The Ministry of Science and Technology is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of their dearest Director General Suharto A. Abas, at the age of 52. Formerly, he was appointed as “Chief of Staff” of the ministry, eventually promoted as “Bangsamoro Director General” (BDG) in the month of October 2020 for his outstanding efforts.
Reminiscing his scrupulous hard work and labor, “Sir Tho” tremendously contributed to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao`s Capacity Building, crafted Bangsamoro Civil Service Code, helped in molding Science and Technology Statutory Committee, and directed the BARMM Research and Development Agenda (which is currently chaired by the Ministry. Aside from his function as BDG of MOST, he freely performed a strategic plan for some, if not all, of BARMM ministries or agencies. According to Minister Aida M. Silongan, he was an economist, brilliant planner, and a team player which is why he is such a big loss to the MOST family.
BDG Abas` most recent report to work was 4th of June (Friday) and Sunday, June 6 when he informed Minister Silongan that he is not feeling well, he was swabbed and tested positive of COVID-19. He was advised by his Physician to have himself self-isolated but it was the 13th day of June when he was reportedly admitted at Cotabato Sanitarium, Ungap Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao due to difficulty of breathing. After few days of medication, t`was 26th of June (Saturday) when he beat the coronavirus as seen in his medical report. However, 2 days later, Monday morning on June 28, he was declared dead after thorough medical attention by his doctors. The MOST family now severely grieves for his early departure as news came as shock to many.
Most of his close friends and workmates showed sympathy through social media. In a Facebook post, Mr. Datu Abdelwin Sangkula wrote, “He was my roommate. Comrade. Colleague. Partner. Friend. He was an ideologue and a planner. We shared the same wavelength. I always learned something intellectually every time we had the chance to talk and share our thoughts and ideas either work-related or about politics… Goodbye, my friend BDG Suharto A. Abas. You will be remembered. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return).”
In addition, Mayor Vince Soriano said, “Bilang isang peace advocate hindi po matatawaran ang kanyang naging kontribusyon sa kapayapaan sa kanilang rehiyon sa Mindanao.”
“Sir Tho, as we will always fondly remember him, was instrumental in crafting the Unified Bangsamoro Development Plan from 2019-2020. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the aspirations of our MILF and MNLF brothers and sisters would eventually contribute to the 1st Bangsamoro Regional Development Plan.
He was an inspiring presence to be around and his dedication to the upliftment of the Bangsamoro people will be sorely missed.”
-Unified Bangsamoro Development Plan
Some added, “He was a one of few fellow Moros who got skill and talent that can help deliver change in the Bangsamoro region and its people.”
Indeed, he is undeniably one of the promising leaders of the Bangsamoro people due to his remarkable great works and selfless dedication of his life to public service most especially to the Bangsamoro people, and his support to moral governance was a powerful beacon of integrity, incorruptibility, and purity. He is an impeccable example of a revolutionary on his right. It will forever linger in the hearts and minds of his people and subordinates, his influential teaching that his intelligent mind generously instills.
To his immediate family, he was a very family man. Despite his busy schedule, he was always a responsible and loving husband to his wife and his children. According to them, the bond between him and his children is incomparable. Not to mention, he was spotted by his colleague watching a movie with his son in a movie theater somewhere in the city. One of the boundless reasons why moving on and accepting his untimely death seems very difficult and impossible.
Rest easy Sir Tho, our beloved Bangsamoro Director General, your passion and desire to serve for the betterment of the Bangsamoro people will remain as an inspiration to many. We will always treasure and cherish your good work ethics and the ilm (knowledge) you have shared with us. Our sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family.
We will miss you, humble man. You will always be remembered.
-Your MOST family