Philippine Muslim Today

* * P20.00 * * Vol. III, No. 34 Feb. 6-12, 2023 (Rajab 15-21 1444)

Bearer of Glad Tidings

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Philippine First Muslim Digital Newspaper

BARMM honors life, legacy of Bangsamoro Wālī Sheik Khalipha Nando

By AISAH ABAS | Bangsamoro Information Office

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OTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro community mourns the demise of the first Wālī Sheikh Khalipha Usman Nando, who passed away at age 81 on Sunday.

Flags in front of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in this city were lowered to half-staff on Monday morning, Feb. 5, in honor of his passing.

In a statement released on Monday, Bangsamoro Chief

Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said, “his demise is a great loss to the Bangsamoro government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Sheikh Nando is one of the founders of the Moro Fronts and has devoted his life to championing the Bangsamoro struggle since the 1960s.”

“As a forerunner in the armed struggle and a brother in the Islamic faith,

Sheikh Khalipha Nando

we mourn the passing of Sheikh Nando, who is a true Mujahideen. He left a void that is impossible to fill. As we weep for the passing of the Wālī, we find comfort and refuge in the fact that Sheikh Nando is with our departed comrades now in the hands of the Almighty Allah,” Ebrahim added.

Nando was appointed as the first Wālī of the Bangsamoro Autono-

mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament on March 29, 2019. Consequently, he opened the first inaugural session of the BTA as the ceremonial head of the Bangsamoro Government.

Among the duties and responsibilities of the late Wālī, as per Republic Act (RA) 11054 or the Bang-

samoro Organic Law (BOL), include the opening of the sessions of the Parliament, administering the oath of office, dissolving the Parliament upon the advice of the Chief Minister after a vote of no confidence against the government of the day, calling for the election of a new Parliament, and attending to public ceremonies.

SHEIKH | Page A2

KILLER QUAKES Powerful tremors kill around 21,000 in Turkey, Syria

By PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY

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round 21,000 deaths and 63,794 injured have been reported in the catastrophic and deadly series of earthquakes that struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria Feb. 6, 2023.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, were felt by 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.

(Full Story on Page A2) A3 BARMM

A3 The Provinces

A4 Editorial

Lanao Sur town hall nears completion

BTA to enact the Bangsamoro Electoral Code this month

World Hijab Day: More Than Just A Celebration of Covering Up

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- As the new town hall's construction in the municipality of Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur nears completion, excitement is growing both within the Municipal Government and throughout the community.

The building will house the Mayor's and Vice Mayor's offices, as well as the Sangguniang Bayan's session hall and the municipal government's mandatory departments and offices.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday emphasized that the main thrust of his leadership is geared on the country’s “fight against hunger and poverty” ...

In a press conference, Gatchalian outlined his work plan and strategy to be used in addressing the services and assistance needed by the poor and vulnerable sector in general, and affected families during and after calamities in particular.

On February 1, we observed the World Hijab Day. In the Philippines, the celebration was mandated by law. While this is certainly welcome news in the face of increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments worldwide, still, it would do the ordinary Muslim and Muslimah for that matter, to revisit the hijab and what it means, and its place in the larger scheme of things apart from being part and parcel of Muslim womanhood.

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News

Sheikh | from Page A1

Powerful tremors kill over 21,000 in Turkey, Syria

Sheikh Khalipha Nando The early life of Sheikh Nando Sheikh Nando was one of the co-founders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) along with the late MILF Founding Chair Salamat Hashim and the current Bangsamoro Mufti Abu Hurayra Udasan.

At an early age, he was one of the students in Madrasah Al-Rasheedah at Pandag, Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur. In this town, he learned to read the Qur’an, Arabic language, and other subjects such as the Aqeedah (Islamic Ideology), and Fiq’h (Islamic Jurisprudence), among others from Sheikh Omar Bajunaid of Hadhramaut, Yemen.

Sheikh Nando, at the age of 17, was one of the early Moro students sent for a 2nd Batch on a diplomatic scholarship program to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt in 1, where he met his senior, Salamat Hashim, along with other forerunners and pillars of the Moro Fronts such as Ibrahim Abdulrahman a.k.a. “Abukhalil Yahya” and Sheikh Omar Pasigan.

In a book published by Salah Jubair (2014), entitled Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny, it was noted that Sheikh Nando, along with Hashim, Yahya, and Ismael Guiamel a.k.a. “Castro”, organized the Philippine Students’ Union (PSU) in Cairo, Egypt in 1962.

They were the figures who brought the then-pressing issue of injustices committed against their people in the Bangsamoro homeland into an international forum.

As the struggle continued in the Bangsamoro homeland, Nando and his peers worked with different political linkages in Sabah, and other Moro students and leaders, which include the Moro combatants and trainers known as the “Top 300”.

Years have passed, but Sheikh Nando's commitment to the Bangsamoro never wavered. He was a senior member of the MILF Central Committee and permanent member of the Jihad Executive Council; became the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the MILF Central Committee for 16 years and Chief Justice of the MILF Supreme Shari’ah Court for 14 years; and a member of the Ceasefire Committee of the Eastern Cotabato Region and chaired the Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly for two years.

He unconditionally served the Bangsamoro cause for the Right to Self-Determination in various capacities for more than sixty (60) years—a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of every Bangsamoro. (With details from Suhail Mamaluba)

Vol. III, No. 34 | Feb. 6-12, 2023 (Rajab 15-21 1444)

By Philippine Muslim Today

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round 21,000 deaths and 63,794 injured have been reported in the catastrophic and deadly series of earthquakes that struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria Feb. 6, 2023.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, were felt by 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.

Several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon, felt strong tremors that struck Türkiye in between 10 hours.

More than 113,200 search and rescue personnel are currently working in the field, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said in a statement.

A total of 28,044 people were evacuated from quake-hit regions, AFAD added.

"As of 11:38 a.m.

(0838GMT), a total of 28,044 citizens were evacuated from the disaster area, 4,607 by road and railway and 23,437 by air," it said.

Sanliurfa completed search and rescue efforts, and they were dispatched to other provinces where the work continues, AFAD said.

State of emergency declared Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday inspected the ongoing search and res-

Evacuees are being placed in accommodation areas and guesthouses designated by provincial governor's offices and AFAD, it said.

"As a result of negotiations with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, 5,709 personnel coming from other countries to give help were dispatched to the disaster area," it added.

Besides rescue teams, blankets, tents, food and psychological support teams were also sent to affected areas.

A total of 92,738 family tents were set up to shelter survivors, AFAD also said.

It added that 5,557 vehicles, including excavators, tractors and dozers, were sent to the disaster area.

Meanwhile, the team in

cue, as well as relief efforts in the Adana, Hatay and Kahramanmaras provinces, as well as one of the epicenters Pazarcik, where he met survivors in tent cities.

First Lady Emine Erdogan on Wednesday visited 16 infant survivors who had been airlifted from Kahramanmaras to a hospital in the capital Ankara.

Türkiye has mobilized all its resources for postquake efforts, President Erdogan said, adding: "The state is working with municipalities, especially with the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), with all its resources."

To speed up search and rescue operations more, Türkiye on Tuesday

announced a three-month state of emergency in the quake-hit provinces.

In addition, Türkiye is observing seven days of national mourning after the devastating quakes.

All national sports events in the country have been suspended until further notice. Schools nationwide will be closed until

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ______ )

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION I, Khalid M. Candang, of legal age, Filipino, with postal and residence address at Nangka, Baloi, Lanao del Norte, respectfully state that: 1. I am the only surviving legal heir of the late Casnangan M. Candang who died intestate on _____________ at Nangka, Baloi, Lanao Norte without leaving any indebtedness.

2. The late Casnangan M. Candang left the following properties: A. Deposit account/s with the LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES under account number 1266318207; B. (indicate other properties, if any): Pursuant to Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, I hereby adjudicate unto myself the above-described deposit account/s and properties without judicial proceedings as prescribed by the aforementioned Rules of Court.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this Potri C. Namra at Siete Nobaisa C. Langi.

SGN Khalid M. Candang Affiant Signed in the presence of: SGN Potri C. Namra

SGN Siete Nobaisa C. Langi

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this January 31, 2023 at _____________ affiant having exhibited to me his/her personal identification card _____________ issued on _____________ at _____________.

SGN RICHARD M. ARNADO NOTARY PUBLIC Public Attorney's Office Pursuant to RA 9106

Doc. No. Page No. Book No. Series of PMT: Feb. 6-12, 2023; Feb 13-19, 2023; Feb. 20-26, 2023.

Feb. 13, and education in the 10 affected provinces is on hold until Feb. 20.

After the quakes, condolences poured in from around the world expressing solidarity with Türkiye, with many countries send-

ing rescue teams and aid.

Türkiye sets up air corridor After the initial earthquake, an air aid corridor was created by the Turkish Armed Forces to deliver search and rescue teams to the region.

A large number of aircraft for transport, including A-400Ms, carried search and rescue teams and vehicles to the region.

Ambulance planes are also using the air aid corridor.

Nearly 19,000 Turkish soldiers also rushed to the aid of people in the field, the National Defense Ministry said in a statement.

All barracks, including the 2nd Army Command in Malatya, were opened to the service of citizens affected by the earthquakes.

Rescue and relief personnel and materials were dispatched to the region with 160 aircraft, AFAD said.

In addition, the flights of two Akinci drones are being used to coordinate work in disaster areas.

A total of 22 ships were also assigned to the region for personnel and material shipment and for evacuation.

(With stories from Anadolu)

Expert predicted Turkey earthquake 3 days before it happened A researcher from the Netherlands predicted the earthquake in Turkey, just three days before it happened.

A Dutch researcher named Frank Hoogerbeets from the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS) issued a warning on Twitter three days ago that a massive earthquake will rock Turkey “sooner or later”.

His prediction came true on Monday when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria that led to the death of over 1,300 people in the region.

Things got worse on Monday afternoon when another massive 7.7 magnitude quake hit the middle eastern country making it one of the biggest natural calamities the country has witnessed in 80 years.

“Sooner or later there will be a ~M 7.5 #earthquake in this region (South-Central Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon). #deprem,” Frank wrote on Twitter on January 3. (Source: www.24newshd.tv)

News

Vol. III, No. 34 | Feb. 6-12, 2023 (Rajab 15-21 1444)

Gatchalian vows to carry on DSWD's fight vs. hunger, poverty

By ZALDY DE LAYOLA | Philippine News Agency

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ANILA – Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday emphasized that the main thrust of his leadership is geared on the country’s “fight against hunger and poverty” as he expressed readiness to face the country’s social problems.

In a press conference held at the DSWD central office in Quezon City, Gatchalian outlined his work plan and strategy to be used in addressing the services and assistance needed by the poor and vulnerable sector in general, and affected families during and after calamities in particular.

First, he vowed to bring back the “food stub” system, aside from livelihood assistance for qualified families and individuals as hunger-mitigating measure.

To ensure that only deserving and eligible families and individuals will benefit from various DSWD aid and assistance programs, he said he would prioritize the cleansing of the list of the beneficiaries’ database.

“Wala naman akong intensyon na baguhin ang listahan. Napansin ko lang po na noong mayor pa ako ng Valenzuela, pabagobago ang database dahil sa dami sources, at minsan pwede tayong maligaw (I don’t have any intention to change the list of beneficiaries. But when I was still the mayor of Valenzuela, I noticed that the database kept on changing due to so many sources, which could be misleading sometimes),” Gatchalian said.

He added that he only wishes to identify who really are in dire need of the DSWD’s aid or assistance, especially in the implementation of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” (4Ps) and other financial grants of the government.

Towards this end, the new DSWD chief said

would pursue “setting up logistics networks and additional warehouses for relief goods and family food packs in strategic locations in the country” in order to provide immediate and prompt assistance to the families that will be affected by disasters and calamities.

The former lawmaker also wanted to streamline or reduce requirements in applying for DSWD benefits and other specified financial assistance and grants.

Gatchalian likewise promised to implement measures to upgrade DSWD’s health care facilities and other social activi-

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian (File photo) would seek the assistance of experts from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Social Weather Stations (SWS), among others.

A fierce advocate of quality education, Gatchalian also committed to address illiteracy.

While the DSWD already had lots of programs toward helping reduce illiteracy, he said this remains to be a big problem among the poor and vulnerable sector, and he hopes to do something about the issue.

The DSWD secretary also reiterated what he said during a briefing with his undersecretaries and other officials, that he

ty centers of the agency.

Overall, Gatchalian said he already had an overview of the processes and concepts about his new endeavor because he was used to it as a three-term mayor, but however asked for a little more time before going into the complete details.

“Tatlong araw pa lang po ako sa opis kaya marami pa akong tao na dapat kausapin at hingan ng mga importanteng datos (I have been in office for only three days so there are still a lot of people that I need to talk to and ask for important data),” Gatchalian said.

(PNA)

LANAO SUR TOWN HALL NEARS COMPLETION throughout the community.

The building will house the Mayor's and Vice Mayor's offices, as well as the Sangguniang Bayan's session hall and the municipal government's mandatory departments and offices.

This project is one of the top priorities of the BARMM Government, led by Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and is being carried out by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government through its Local Government Facilities Development (LGFD) Program, which is being funded through Contingency Fund 2020.

According to Interior and Local Government Minister Atty Naguib Sinarimbo, the project aims to improve the capabilities of constituent local government units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in providing basic services. He added that it has always been the mandate of local governments to serve their respective constituencies and look out for their interests.

Poona Bayabao is a fourth-class municipality MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- As the new town with 25 barangays. hall's construction in the municipality of Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur nears completion, excitement is (With MILG story) growing both within the Municipal Government and

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BTA to enact the Bangsamoro Electoral Code this month COTABATO CITY—After a series of public consultations across the region, the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Rules have started deliberating on the provisions of the proposed Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) or Parliament Bill No. 29.

The committee members have reviewed the comments generated during the public consultations and the position papers submitted by different stakeholders.

They will scrutinized the bill based on the comments consolidated from the public consultations, including the position papers received from various sectors and stakeholders in the committee deliberations set this week.

Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, chair of the Committee on Rules, said the committee has delegated the task of improving the wording of the provisions of the draft legislation to ensure its constitutionality and consistency with relevant laws.

“We are hoping to finish the deliberations at the committee level on Feb. 8 (Wednesday) and on Feb. 10 (Friday) which would be the period of amendments for the proposed language to be presented, the members of the committee will vote,” Alba said.

“It is very important to have a code that would embody the structural, functional, and procedural principles of having elections in the BARMM, particularly on parliamentary elections,” she added.

She said they target to file the committee report on PB No. 29 to the plenary on Feb. 16 (Thursday), and the plenary deliberations will start on Feb. 20 (Monday).

The committee is hoping to have the proposed BEC enacted into law within the first quarter of this year.

The Committee on Rules has conducted 12 public consultations in Manila, Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and in BARMM's Special Geographic Area (SGA).

The Committee also received position papers from national offices, local government unit officials, civil society organizations, election watchdogs, academe, religious sector representatives, indigenous people, women, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

Alba said the Bangsamoro Electoral Code will lay down the manner of electing the 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, which would be composed of 50 percent party representatives, 40 percent district representatives and 10 percent sectoral representatives.

Kasan Usop, Jr. Bangsamoro Information Office

Bask in the Oddness of Our Uniqueness

By Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano Full moon and glistening stars may be bestowed on me But upon you mesmerizing sunset, sunrise, clouds so blue Upon him cooling rain and vibrant rainbow Hers may perhaps be precious pearls in the deep blue sea For others loveliest blooms, green-hued scenery Theirs may be magnificent aurora borealis, magical meteor showers, splendid lightning storms, captivating white sand beaches, cool sea breeze, name it!

Could be longer nights or shorter daylight Could be home or otherwise even family yet for some foster ones Oh sure I may be blessed with something that you do not and may not have But take heed you, too, have been blessed with something that I do not and may not have Everyone is blessed uniquely indeed Hence, in such diverse uniqueness, gratefulness is a must!

We just have to learn how to appreciate, to be contented, to be grateful in our hearts For every little thing we have and even for what we have not!

Rejoice! In such divine blessedness, surely never shall bliss elude our lives! *****

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Opinion

Vol. III, No. 34 | Feb. 6-12, 2023 (Rajab 15-21 1444)

Revisiting: The Morning After The story is the Maranaos spent thousands of pesos in their merrymaking in Iligan. And they are doing it not only on Eid’l Fitr or the morning after. It has been said that after the closure of some industrial companies in Iligan, the city could have been reduced to a mere barangay of Cagayan de Oro had it not been for the Maranaos who fill the Mall, the department stores and food courts and even wet markets.

From A Distance Mas N. Yahya

What if Iliganons and tourists also fill the food centers in Marawi and Lanao del Sur as they enjoy the view and the waters of the lake? How many Maranaos would profit in catering to the needs of the visitors? How much money would be circulating around the lakeshore towns to uplift the economy of the city and province?

Breaking the fast and feasting on Ed’l Fitr brought a feeling of a new life as one leaves the meditation and repentance of past sins during the month of Ramadan. It feels that there was a complete atonement of past transgressions and a new beginning for a clean and righteous life.

In the morning after, the beaches and swimming resorts of Iligan were filled with merrymakers from Marawi and Lanao lakeshore communities. Some came as families while some came like whole clans. Some started from their home communities by clans while others just met in the recreation areas to realize that their relatives were also there. The latter was more dramatic as relatives kissed and embraced one another.

A keen observer would note that most Maranao families are very close-knit. They tend to gather around to enjoy for themselves the blessings in life. Perhaps their religious leanings may have something to do with it for almost all Maranaos are Muslims. Hence, the tendency of other Filipino tribes to think that a Maranao is a Muslim and a Muslim is Maranao. Of course, nothing is farther from the truth. A Maranao is one who belongs to the tribe that lives around Lake Lanao and the adjoining areas while a Muslim is one who submits himself to the will of Allah (s.w.t). Thus, a Maranao is not automatically a Muslim in the same situation that a Cebuano is not born a Christian. Of course, this is another story.

The story is the Maranaos spent thousands of pesos in their merrymaking in Iligan. And they are doing it not only on Eid’l Fitr or the morning after. It has been said that after the closure of some industrial companies in Iligan, the city could have been reduced to a mere barangay of Cagayan de Oro had it not been for the Maranaos who fill the Mall, the department stores and food courts.

What if Iliganons and tourists also fill the food centers in Marawi and Lanao del Sur as they enjoy the view and the waters of the lake? How many Maranaos would profit in catering to the needs of the visitors? How much money would be circulating around the lakeshore towns to uplift the economy of the city and province?

Perhaps it is time for the Maranaos to minimize their spending in Iligan and instead attract the Iliganons and other peoples in the lowlands to the rich fauna, flora, culture and traditions of the people around the lake. If Lake Lanao becomes a yachting resort and a tourist destination, there is a possibility that the pervasive poverty in the area will plunge.

But of course, this may not happen unless a widespread paradigm shift is worked out. First, Marawi must eliminate its image of being the kidnapping city in the country. One must no longer hear of the joke that: “Marawi is very peaceful. If you go to Marawi, you will rest in peace.” * Mas N. Yahya may be reached at < dingyahya@gmail.com >

Philippine Muslim Today Inc. SEC Co. Reg. No. 2021030008913-02 TIN: 602-795-878-00000 PHILGEPS Registration ID No. 287438 Headquarters: Consunji St., Poblacion, Iligan City, 9200 PH Phone: +63 63 3025565 (Landline) +63 915 2184388 (Mobile) Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Https://philmuslim.today

Repost

World Hijab Day: More Than Just A Celebration of Covering Up

O

n February 1, we observed the World Hijab Day. In the Philippines, the celebration was mandated by law. While this is certainly welcome news in the face of increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments worldwide, still, it would do the ordinary Muslim and Muslimah for that matter, to revisit the hijab and what it means, and its place in the larger scheme of things apart from being part and parcel of Muslim womanhood.

Religious significance aside, hijab is a loaded term, replete with a plethora of meanings for those who wear and/or encounter it. For the majority who wear it, it is fulfilling the commandment of modesty, a symbol of protection that the woman in Islam is entitled to. For others, it has become a political statement; for others it is a symbol of dissent. Others see it as a symbol of empowerment in a maledominated public sphere, while for those unfamiliar with it, a token of oppression. Still others see it as a mere piece of clothing having not much of a significance beyond its utilitarian function.

EDITORIAL

This then would take us to a discussion of why would people celebrate World Hijab Day at all. Would observing this day make tangible and lasting changes to Muslim women’s, and indeed, all women’s lives as a whole? This, considering that in many places, more so in less developed countries, women are still being begrudged their basic human rights, hijab or no hijab, that their contributions to their communities are still being discounted, whether they wear a hijab or not. While those who do celebrate on Feb 1 do have their reasons for doing so, for many women, it must be remembered that in many contexts and many places, there is still a long way to go before even the women who do wear the hijab can honestly say that their lives, even at the basic level, have become better and that they have been given the God-given justice that they so deserve.

Let World Hijab Day then not just be merely a celebration of what it means to be covered up in a headscarf, niqab, kumbong, and what have you. Let it also be a reminder that Muslim women, and all women for that matter, still have a long way to go in terms of having their existence and contributions to their society and their country genuinely recognized and validated. Let World Hijab Day be a reminder of the need to counter not just hijabiphobia, but Islamophobia as well. Let it be a reminder to Muslims as well of Islam’s true supportive stance towards womenkind. Let World Hijab Day resonate more meaningfully among everyone so it does not remain a mere day to be ticked off the calendar every first day of February. (With story from PMT previous issue)

Philippine Muslim Today newspaper is published weekly by Philippine Muslim Today Inc., a non-profit, non-political Muslim organization aimed to promote unity, peace and understanding among diverse peoples.

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Opinion expressed herein by the writer is not necessarily the opinion of the Philippine Muslim Today Inc., its management or any of its affiliate publications.