The Solomon Islands People First Party (SIPFP) travelled to Kohabuha, Marasa in the Wanderer Bay Ward of West Guadalcanal on Saturday to support the campaign of their candidate, Philip Manakako, in preparation for the upcoming by-election on June 4. The by-election follows the passing of the late Moses Garu.
The delegation included two Members of Parliament and senior executive members of the party:
Hon. Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai, MP for North Guadalcanal Constituency
Hon. Chachabule Amoi, MP for Marovo Constituency
Mr. Ernest Teutao, President of SIPFP
Mr. Rence Rore, Vice President (Economics), SIPFP
Mr. Rajah Patrick Abe, Treasurer, SIPFP
Mr. Emmanuelle Mangalle, Executive Committee Member, SIPFP; and
Mr. Desmond Sese, SIPFP Member.
The remaining nine SIPFP Members of Parliament were unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Philip Manakako, a former Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, shared the Party’s vision on his social media page.
“SIPFP’s foremost vision is to put our people first,” he wrote. “We believe in the mantra ‘Leave No One Behind’ when it comes to social and economic development.
This means creating tangible opportunities—whether small or medium scale—for people from all walks of life to engage in sustainable economic growth and to strengthen social bonds within families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
He further emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making:
“We aim to create spaces where people can amplify their voices. Inclusive voices lead to inclusive and sustainable change. We, the people of West Guadalcanal—like our brothers and sisters from the South and East—are resilient people of the Weathercoast.”
Manakako acknowledged the daily challenges faced by communities in the region, such as severe weather, limited communication infrastructure, and poor road access.
Despite these hardships, he said, the people contribute to the national economy through agriculture—particularly cocoa, copra, and kava production.
“These are the sectors we plan to invest in further by increasing production and adding value, should we be given the mandate on June 4,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential of young people in the constituency:
“We have vibrant young entrepreneurs, academics, athletes, musicians, farmers, fishermen, and emerging leaders in both community and religious spaces. Together with our elders in public service and community leadership, we can build the opportunities our people deserve.”
Manakako announced that his campaign team will be conducting a comprehensive outreach across the constituency in the coming weeks, visiting communities throughout the 392,000 hectares of West Guadalcanal, including both inland and coastal areas.
He is one of six candidates contesting the West Guadalcanal seat. The other candidates are:
- Titus Sura (Independent)
- Pascal Kimavora Belamatanga (Independent)
- Donisiano Keli (Independent)
- Mary Daniella Zae Garu (Independent)
- Anthony Kamutulaka Veke (OUR Party)
The West Guadalcanal by-election will be held concurrently with the Paripao Ward by-election.
