TV host Gretchen Ho acknowledges that most people have preconceived notions of what Sulu is, but her recent visit to the place has changed all that she used to have in her mind.

“Most of the time when we hear about Sulu, we think rifles and fatigues. But what I saw here in their Madrasa and public schools will forever change my mental image of the province,” she said via her Instagram page last Saturday, Aug. 20.

“Whilst we were on stage waiting to give our speeches, we were greeted by innocent little eyes beneath hijabs that stared at us in awe,” she related, noting that “they weren’t used to visitors, and I wasn’t used to the sight of children surrounded by soldiers. There was mutual understanding in that.”

News anchor and host Ed Lingao, as seen by Ho, “unpacked his large capacity military backpack and brought out laptops and projectors.”

“This was part of a Laptop Project he’d started with his wife, in honor of their late daughter Ellie,” she said. For her part, she bought some athletic balls for the kids.

“Teacher Nurcilyn, the head of one of the madrasas, expressed her thanks in great relief. She says she doesn’t have to go far anymore to have her lessons printed,” Ho said. “She also says the balls will help keep the young away from vices, bad influence and extremism.”

Ho took the opportunity to ask Teacher Nurcilyn about the peace situation and she was told that “both the Army and the Air Force have said there has been ‘relative peace’ in Sulu in recent years.”

“They say the pandemic has helped limit movement, and key neutralizations, as well as members of Abu Sayyaf surrendering, have been crucial in the fight. Balik-baranggay’ development efforts have been helping too. Zero kidnapping in the past year, they say,” Ho narrated.

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Teacher Nurcilyn also agrees that the pandemic changed the environment and “that she’s new to the sound of peace.”

“She loves how people can go out now, go to resorts and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sulu. She hopes more would come to visit,” Ho said.

But Ho admits uncertainty if things can “change abruptly” as “given their long and painful history, it will take time to quell fears and prove people wrong about this place.”

“The process will be arduous, but the young people I’ve met who already have different mindsets give me hope,” Ho said. “I’m glad this was the Sulu I met.” JB

Angel Locsin, Gretchen Ho give away bikes to displaced stuntmen