table discussion with the TCCI members as well as two customs officials based in Bongao. The discussion successfully identified trade impediments and opportunities with the aim at enhancing further trade activities and economic cooperation between Tawi-Tawi and neighbouring Sabah. The visit has been successful in enhancing further the long standing relations and people-to-people contact between Malaysia and Tawi-Tawi province.
Consulate General of Malaysia
Davao City, Philippines
28 October 2011
Budjang Tawi-tawi 2011 (Beauty contest) in conjunction of 38th Kamardikaan Day and Agar-Agar Festival
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan and Consul Kamal Norfarid Kamarudin received by the members of Tawi-tawi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (TCCI)
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan at a round-table discussion with the members of TCCI and two customs officials based in Bongao.
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan delivering his speech at the Closing Ceremony
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan during a courtesy call on Hon. Jasper S. Que, Mayor of Bongao
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan handed over a gift and tourism materials to Atty. Reyes, Chancellor of MSU , Tawi-Tawi
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan handed over a gift to Governor of Tawi-tawi, Hon Sadikul A. Sahali with Dr. Jainal Hamad, member of Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan with Bongao City Councilor, Hon. Albert Que together with members of TCCI
Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan with Greece Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Polyxeni Stefanidou and Spouse
Consul General visited the Sheik Karimal Makdum Mosque