The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, joined the Bangsamoro  in the colorful commemoration of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival from December 16-19, 2024.

The festivities kicked off with an opening parade the first day with employees from different Ministries, Offices and Agencies (MOAs) marching down Governor Gutierrez Avenue to the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City.

Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim welcomed the participants of the Guinakit Fluvial Parade, who sailed through Rio Grande de Mindanao upon their arrival at the Cotabato Wharf, BPMA Port along Rajah Tabunaway Blvd., for the culmination program.

The parade mirrored the arrival of Islam to Mindanao in pre-Hispanic times, when the Islamic missionary Shariff Kabunsuan traveled up the Pulangi River on boats, docking along Mindanao shores to the welcome of natives during the 16th century.

Emphasizing the theme “Colors of Guinakit: Honoring the Past, Navigating the Future”, BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin K. Pendatun officially opened the festival by striking the ceremonial gong, signaling the start of this year’s celebration. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Trade and Agri Exhibit at the BGC.