Capitol opens its gates to Muslim community

CEBU, Philippines — For the first time in more than 500 years, the Cebu Provincial Capitol opened its gates to the Muslim community for the celebration of Eid al-Adha yesterday, May 27, gathering hundreds of Muslims from different parts of Cebu for prayers and fellowship at the Capitol grounds.

In the early morning of Wednesday, Muslim brothers and sisters from various areas in Cebu Province converged at the Capitol to commemorate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s holiest celebrations, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.

The celebration included congregational prayers, fellowship, and the distribution of five-kilogram sacks of rice through a partnership between the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO).

Arlene Sanoh-Salahuddin, consultant and spokesperson of the Salaam Police Advocacy Group in Central Visayas, said the event was a milestone for the Muslim community in Cebu.

“This is very significant because this is the first time in the past 500 years that the Capitol opened the gates for the congregation of the Muslim community to pray for Eid’l Adha,” she said.

Sanoh-Salahuddin said the gesture of the provincial government would encourage more participation from Muslims in community and peace-building activities.

According to her, the idea of holding the gathering at the Capitol came after the Muslim community celebrated Eid’l Fitr at the CPPO headquarters in Lahug earlier this year.

She said there was a need for a common venue for Muslims from Cebu Province who wished to gather and pray together within the Capitol area.

“With that, we wanted the entire Cebu Province to see that the Muslim communities are friends and can get along even with non-Muslims. God-willing this will be the start,” she said.

Sanoh-Salahuddin added that the event gave Muslims a stronger sense of cultural identity and belonging.

She estimated that around 500 to 600 individuals attended the gathering, with participants coming from areas such as Danao City, Palompon, Toledo City, Talisay City, and other parts of Cebu.

“We would like everyone to exercise their religion. This is a once-a-year event and tanan stop man jud ta sa trabaho. Nindot unta nga ang mga LGU, tanan pud mag-host og event like this,” she said.

She explained that Eid al-Adha symbolizes humility, sacrifice, brotherhood, and faith.

The Muslim leader also shared that prayers during Eid included intentions for peace and safety, especially for overseas Filipino workers and communities affected by conflicts abroad.

Aside from the celebration, Sanoh-Salahuddin disclosed that the province is now in the final phase of establishing what could become the first Cebu Provincial Muslim Affairs office.

She said the proposed office aims to centralize services and assistance for Muslims in Cebu, including certifications, documentation, and coordination with various agencies.

“What the Cebu Capitol would want is that at least naay ta centralized help even if we start with a very small staffing only so as long as we are able to start it,” she said.

According to her, the office is expected to formally take shape as early as June this year, although discussions are still ongoing.

She added that Muslim organizations in Cebu, including the Cebu Muslim Brotherhood and Salaam Police Advocacy Group, have long been extending assistance during calamities such as Typhoon Odette, the pandemic, and earthquakes.

Sanoh-Salahuddin also cited ongoing efforts to make hospitals more Muslim-friendly, particularly in handling Muslim patients and burial practices.

She said Muslims traditionally do not embalm their dead and prefer the immediate release of remains, ideally within 12 hours.

“Sauna kinahanglan pa gyud moagi sa punerarya and everything. So karon, we’re actually making sure nga kami na jud ang mopull out para di na sad hasul sa mga kuan (personnel) nato sa DOH,” she said.

The Muslim leader also emphasized the need for proper statistics and registration systems for Muslims in Cebu, estimating the Muslim population in the province at around 26,000.

She noted that more Muslims are now becoming visible and active in public spaces.

“If you notice, ang mga Muslim nakagawas-gawas na sila karon, nagkadaghan-daghan na since di na kaayo sila murag mahadlok going out in the open,” she said.

Although Governor Pamela Baricuatro was not physically present during the event, a recorded message was played before the crowd.

In her message, Baricuatro said Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of “faith, sacrifice, compassion, and obedience to God,” while emphasizing unity despite differences in culture and beliefs.

“As governor, I have always believed that one Cebu’s greatest strength is our diversity. Different cultures, beliefs, and traditions coming together with mutual respect and understanding makes our province stronger and more beautiful,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the celebration would inspire compassion, cooperation, and peace among all Cebuanos.

Cebu City

In Cebu City, officials also upheld inclusivity for the Muslim community as they vowed to complete the renovation of an access road leading to the Muslim cemetery in Barangay Guba.

Archival, during his speech for the culmination of Eid al-Adha at Plaza Independencia, expressed that this is part of his goal for the city by 2035: to be sustainable, smart, and inclusive.

“Inclusive in a sense na tanan taw nga dinha sa syudad sa sugbo atong gi atiman nya usa ani mao ning mga grupo sa muslim community,” he said.

He further outlined other initiatives such as providing medical assistance through Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and implementing a Halal kitchen for the Muslim community.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, along with City Councilors Harold Kendrick Go and Paul Labra, also attended the event to honor and strengthen the bond of inclusivity with the Muslim community.

According to Jeannat Alih Cortes, executive director of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), even at the beginning of the four-day celebration, the event was already considered a success as the majority of Muslims in Cebu City attended.

“Pasalamat ko sa akong muslim community ug sa maulana in the tribal gyud kay nitabang sila, ug sa my OMAICC family walang tulugan, then the city government labi na ni mayor ug among sultan, vice mayor and city councilors,” said Cortes.

She added that the event went smoothly as they were supported by the city government.

The four-day celebration included the first day dedicated to prayer and preaching, while the remaining days were set for the ritual slaughter.

In the sermon led by Ustadz Danny Salim C. Daham, he said that the day reminds them to remain humble and grateful by remembering the Prophet’s sacrifice. — Jhieze Jane Camarillo, Jona Mariel Apurado, Meriane Katherine T. Espina, Michaela G. Tabar CNU Interns/IHM (FREEMAN)