ARMM commemorates 637th Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day

SIMUNUL,Tawi-Tawi ---High-ranking government officials, led by Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), graced the 637th Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day last November 7 in this island town in the province of Tawi-tawi.

The event also marked the start of the 28th ARMM Anniversary celebration.

Arab trader and missionary Sheikh Karimul Makhdum set foot in Simunul and introduced Islam in the Philippines more than 600 years ago. The first mosque in the country was built by Sheikh Makhdum in Simunul's Barangay Tubig Indangan.

"Walang ARMM kung walasi Sheikh Makhdum, dahil hindi magkakaroon ng Muslim sa Pilipinas kung hindi dumatingsi Sheikh Makhdum," GovernorHataman said.

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and National Security Adviser Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. were also present as guests during the event.

"My presence here carries the recognition and respect of our people for the introduction of a world religion that has spread its teachings and civilizations," Secretary Andanar said.

Simunul Mayor Nazif Ahmad Abdurahman expressed his gratitude for the presence of national and regional executives during the event that recognizes the "significant contribution of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in nation-building."

New officers of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque Management Board also took their oath of office before Governor Hataman.

Ayesha Dilangalen, secretary of the Department of Tourism-ARMM, serves as the chairperson of the board while Engr. Maritess Maguindra, director of the Bureau on Cultural Heritage, is the vice-chairperson.

"The Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque Management Board was created and established purposively to preserve and promote the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as Bangsamoro's historical landmark," Engr. Maguindra said.

Speaking in the Sama-Bajau language, Tawi-tawi Governor Rashidin Matba said the provincial government, through the help of the regional and national governments, will continue ushering in development programs and projects in Simunul and the rest of the province.

The ARMM government has invested more than P3 billion worth of infrastructure projects since 2012 in Tawi-tawi. About P300 million of these were allocated for Simunul town alone.

"Noong nagkaroon ng Muslim at lumaganap na ang Islam, nagkaroon din ng identity 'yung mga Muslim dito at nagkaroon ng autonomous region, kaya dapat lang namahalin natin ang Simunul at ayusin natin ang Simunul," ARMM Governor Hataman said. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)