PAGANA IFTAR

The Office of the Regional Governor holds a Pagana Iftar in conjunction with the Ramadhan Festival 2012 at SKCC Lobby, ARMM Compound, Cotabato City last August 9, 2012.Key ARMM Officials, Members of the RLA and Key Officers from Non-Government Organizations were present during the said event.

 DOT-ARMM Secretary Nawal Nassreena B. Sampaco on her opening remarks during the Pagana Iftar.

. Executive Secretary, Atty. Anwar A. Malang on his inspirational message during the Pagana Iftar.

ARMM Officials, RLA Members, NGOs and DOT-ARMM employees during the Pagana Iftar.

RLA Night

Members of the Regional Legislative Assembly joined together as they sponsored one of the activity at the Ramadhan Trade and Food Fair last Augut 9, 2012. Raffle draws, cultural presentations from IPs headed by their Deputy Governor Hon. Deonato Mokudef, and fireworks display were the higlighted activities during the said activity.

RLA Members and ARMM Officials

Fireworks Display by the Regional Legislative Assembly

Cheesecake on Demo

Considered as one of the topseller food at the Trade Fair, one of the exhibitors shared their recipe during the cooking demo of the mouth-watery Cheesecake in the Cooking Demo Booth last August 3, 2012. A free taste test to the guests and costumers was done after the cheese cake was made.

Asec. Bai Shalimar A. Candao of DOT-ARMM, as she enjoy observing the baking of the cheesecake. 

Her Excellency Malai Halima Yussof on Her Visit to the Ramadhan Trade and Food Fair 2012

Brunei Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Malai Halima Yussof on her surprised visit at the Ramadhan Trade and Food Fair accompanied by Asec. Bai Shalimar A. Candao of DOT-ARMM and Dr. Linda Muzin, former Chief Administrative Officer of DOT-ARMM, last August 9, 2012.

Line Agencies and their Program at the Trade Fair

Different line agencies sponsored the daily program at the Trade and Food Fair on the 2nd and 3rd week of the Ramadhan Festival 2012. To start of was the Department of Education which conducted a WASH Demonstration last August 1, 2012 headed by the DepEd's Regional Secretary Atty. Jamar Kulayan. Next agency was the Department of Health-ARMM which sponsored the raffle draw and conducted a free medical mission last August 10, 2012.

 The Department of Education together RG Mujiv Hataman and other ARMM Key Officials and RLA Speaker with BRAC led the handwashing demonstration at the Ramadhan Trade and Food Fair.

Department of Health-ARMM as they sponsored the daily raffle draw and conduct their free medical mission at the Trade Fair.

Light for Peace

The Holy Month of Ramadhan is a time of spirituality and prayers--it is regarded as the best time of the year for Muslims and yet, the recent spate of armed clashes in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur have highlighted the plight of vulnerable communities in the ARMM. 

The members of the ARMM regional government, led by the ORG and DOT-ARMM, the Regional Legislative assembly as well as the local government of Parang, Maguindanao last August 8, 2012 held a Light for Peace Program at the Padang-padang Adventure Park, Barangay Moro Point in Parang Maguindanao. The event was graciously hosted by the Municipality of Parang led by Mayor Ibrahim Ibay, who welcomed ARMM officials and employees with the breaking of the fast or Iftar at the Park. 

The Light for Peace highlights the centrality and importance of peace and building peace in the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Paper lanterns were launched into the sky as a symbol of the people's hope and prayer for lasting and meaningful peace to prevail. Regional Secretary Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri, in her welcome remarks, stated that the Light for Peace program is a way to show solidarity to those affected by the conflict and at the same time, to express support for the on-going peace process. 

The ORG was led by the Chief of Staff Amihilda Sangcopan who stressed the importance of prayers for peace amidst this trying time of conflict. Regional Legislative Speaker Ras Mitmug Jr meanwhile, emphasized peace-building in the region and working with communities to consolidate peace efforts. 

The Light for Peace event ended with lots of prayers and high hopes that peace would truly prevail in the ARMM.

Ramadhan 2012 in Full Swing

It's been 12 days since Ramadhan Season 2012 was launched in the ARMM Complex and everything is in full swing. Last July 27, 2012 Prof. Hanie Bud launched a series of Islamic Lectures for every Friday of the Holy Month-- with insightful topics such as Ramadhan as Mercy and as a process for Human development with lecturer Usec. Alzad Sattar of the Bureau of Madaris.  Daily Muhadaras are also being sponsored by various line agencies in the Ramadhan Trade Fair with respected members of the Ulama in order to share their knowledge on Islamic values and virtues. Old and young converge at the Trade Fair to listen to lectures as well as to participate in contests and raffle draws.

According to Asec. Shalimar Candao of DOT-ARMM, visitors to the trade fair and the ARMM Complex average about 400 to 600 per night--peaking on weekends. Families with small children spend quality time at the ARMM Complex for iftar at the Trade Fair, Taraweh at the Blue Mosque and Muhadara back at the Trade Fair. Not to mention the eye-catching booths, product displays and cooking demos which recently featured CabSec Khal Mambuay-Campong and her now famous Beef Randang. 

Asec. Theresa Sakalahul of DOT-ARMM shares that since the launching of the Ramadhan Trade Fair, she has gotten to know lots of people who don't hold back their appreciation for the initiatives of the regional government. As one of the regular hosts at the Trade Fair, Asec Tess has become a well-loved fixture at the Trade Fair.

Another regular at the Trade Fair is Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman who can often be seen mingling with the trade fair crowd. Last August 1 during the Handwashing Demonstration of the DepEd-ARMM and Fit-for-School, RG Hataman together with RSecretary Jamal Kulayan gamely joined the demonstration to show the audience proper handwashing techniques. Asec. Maisara Damdamun-Latiph of DepEd-ARMM expressed how much Ramadhan events such as these bring the regional government closer to the people. As RG Hataman calls the children to come closer to the stage to watch the demo, he shares a light moment as they gather around him.

Regional Secretary Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri of DOT-ARMM credits the success of the Ramadhan 2012 activities to the collaborative efforts of DOT-ARMM, the ORG, the ORVG, DPWH-ARMM, DepEd-ARMM, DENR-ARMM, DTI-ARMM, BPI, BCH,  the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs and all ARMM agencies who have sponsored programs and activities for the Holy Month. Reflecting midway through Ramadhan, RSec Sampaco-Baddiri surmises the value of these programs and activities: "As we strengthen our spirituality through fasting and prayers, we also have the opportunity to strengthen our bond and fellowship with fellow Muslims from all walks of life." And thats something to look forward to in the coming weeks as we meaningfully observe the Holy Month of Ramadhan (DOT-ARMM, August 1, 2012)