PBBM approves commemoration of 650th year of Islamic presence in PH
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman lauds
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for officially signing an Administrative
Order (AO) constituting a steering committee for the commemoration of the 650th
Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage.
As a Mindanaoan and the only female Muslim cabinet member of the PBBM
administration, Secretary Pangandaman expressed her gratitude toward the
President as the creation of the committee will be crucial in continuously
recognizing the presence of Islam in the country and the important role of
Muslim Filipinos in shaping our history and heritage. She likewise assured of
her continued and strengthened support for Mindanao.
"I thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing the Administrative
Order constituting the Situmiayat Wakhamsun Aldhikraa National Committee which
shall take charge of the preparations for this celebration even as early as
now. Wala pang isang taon, napirmahan na ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr
ang Administrative Order. Dito mo makikita na kay Pangulong BBM, hindi
kailanman mapapabayaan ang Mindanao,” Pangandaman said.
She continued, "Rest assured that the Committee, chaired by the Executive
Secretary, with the NHCP as vice-chair and with DBM as one of its members,
will undertake the overall study, conceptualization, and implementation of
programs and projects relevant to the commemoration with the end goal of
reinvigorating the spirit of national unity. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, makaka-asa po
kayong lahat na bibigyang prayoridad natin ang Mindanao."
Also known as project "650PH in 2030," the initiative will mark the
650 years of Islamic presence in the Philippines in 2030. The National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) targets to drumbeat its
commemoration in 2024.
Philippine Muslim History scholars agree that the beginning of the Islamic
faith in the country took place between 1350 to 1380, making Islam the oldest
monotheistic religion in the Philippines with close to seven million practicing
the faith.
The President's signing of the AO coincides with the celebration of the 643rd
Sheikh Makhdum Day and the Unveiling of the Historical Marker of the Sheikh
Makhdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi today, 07 November 2023, where Secretary
Pangandaman was also invited to grace the occasion, together with NHCP Chairman
Emmanuel Calairo.
"It is especially meaningful for me to be present here today as a Muslim
Filipina to personally honor Sheikh Makhdum, whom we remember and thank for
being the missionary who brought Islam to the Philippines, which led to the
building of this first-ever mosque in the country here in Tubig Indangan, Simunul,
Tawi-Tawi. This Mosque symbolizes the introduction of Islam to the country, and
its pillars—which have remained intact for centuries—are a testament to our
people's rich history," the budget secretary said in her speech.
She likewise emphasized that the commemoration, further made remarkable by
PBBM's support to Muslim Filipinos, is in line with the administration's goal
to foster unity in the country amid diversity.
"This project intends to highlight the Philippines as a multicultural
country that acknowledges pluralism, and where religious tolerance and
inclusivity thrive — all of these leading to the idea of unity amid diversity,
which will help fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s campaign for
national unity," Pangandaman said.
"650PH in 2030" shows that there is true beauty of unity in
diversity. It's a reflection of how faith can bring people together, add value
to human life, and peace-building, which is a basic principle of Islam,"
she added. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
