COTABATO CITY --- This city
government is on high spirits as it celebrates once more the annual Shariff Kabunsuan
Festival every December 15 to 19, which features the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan
in Mindanao.
Upon his arrival
from Johore, Malaysia to Cotabato, Kabunsuan had nothing but wanted to achieve
his goal and that was to perform his vocation: to introduce and spread Islamic
faith.
Natives during
those times, who happened to be of royal descent, welcomed the missionary and
served as key players in the spread of Islam and establishment of the
sultanate.
During opening of
the week-long Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia
Guiani-Sayadi said the event is all about faith anchored on unity, respect,
love, and peaceful co-existence among people.
In a simple yet
colorful, joyful, and meaningful opening ceremony of the yearly festival held
at the ground of the People’s Palace, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi called on Cotabateños to renew and further strengthen
their bond as a people who are united to attain a common dream of a
progressive, peaceful, and vibrant Cotabato City.
“The Coming,” a
theatre play that portrayed the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan to the island of
Mindanao to spread the religion of Islam was one of the highlights of the
festival.
This play featured
the talented young Cotabateños who underwent an audition sometime last
September. This activity was made possible through the initiative of the city’s
Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) with the support of the city government of
Cotabato.
Datu Omar Sharief Patadon,
TPB Board of Director on socio-cultural committee and director of the theatre
play, said the TPB was tasked by the city government of Cotabato to be the
specific in-charge of this significant activity.
“It is not a usual
play, but a musical play with a touch of artistry in it. The play feature the
rich culture --- heritage, traditions, and values --- of our forefathers during
the era,” Patadon said.
Apart from “The
Coming,” other activities include the ShariffKabunsuan Bazaar, ASEAN Culinary
Competition, Mini-Guinakit Competition, Kulintang Awards, Halal Forum, Kuyog Streetdancing
and Showcase Competition, Inaul Cultural Weaves, Quar’An Reading, Colors of
Cotabato, Grand Cultural Parade, Guinakit Fluvial, Grand Pagana, Banggala
Fashion Show, and "Pinta" (Two-Men Painting Exhibition).
Further, in the
midst of the present security and social problems on violent extremism, Mayor
Guiani stressed that Cotabateños should not allow “some wicked elements or
groups” to destroy Cotabato City.
“Let us further
fortify our unity in defense against wicked elements whose aim is to sow
disunity, conflict, fear, and terror,” she said.
She said Shariff Mohammad
Kabunsuan came to Kutawatu then, now Cotabato City, in the 16th century for the
primary purpose of spreading faith “anchored on social and economic
development; faith anchored on unity, cooperation, respect, love, and peaceful
co-existence.”
She saidt hat Sharif
fKabunsuan never taught our forefathers to sow or propagate fear or terror.
“As we celebrate
the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, let us not forget the efforts and sacrifices of
our forefathers – inspired by the teachings and examples of Shariff Kabunsuan –
that eventually led to the transformation of our city into a growing
metropolitan area, the lady mayor said, who herself is also a direct descendant
of Shariff Muhammad Kabunsuan.(GILMHAR A. LAO WITH SAMSON GOGO- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)
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