TABANG PROGRAM IN TAWI-TAWI COINCIDES WITH THE 639TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLDEST MOSQUE IN PH
Simultaneous with the November 7 festive celebration of the 639th anniversary of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Simunul was the second convergence of BARMM ministries and line agencies including MAFAR in the same place for synergised delivery and distribution of various assistance to the people under the Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) Program for the province of Tawi-Tawi.
Led by Minister Mohammad S. Yacob and aimed at enhancing the productivity of the farmers and fisherfolks, MAFAR has given out assorted vegetable seeds to 150 farmers, 50 sets of gil net, 50 sets of hook and line, and 10 units of pump boat with 30HP engine. For the agrarian reform beneficiaries, the ministry has offered legal assistance and counselling to enlighten them of the related issues and concerns that beset them. The activity was essential for Tawi-Tawi people as they have considered it the first massive delivery of needed assistance and services from the BARMM government direct to the communities. The people were thankful to have benefited from the livelihood assistance, scholarships, and different services that answered their needs in different aspects.
Minister Yacob said that BARMM government has been employing the approach to be closer to the communities not only in Simunul but the entire province of Tawi-Tawi and the whole Bangsamoro Region.
He also reiterated the statement of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim that the advocacy is of pure humanitarian purpose as part of enforcing moral governance.
The turnover of livelihood assistance to the farmers and fishers was spearheaded by Minister Yacob with the effective assistance of Provincial Agricultural Officer Dr Sahajim H. Hassan, Provincial Fishery Officer Faisal A. Nahul, and Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Hambre J. Mohammad.
Meanwhile, with its more than six hundred years of existence, the mosque in Simunul is the first and oldest mosque in the Philippines, built in 1380 by Sheikh Karimul Makdhum, an Arab teacher and missionary.
Its 639th founding anniversary commemoration is led by the municipal government under the mayorship of Hon. Wasilah T. Abdurahman with the strong support of Hon. Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali and this year marked another colorful and joyful celebration.