SHOWBIZ BEAT MEDIA

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) held its very first ‘National Development Leader Summit’ with the theme: “Strengthening NCMF in Building Resilient Muslim Communities” last January 31, 2023 in Conrad Manila.

Both traditional and institutional Muslim leaders took part in the event, as well as legislators, professionals, academicians, government officials, official delegates from other countries, and members of the media. The goal of the said summit is to create different programs which would aid Filipino Muslims.

During the start of the program, Atty. Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong greeted and thanked the summit’s attendees. He stressed the importance of peace; “Without peace, we cannot attain economic prosperity so we have to work in peace all over the world.”

The TESDA Director General proposed the creation of a world peace organization, and shared with the audience that last year, NCMF already launched a National Peace Caravan. Mamondiong then introduced the keynote speaker, Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., who gave a short but significant message, as the representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aka Bongbong Marcos.

He gave pointers on how we can embark on nation-building taking in consideration the different beliefs and customs of the Filipino people.

CESO II Executive Director Tahir S. Lidasan Jr. then introduced two more resource speakers, Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla, Chairman Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, and Congressman Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Chairman, Committee on Muslim Affairs.

“During my youth, I can’t be an example. After my imprisonment, I can be an example,” he joked at the start of his speech. He reminded the audience that he was a rebel once, so he can attest to the current government’s “love” for the Bangsamoro compared to before. He claimed that his relatives are envious of BARMM, and the autonomy given to the region should be taken care of.

Padilla views BARMM as the basis of a future federal type of government in the Philippines. “Ako po’y pitong buwan na sa Senado pero hindi po nakikita ang pag-unlad ng bayan sa sistema ng gobyerno na ito,” he said.

Another resource speaker was Congressman Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo (Chairman, Commitee on Muslim Affairs), who discussed “Creating the NCMF: Policy Interventions, Challenges and Opportunities”.

The closing message was given by DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., with Abdul Hakeem Lomondot acting as the Master of Ceremony. The resource speakers were presented with a token of appreciation by the NCMF, a miniature masjid (mosque).

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Showbiz Beat Media