CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Muslim community in Cebu City gathered at Plaza Independencia on Wednesday, May 27, to observe Eid al-Adha, a significant Islamic holiday defined by themes of sacrifice, devotion, and faith. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” the event drew worshippers beginning at 5 a.m., leading into the official Eid salah (congregational prayer) at 7 a.m.
The prayer was led by Ustadz Danny Salim Daham, who also delivered the khutbah (sermon). The address focused on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), highlighting the core values of obedience and unwavering faith in God that characterize the observance.
Following the religious proceedings, the atmosphere turned communal, with children receiving ice cream and attendees gathering to await the arrival of local government officials. The event was marked by a high level of coordination; Jeannat Alih Cortes, executive director of the Office for Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), reported that the event proceeded without any challenges in preparation and saw attendance levels comparable to the recent Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Significance and Government Relations
The celebration served as a platform for civic engagement, as city officials—including Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas “Tommy” Osmeña, and Councilors Harold Go and Paul Labra—joined the community for the program and a subsequent communal feast. The presence of these officials underscored a broader effort toward inter-community solidarity and inclusion within the city.
Mayor Archival reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its Muslim residents, pointing to ongoing support initiatives. These include specialized health considerations for Muslim patients at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), such as the provision of designated spaces and halal food options. The mayor highlighted the city’s donation of a two-hectare Muslim cemetery in Sitio Katives, Barangay Guba.
Reflecting on the city’s long-term vision, Archival stated, “Ang atong City government, naa nag-atiman ninyo. Tapos naa ta’y dream nga in 2035, ang syudad sa Sugbo kay sustainable, smart, and inclusive.” (The City Government is taking care of you. And we have a dream that in 2035, the city of Cebu will be sustainable, smart and inclusive.)
Looking Ahead
The successful execution of this year’s Eid al-Adha gathering may signal a continued trend of stable cooperation between the Cebu City government and the Muslim community. Given the emphasis placed on institutional support—specifically regarding infrastructure like the new cemetery and health service adjustments—it is likely that municipal authorities will continue to prioritize these inclusivity measures in future urban planning. As both the OMAICC and city leadership continue to foster these partnerships, the community may see further integration of cultural and religious considerations into the city’s standard operational framework as it pursues its 2035 development goals.
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