Islamic City of Marawi turns 29th

By: Armand Apolinario

Marawi City -The government of the Islamic City of Marawi has celebrated its 29^th Founding Anniversary on April 11-15, 2009, with the Theme: “Revival of Cultural Values, for Peace & Unity”, under the administration of City Mayor, Hon Sultan Fahad “Pre” Salic and full support of all elected city officials.

On the culmination rtes on April 15, the Guest Speaker was National Security Adviser, Secretary Norberto Gonzales together with his party; and also present were Atty Rebecca Ampatuan; Lasureco General Manager Sultan Ansary Pacalna; Col Rey Ardo, Commander of the 104^th Inf Bde, PA; former City Mayor Solitario Ali and many other personalities not mentioned.

In the morning of April 15, it was the longest parade ever since here in the Islamic City of Marawi as they are celebrating their Founding Anniversary and were participated by all different government line agencies; all schools in the public & private; the DepEd in particular; Datus, Sultans, traditional leaders and all other sectors with Maranaw Cultural presentations were the highlights.

City Mayor Salic had extended his heartfelt thanks to all the guests from the National, ARMM; the Marawi City Barangay Association; visitors; traditional leaders, city hall employees & all other sectors who supported the very successful celebration of its 29^th Founding Anniversary and also thanks all the members of the Peace & Order Council that the Islamic City had now achieved real peace & order.

For & in behalf of ARMM Regional Governor Zaldy Ampatuan’s speech, it was read & given by ARMM Tourism Secretary Salic-Malna, she said that Regional Governor Ampatuan & its administration have good governance; peace & order; it has 3-year priority program with the participation of NGOs; to review the 1996 Peace Accord between the GRP & MNLF; support he ongoing GRP & MILF peace talks; promote the ARMM government; preserve & protect the resources & environment; the Islamic City is the center of Education, Culture & Arts; and the OIC is supportive to the peace & development of ARMM.

National Security Adviser, Secretary Norberto Gonzales said in his speech, he urged them to support the peace agreement of the GRP & MNLF and support the peace talks of the GRP & MILF, sooner the peace & order will come to us here in Lanao & Mindanao. It is shameful to the government that ARMM is the poorest region supposedly it is the richest region in the Philippines because it has the resources. Boracay is nothing versus Marawi City, and why many foreign countries are interested here in Mindanao because of its richness in natural resources . Sec Gonzales encouraged the Lanao & Mindanao people to stop the war, start peace and think about it, especially in Muslims area, it is your hearts, the Bangsamoro people with your Muslim-Islam religion is important and preserve Islam, attend peace, and you can elect your good leaders in our politics today. Now, its about time to work for peace & development, you are rich people we need changes, stop the agony of your poor people and don’t forget your Maranaw heritage, Secretary Gonzales concluded.

In an interview by the media with ARMM Tourism Secretary Najeema Moki-in Salic-Malna, she said that the Islamic City government is promoting its Maranaw culture, camaraderie, peace & unity of the Maranaws & all Lanao people, and she told the visitors to stay here as you will no more worry on your safety because the city now is free from kidnapping. We also have here different beautiful sceneries & also in the province of Lanao del Sur, in MSU you can see the sleeping lady on the mountain, the Lake Lanao & others. She extended her thanks to the ARMM Regional Governor Zaldy Ampatuan for the full support.

The media had also interviewed Executive Secretary Alexis Malna, he said that Islamic City of Marawi is celebrating its 29^th Founding Anniversary (more than 60 years from its previous name Dansalan city), and it is the only Islamic City in the Philippines, they are reviving the Maranaw/Muslim Cultural Values for Peace & Unity, not only in the Islamic city but also entire Mindanao. He also invited all people and investors either from Manila of foreign countries to come here, the city is now free from kidnapping and it has implemented different development like on infrastructure projects: road concreting, school & health buildings, clean & green, no more lawless elements and it is a gun-free city with the efforts made by former city mayor Solitario Ali and incumbent city mayor Sultan Fahad “Pre” Salic.

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