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Shariff Kabunsuan Festival returns after 2-year hiatus

After two years of hiatus, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), will once again mark the arrival of Islam in mainland Mindanao.

In a statement Thursday, the MTIT said the activities for the annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival will run from December 15 to December 20.

It will be a series of events to be highlighted by the “Guinakit” fluvial parade or the reenactment of the arrival of the Missionary from Johore, Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, via the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

The Rio Grande, also known as the Mindanao River, is the second-largest river system in the Philippines.

“Shariff Kabunsuan did not only bring Islam but culture, tradition, commerce and trade and love for the natives of this island,” MTIT Director-General Rossalaini Alonto-Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo said the activities include a week-long trade fair, tourism exhibit, photo gallery, among others.

The activities will also promote locally-produced products and connect the local market presence of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to individuals and institutional buyers.

The ‘Guinakit’ fluvial parade on Dec. 19 will feature “bancas” or Moro boats colorfully decorated with Maguindanaon inspired cloth in vivid colors of yellow, red, and green, as they enter the “bucana” (mouth) of Rio Grande de Mindanao, where a reenactment of the landing of Sharif Kabunsuan shall be done on December 19.

“It will also feature authentic dishes and delicacies (with a twist) thru Kandulang at Grand Pagana on Dec. 19, and a fashion show called “Habing Bangsamoro” to showcase designs of famous designers from Maguindanao and Cotabato City on Dec. 17,” Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo said the celebration will strictly follow the minimum health protocols.

“Our primary concern is the health of everyone in every celebration or gathering,” she said.

The MTIT will be collaborating with Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Association of Tourism Officers of Maguindanao for the festivity.

This year’s celebration will be participated in by Sharifa Akeel-Mangudadatu, a Filipino model and titleholder of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 and Miss Asia Pacific International 2018.

This year’s theme is “Reliving the Past for the Empowered Bangsamoro.”

Source: Philippines News Agency