Barangay Ilian embraces Cultural Heritage, Celebrates Peace
Date Posted: April 21, 2006 (Friday)

Kidapawan City - The 3rd Children’s Kanduli sa Kalilintad in Barangay Ilian, Matalam, Cotabato was held last April 9, 2006.  The celebration coincided with the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.) where activities showcased Ilian’s cultural and religious heritage aside from the regular outdoor games for kids and adults.

The Celebration was one community event so memorable for Ilian as both the elder and younger generations from the different sitios of the barangay participated.

Guests included Dr. Reuel N. Toledo of the Act for Peace Program of the GOP-UNMDP, officials of the Cotabato Provincial Hospital headed by Dr. Joel N. Sungcad, children and officials from neighboring barangays,  MinLand staff, as well as friends and relatives of barangay residents who came from as far as Pikit, Cotabato.

The activity was wholeheartedly appreciated by everyone and was affirmed even by the Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Council (SKSRC) Chair Datu Dima Ambel who in his closing remarks shared “Proper knowledge put into good practice is better than wealth.  Wealth may be stolen or taken away from us but the values and knowledge we have acquired may be passed on from generation to generation.  Money will be lost if spent unwisely.  Let us therefore as Muslim brothers and sisters think wisely and apply what MinLand has taught us. Let us live in peace and harmony with each other and most especially, let us obey God.  Let us not think, fellow Muslims and former MNLF combatants, that Mindanao is ours alone.  Mindanao is for everybody.  Forget the past.  Face the present and fight against poverty.  How we would be able to lead a healthy and good life.  For we do not want the war in Mindanao to happen to the younger generation”.

Religious and Maguindanaon cultural practices displayed during the celebration included Quranic reading, prelude to the offering ceremony which is known as TLOK for Muslims, solemnization (Sunnat), baptismal (Tabungaw), singing of the Moro songs and a lot more.

Nobody could ever feel and see traces of Barangay Ilian being a “no man’s land.”  Everybody was happy.(MinLand/jmo)