Cotabato City hosted an Islamic competition on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, bringing together youth from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) and local marakiz (Islamic learning centers). The event was held as part of the annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival.
Strengthening Values Through Competition
The competition, organized by the SGA Development Authority (SGADA) and the Cotabato City government, featured three categories: muhadarah (Islamic public speaking), Qur’an memorization, and Adhan calling. It took place at Rojas Central Elementary School and aimed to reinforce Islamic values among young people while honoring Shariff Kabunsuan’s role in bringing Islam to Mindanao.
SGADA Administrator and Member of Parliament Butch Malang emphasized the importance of da’wah – the invitation to God – in promoting moral governance. He also highlighted the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to building communities founded on Islamic principles. Malang stated a plan is underway to support and house children studying the Qur’an.
Participants from six SGA municipalities – Kapalawan, Old Kaabakan, Tugunan, Ligawasan, Malidegao, and Pahamuddin – competed in the muhadarah category for those under 12 years old. Damier Muslimin Magad of Ligawasan won first place, followed by Jawwad Alayzi Maido of Malidegao and Khalid Gago of Kapalawan.
Youth under 18 from six marakiz in Cotabato City – Mahad Al-Imam Al-Bukharie, Markadz Abdullah Bin Mas’oud, Markadz Al-Wihdah, Markadz Ginakit, Markadz Omar, and Markadz Abdul-aziz – participated in the Qur’an memorization and Adhan calling contests.
Mohidin Ampatu of Markadz Ginakit won the Adhan calling competition, with Farhan Gani of Markadz Abdul-aziz and Hadie Nasrudin of Mahad Al-Imam Al-Bukhari taking second and third place, respectively. Munjir Abdulkahar of Markadz Abdullah Bin Mas’oud was the champion in Qur’an memorization, followed by Seraj Lu of Markadz Al-Wihdah and Jawwad Esmail of Markadz Ginakit.
The event was organized in partnership with the Shu-unul Qur’an Tarbiyyah Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and ILMO Management Consultancy Firm. Muzaher Suweb Bito, a Bangsamoro international Qur’an memorization champion, led a Qur’an recitation during the opening program.
The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is an annual event celebrated on December 19th, which BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has declared a special non-working holiday through Proclamation No. 0002, s. 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Islamic competition?
The competition aimed to strengthen Islamic values among the youth of the Special Geographic Area and Cotabato City, while also honoring the legacy of Shariff Kabunsuan.
Which municipalities participated in the muhadarah category?
Kapalawan, Old Kaabakan, Tugunan, Ligawasan, Malidegao, and Pahamuddin fielded contestants in the muhadarah category.
Who were the organizing partners of the event?
The event was jointly organized by the SGA Development Authority (SGADA), the Cotabato City government, the Shu-unul Qur’an Tarbiyyah Committee of the MILF, and ILMO Management Consultancy Firm.
As the Bangsamoro Government continues to prioritize youth development and the promotion of Islamic values, what role might similar initiatives play in shaping the region’s future?
