Press Release
November 7, 2012

STATEMENT OF SEN. GUINGONA ON THE CELEBRATION
OF SHEIK MAKDUM DAY

I express joy and unity with our Moro brethren for the 632nd annual celebration of Sheik Makdum Day today, November 7, 2012.

On this day in 1380, Arab missionary Sheik Karim Al Makdum completed the construction of the country's first mosque thus marking the introduction of the Muslim faith in the Philippines. A national cultural treasure, that sacred mosque, which also holds the remains of Sheik Makdum, still stands on its four original pillars in Tawi-Tawi, proudly heralding to the world that civilized Philippine history started much, much earlier than 1521.

This year's celebration of Sheik Makdum Day is most auspicious because it is backdropped by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. As we celebrate, the spirit of enduring peace is in the air, signalling an end to over four decades of armed conflict and paving the way for stability and progress in the land of promise, Mindanao.

A joyous Sheik Makdum Day to everyone!

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