COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 13 March)—It’s a colorful and festive mood as various colored lights, coupled with Arabic musical beats, illuminate the surroundings of the Bangsamoro Government Complex (BGC) as Muslims celebrate the holy month of Ramadhan.
The ‘Festival of Lights’ in the Bangsamoro Government Complex during opening night on the first day of fasting for the Ramadhan on Tuesday (12 March 2024). MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
But it’s not only the Muslims who flocked to visit and enjoy the night scenery, as even Christians and indigenous people come to celebrate the “Festival of Lights” and enjoy the various food offerings in the night market.
“It really sends good vibes, and of course to have a taste of the food offered here,” said Ricarla Mangitngit, an Ilongga who is now a third year business administration student in the city, as she enjoyed the lights and sounds, as well as the food, during opening night on Tuesday.
“It’s not only Muslims who are participating here but also the Christians and the Indigenous People. It’s nice to see that we are all for one, not counting any race or religion. The light is a symbolism of peace,” said Abdul Khayer Mamalimping, a youth leader, who came with 30 of his colleagues.
Ramadhan is the most sacred month for Muslims around the world. Its observance is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims are required to fast from food, water, and sexual relations, among other things, from sunrise to sunset. This practice aims to enhance the self-control of believers and to direct their attention toward the plight of the needy.
The Ramadhan light festival starts at 8 p.m., after the break of fast and the Tarawi (prayer). It closes at 10:30 p.m. because of the curfew.
People from all walks of life—usually together as families or barkadas—visited the BGC during opening night, taking their selfies for their social media posts, taking advantage of the vibrant evening the region is offering during the Ramadhan.
The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT-BARMM), is helping small business players with the trade fair it is spearheading.
“This will help our local producers and entrepreneurs by providing them a venue for promoting and selling their respective halal foods, products and services,” said Minister Abuamri Taddik.
“Ramadan is the month of patience and reunification. The event aims to create a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds to come together, share in the festivities, and foster a sense of togetherness,” he added.
Elsewhere in Cotabato City, the team of Parliament Member Baileng Mantawil and her women bloc in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) is conducting a Ramadhan Mobile Market in Tamontaka 1, where they distribute free food for the less fortunate Muslims in the city.
“Since it’s Women’s Month and falls during the Ramadhan, we opted to spend our resources in UBJP to this noble food distribution instead of spending in seminars, conferences or exhibits,” she said.
In Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, the Islamic World Relief (IWR) led the Ramadhan food distribution.
“More than 500 families from underserved communities in hard-to-reach areas in Barangays Bagoenged and Kudal received food packs during our first day of distribution,” according to Zaynab Ampatuan, IWR communications officer.
The Bangsamoro Government Complex during the ‘Festival of Lights.’ MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
The IWR’s Ramadhan pack contains 50 kg of rice, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of native coffee, 2 liters of cooking oil, 6 cans of halal corned beef, 3 kg of munggo, 2 kg of all-purpose flour, and 2 kg of noodles.
In Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, free food for the breaking of fast are being offered in the Masjid Raayat Mosque. Islamic symposium has also been the tradition in the Datu Amirbahar Jaafar Convention Center in Bongao.
In Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, the local government led by Mayor Zohria Bansil Guro has worked with Muslim religious leaders for the “Kurmat Ko Ramadhan sa Ingud A Matanog,” a mobile and community visitation after night prayer to strengthen Muslim religious faith, targeting mostly the youth.
She said they prefer this instead of organizing game ball events at night.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, in his message, reminisced the milestones in the struggle of the Bangsamoro people.
“We are faced again with new kinds of challenges requiring new forms of Jihad and struggle. We need Allah’s guidance and assistance as we try to find solutions to problems of governance, poverty and security. We hope to find again the requisite patience, forbearance and wisdom as we fast in this month of Ramadhan,” he said. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
