Marawi marks 32nd Anniversary as an Islamic City




By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 18 (PIA) -- A colourful and festive parade in the main thoroughfares of the city was last April 15 to commemorate the 32nd anniversary when the Marawi was declared as an Islamic City. 
Formerly named "Dansalan," the city was given a charter in 1940 pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 592. It was renamed to "Marawi" in 1956 through a congressional amendment sponsored by then Senator Domocao Alonto. On April 15, 1980, it was declared an “Islamic City” through City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition that 92 percent of its population are Muslims.

Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Islamic Faith: Key to Progress and Development,” a simple program was also conducted at the city hall grounds where City Mayor Fahad Salic expressed appreciation to his constituents for their unwavering support to the city government.

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., regional secretary of the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM), and the representative of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, urged the people of the city to join hands and show to the world that Islam is for peace, reform, truth, charity, and progress.

He also appealed to them to support the reforms currently being initiated in the region stressing that these reforms are for the sake of the Muslim people who have always been victims of many atrocities and abuses from all sectors.

“President Benigno S. Aquino III wanted to change ARMM, for good, and he cannot do that without our support and cooperation,” he said.

"In the name of Islam, let us prove that we are one with them," he added.

During the program, the DOH-ARMM Secretary also disclosed that the DOH central office has approved the health facility enhancement project of the city.

"The project which includes the construction of a city hospital is worth P44 million," he further disclosed.