COTABATO CITY — Project TABANG has expanded its humanitarian and community services across the Bangsamoro region, with a series of relief and Ramadan outreach activities conducted in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

Basilan Hosts Ramadan Symposium, Rice Distribution

 

Thousands of Muslim faithful converged in Tabuan Lasa municipality for the Ramadan Grand Islamic Symposium and Rice Distribution, an event designed to deepen faith, foster unity, and strengthen spiritual connections during the holy month.

 

The gathering brought together Madaris teachers, imams, bilals, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), senior citizens, Markadz students, and other community members. Islamic discussions focused on the significance of Sawm (fasting), sincere prayer, charity (Sadaqah), and the importance of maintaining unity and compassion within the community. Rice assistance was distributed to participants and local residents to support families throughout Ramadan.

 

The activity was implemented by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through Project TABANG, under the leadership of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, in partnership with the Kasilasa Center. It was spearheaded by the Office of Basilan Provincial Vice Governor Hadjiman Hataman Salliman, together with the Office of House Representative Yusop T. Alano, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament Member Abrar Hataman, and the Ulama Council.

 

Tawi-Tawi Provides Aid to Fire Victims, Vulnerable Sectors

 

Project TABANG extended relief assistance in Tawi-Tawi through its Ayuda Alay sa Bangsamoro (ALAB) sub-program for Humanitarian Response and Services. 

On March 9, 2026, a large-scale relief operation for fire victims was held at the MBHTE Gymnasium, where 1,332 families from Lamion each received three sacks of rice.

 

The distribution was a joint effort involving the Office of Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, OCM-TABANG, 2World Traders Inc., and the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government led by Governor Yshmael Sali. Project TABANG, under the direction of Project Manager Brahim Lacua, coordinated the initiative to ensure immediate support for communities affected by the disaster.

 

While on March 12, 2026, the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office, led by Provincial Director PCol. Rodolfo Inoy Jr., partnered with TABANG-BARMM to distribute food packs to 100 beneficiaries — including elderly women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The activity coincided with National Women’s Month, honoring the contributions of women while underscoring the need to support vulnerable sectors.

 

Sulu Distributes Iftar Meals to Mosques

 

In Sulu, Project TABANG continued its Ramadan outreach through the Food Assistance for Special Traditions (FAST) sub-program, distributing 400 packed iftar meals to four mosques from March 9 to 13, 2026.

 

The meals were delivered to Masjid Nurul Islam in Kajatian, Indanan; Masjid Awwal in Barangay Bunot, Indanan; Imam Bahari Masjid Lambayong in Bus-Bus, Jolo; and Masjid 11th Division, Philippine Army in Bus-Bus, Jolo.

 

Through its ALAB, FAST, and other humanitarian initiatives, Project TABANG remains committed to serving Bangsamoro communities by delivering direct assistance, building solidarity, and advancing responsive public service throughout the sacred month of Ramadan.