When I first came to Jolo, I saw the faces of the children and that they needed help. I thought that those among us who can extend help in one way or another should contribute efforts for those needy children especially those who want to learn in school. We can contribute by letting them have a more comfortable learning environment."

This is the statement of Italian-American philantrophist Armando De Rossi following a visit to Maimbung, Sulu, where he represented the 3P Foundation in the turn-over of books, computers, and educational materials for the Maimbung Central School some two weeks ago.

The Promotion of Peace and Prosperity (3P) in the Philippines Foundation has been an active partner of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines during Balikatan 2006 especially in Maimbung, Sulu. The Philippine and United States Armed Forces built a 3-classroom building, the Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)donated ten computers and installed Internet connection, and the 3P Foundation provided 100 armed chairs, 100 complete sets of textbooks for all subjects, teachers chairs and desks, classroom boards, and a set of encyclopedia, among others, as well as augmented 4 other computers.

"The problem of poverty and inadequacy in learning in Sulu is very apparent. We are trying to do our share in contributing good to our society. I think everyone should have that in mind, to achieve peace and prosperity in the end. Let us start with the little things," De Rossi said.

Well, as Alan Loy McGinnus did say, "There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being to help someone to succeed."

De Rossi and the 3Ps Foundation's contributions to Sulu may not be fully appreciated by others, but the students thereat are forever thankful. Maimbung Mayor Wajib Maldiza is most grateful on behalf of his people.