COTABATO CITY – The 3rd Qur’an Recitation and Memorization Competition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was successfully conducted by the Office of the Directorate General of Madaris Education-Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) headed by Director General Tahir G. Nalg last January 20 to 22 at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City. 

The activity promotes the importance of the recitation, memorization and internalization of the holy scripture of Muslims, the Holy Qur’an, is part of celebrating the 4th BARMM Government Anniversary. 

It has a theme “Sama-samang Pagtaguyod sa isang mas Mapayapa at Masaganang Bangsamoro.”

In his speech, BARMM Chief Minister, Ahod “Alhaj Murad” Balawag Ebrahim,  emphasized that after long decades of struggle the Bangsamoro people has been attaining the gains of the peace process.

The MILF-led Bangsamoro Government is working together with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) in the latter’s bid to correct the historical injustices in the Bangsamoro and to establish a genuine peace and development towards meaningful change in the region. 

Abuhuraira Udasan, the grand Mufti of Bangsamoro, together with the Islamic Scholars from the Office of Darul Ifta’, other Members of Parliament in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) – BARMM and the Office of the Wali headed by Ustadh Khalipha Nando supported the two two-day event. 

The competition was categorized in two parts, one (1) is the recitation of Qur’an or “Al-Mujawwadah”, and the second (2) category is”Al-Tahfeez (memorization).” 

Eleven (11) Schools Division in BARMM with a total number of thirty-five (35) participants participated in the competition. 

In Al Mujawwadah category, Sadhan Zacaria A. Razzaq from Maguindanao 1 Division, won as the champion. He received a certificate of recognition, token and a cash price amounting to one hundred (100,000.00) in Philippine currency. 

The 1st runner up was Kamarodin Zaid from Maguindanao 2 Division. He took home certificate, token and seventy-five thousand (75,000.00) pesos cash prize. 

The 2nd runner up was Ahmad Nazir from Lanao Del Sur 1 with the same awards and an amount of fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) cash prize. 

Winners in Category 2- Qur’an Memorization for Male competition, was won by the same Division in person of Muzaher Suwaeb Bito as the champion, while Mohammad Arphan Asiddin from Basilan Division was the 1st Runner up. 

From Maguindanao 2 Division, Abduljalal Sulaiman Hassan, was the 2nd Runner up winner. 

Winners for the Memorization Category for female were Najaah Khadafi of LDS 2 as  champion, Rohaima Hassan Guiafar from LDS 1 for the 1st Runner up place, and Fairodz Sabdullah Zacaria, the 2nd Runner up winner.

All winners from category 1 and 2 received the same cash prizes.

The awarding ceremony was led by Education MinisterMohagher Iqbal, together with Hon. Abdulraof Macacua, Senior Minister, Prof. Tahir G. Nalg and witnessed by Khalipha Nando.

Prof. Nalg expressed his gratitude over radio program aired in Mapya Mapita Bangsamoro anchored by Tu Alid Alfonso of the DXJC 92.1 Voice FM Cotabato, the New Voice of Bangsamoro.

He added that Alqari Sadhan Zacaria A. Razzaq will compete in the National Qur’an Recitation Competition to be held in Metro Manila representing the BARMM. 

He lauded those who joined the competition and the people who supported the program particularly the BARMM government officials who were present during the event.