BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said in today’s culmination program of the Shariff Kabunsuan Celebration 2022:

 “Kung hindi dumating si Shariff Kabunsuan dito, wala tayong Bangsamoro ngayon. Ang Bangsamoro ay nagkaroon ng kulay nang dumating ang mga misyoneryong Arabo na nag-introduce ng Islam kaya doon nagsimula ang sibilisasyon natin (If Shariff Kabunsuan did not come here, there is no Bangsamoro today.

The Bangsamoro got its colors when the Arab missionaries, who introduced Islam, came, from which, our civilization started).

Honoring this indispensable Bangsamoro history, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, is one with the BARMM and the Cotabato City Governments, as they jointly showcase the grandiose ‘Guinakit (convoy of boats) Fluvial Parade’ touring around Tamontaka River in Cotabato City, reenacting the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan with colorful boats and music.

The boats docked along the Bai Walk (bay walk), Cotabato City’s tourist destination that forms part of the banks of Tamontaka River near the Sultan Bolkiah grand Mosque in Barangay Kalanganan II of the city, up which, the program was held, attended by officials and representatives from the different BARMM ministries, LGU-Cotabato City, and other spectators from across the Bangsamoro and other regions of the country.  

During the 16th century, Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an heir mixed Arab and Malay from Johor, Malaysia, arrived along the banks of Masla Pulangi, now known as Rio Grande de Mindanao to introduce Islamic faith in mainland Mindanao.

Now, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao holds a yearly festival to commemorate, every December 19, the historic arrival that shaped the Bangsamoro’s faith, culture, tradition, and way of life.

All these for the celebration of one heritage, one culture, and endless possibilities.