the D moro Times 1 March 28, 2008 A MONTHLY NEWS SECTION OF The Manila Times EVERY LAST FRIDAY

Bai Sandra Sinsuat Ampatuan Sema is not just the first lady of Moro women, Cotabato City. second to none S people celebrate Women’s Month, tional Liberation Front (MNLF). While Rasul devoted herself to Moro Times honors the struggle of becoming a fulltime wife and Muslim women to right wrongs, mother, she spent her free time serv- A ing her community. Her husband, fight poverty, injustice and discrimination, the late Amb. Abraham Rasul, also and find peace and development for their believed in public service. Disturbed by the high levels of illiteracy in the homeland. Muslim communities, she devel- Following are stories of out- the Muslimah, proof that Islam sup- oped an effective literacy method- standing Moro women who have ports the leadership of women, not ology in the 1960s, Magbassa Kita broken the so-called glass ceiling subjugate them. (Let Us Read). This has been imple- in various fields. mented by the Department of Edu- Second to none, veiled or not, Senadora: Champion of cation as a national-literacy pro- these Muslim women have gained Filipino women’s rights gram. She founded the Magbassa the respect and following of their Santanina “Nina” Rasul, the island Kita Foundation Inc., which has people proving that in Islam, men girl, graduated cum laude in politi- trained about 1,500 literacy teach- and women are equal not only in cal science from the University of ers nationwide. In 1990, she was rights but also in shouldering re- the Philippines. She was a favorite appointed Honorary Ambassador of sponsibility to the ummah. They are model of now National Artists Na- UNESCO during the International mothers and daughters, peace advo- poleon Abueva and Ireneo Miranda. Literacy year. cate and mujahideen, educator and She returned to Sulu and became a A liberal Muslim husband, Ambas- politician, aleema and labor leader, public school teacher (1952 to 1957) sador Rasul—or Abe, as he was fondly journalist and community worker. where she taught among others, Nur called—encouraged his wife to give Most of all, they are exemplars of Misuari, chairman of the Moro Na- in to the clamor of their community run for public office. She was elected barrio councilor at Moore Avenue, Jolo, Sulu (1960 to 1963). Later, she became the first Tausug woman elected provincial board member (1971 to 1976). She was appointed a Commissioner representing Muslim and other ethics minorities in the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women from 1978 to 1987. The first Muslim woman elected senator, the only Muslim elected senator for two terms (1987 and 1992), Rasul is unfortunately also the last Muslim senator. She authored eight laws as Chairperson of the Sen- ate Committee on Civil Service and Government Recognition and the Committee on Women and Family tious positions of both the govern- the first woman governor in Piandao of Sulu who were educated Relations. She received the Women’s ment and the MNLF during the last Mindanao at a period of turmoil and widely traveled. Lucman was Government and Non-government phase of the peace negotiations in during the martial law years. reared in the world of politics. She as- Organization Network Award for her 1996, culminating in her active in- Lucman is better known as a set- sisted her father, who was “no read, comprehensive legislation for the volvement in the formulation of the tler of rido (the local term for clan no write” in his travels to Manila. That promotion of women empower- Final Peace Agreement, which ended conflict). Time magazine noted her experience became her training ground ment, specifically Republic Act hostilities between the two parties.” peacemaking role for helping the in the man’s world. When then-Presi- 6949—making March 8 as National After leaving the Senate, she has release of kidnapped nuns in dent Ferdinand Marcos called datus Women’s Day; Republic Act 7192— focused her energies on organizing Marawi City in 1986. Literally and politicians to Malacañang to con- Women in Development and Nation Muslim Women Peace Advocates, standing between shooting clans, sult them on declaring martial law, Building Act, which removed vestiges the education of Tausug youth and Lucman was able to settle the most Gov. Lucman’s advisers and kin ad- of discrimination against women, Magbassa Kita. bloody conflicts. vised her against going to Manila and opened the doors of the Philippine Born into royalty among the facing the fearsome, notorious Marcos. Military Academy to women. The Princess Ranaw’s Pat a Pangampong Sultanates, She went anyway. Rasul received The Golden Heart who settled vendettas Lucman as a girl looked up to other Lucman, the only lady in the Presidential Award in 1998, “for her Princess Tarhata “Tata” Alonto- pioneering Moro ladies like Princess entourage, went with other politi- Former Sen. Santanina Rasul, women’s rights champion. diligent efforts in reconciling conten- Lucman, 80, of Lanao del Sur, was Tarhata Kiram and Dayang Dayang ➤WomenD2 Women push for clean elections in ARMM AS elections for the Autonomous Re- Amb. Henrietta de Villa, the gion in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) council’s national chairman, hailed draw near, women are taking the it as a continuation of interfaith col- helm as election watchdogs to ensure laborations toward electoral re- free, fair and credible elections. forms. She said, “This is a good ex- The proposed election date is ample of how we, as a nation, can August 11, 2008. move past our differences and focus Known as a region that was at the on what we have in common: the center of controversies during the interest of our country.” 2007 senatorial elections, the Among the signatories to the ARMM has become a swing vote agreement are: Al-Mujadilah Devel- that determined the fate of national opment Foundation Inc.; elective positions. President Gloria Bangsamoro Lawyers Network; Arroyo owes her victory to an un- Basilan Women’s Initiative Founda- A Syrian youth walks on Wednesday past Arab national flags installed precedented and overwhelming vic- tion Inc.; the Citizens Coalition for all over the Syrian capital ahead of this week’s Arab League summit in tory in Maguindanao province. Moro women, together with Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible ARMM Electoral Reforms Inc.; Con- Damascus. Egypt and Saudi Arabia will send only low-level delegations, Lawyer Laisa Alamia of the cerned Alliance of Professors and Voting, are working to ensure clean and honest elections in ARMM. and Lebanon’s Western-backed government will not participate in the Bangsamoro Lawyers Network em- Students Inc.; Consortium of phasized the need for election watch- units (or villages) and 80 munici- Council for Responsible Voting Bangsamoro Civil Society; Electoral weekend summit. AFP PHOTO dogs to be vigilant against any at- palities in ARMM. (PPCRV), signed a memorandum of Reform Advocates; Maranao People tempts to manipulate the elections, “Women are less prone to pres- agreement which provides for the Development Center Inc.; especially in the light of plans by the sure and influence from partisan merging and sharing of resources to Mindanao Cross; Muslim Women Heavyweights snub Commission on Elections (Comelec) interests,” said Salic Ibrahim, chair- “establish a single network of vol- Peace Advocates—Sulu Council; to implement an automated system man of the Citizens Coalition for unteer monitors and watchers Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.; Notre of voting in the ARMM as mandated ARMM Electoral Reforms Inc., an which shall take the lead in moni- Dame Broadcasting Corp.; Philip- by Republic Act 9369. organization of 13 women coordi- toring, watching and canvassing of pine Council for Islam and Democ- Syria’s Arab summit Volunteers, many of who are nators and only nine men. votes in the 2008 ARMM elections.” racy; Sulu State College Master in DAMASCUS: Syria hosts its first Arab crisis gripping Lebanon. women, have been trained to over- This historic agreement is the prod- Public Administration Alumni Asso- summit this weekend and faces a Egypt and Saudi Arabia will send see the electoral process starting Agreement with PPCRV uct of a workshop among electoral ciation Inc.; Tulung Lupah Sug Inc.; from the precinct level to the can- Fourteen Muslim and ARMM-based reform partners last March 10, 2008 and United Youth for Peace and boycott by heads of state from a only low-level delegations to the vassing level. Volunteers have been civil society organizations, two me- in Davao City—following similar ef- Development Inc. number of regional heavyweights meeting in Damascus on Saturday tapped to serve in 1,500 barangay dia outfits, and the Parish Pastoral forts in the national elections of 2007. SAMIRA GUTOC AND GANDHI KUNIJO which blame Damascus for the political ➤ArabD3 Dutch government will not seek ban on anti-Islam film, says Foreign minister

BRUSSELS: Dutch Foreign Minister quoted as saying. come victims of violent actions by Wilders, leader of an anti-immigra- US web-hosting company Network hatred toward Islam. Maxime Verhagen said Wednesday His comments came after former angry Muslims if the anti-Islam film tion, anti-Islam party with nine seats Solutions recently suspended the The Dutch government, worried that the Dutch Cabinet has no plans Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van was released. in the 150-member Dutch parlia- website where Wilders had intended about the consequences of the film, to ask the courts to ban the contro- den Broek, now a government advi- “Let the judge decide what is the ment, plans to release his 15-minute to show the film. had tried in vain to persuade versial film Fitna, due to be released sor, called on the cabinet to take the most important: freedom of expres- film by the end of this month. No television broadcaster has as Wilders to abandon his plan. this month by right-wing lawmaker issue to court. sion or national interest,” he was He has said his film will be pro- yet agreed to screen the film. The Netherlands’ Prime Minister Geert Wilders, Dutch news service Dutch paper De Volkskrant pub- quoted as saying. vocative but will remain within le- Although the film’s exact content Jan Peter Balkenende said the gov- ANP reported. lished an interview Wednesday in “It is unwise to wait until people gal boundaries. is not yet known, it has sparked pro- ernment cannot ban the film before- “We looked at the possibilities which Van den Broek said Dutch have been killed before reviewing It remains unclear when and tests in many Muslim countries and hand, but it can file a lawsuit after and there are none,” Verhagen was people around the world could be- what can be done,” he said. where the film will be released after has been condemned as inciting it is released. XINHUA D the 2 moroTimes The Manila Times FRIDAY March 28, 2008

WOMEN FROM D1 Moro women, second to none cal kingpins—Tamano, Dima- It is a testament to her vision and to believe in a Bangsamoro nation Substance” for her pioneering work Muslim-Filipino to hold the presi- poro, and Pendatun. passion that today, the University of in the ’80s was this low-key intel- in promoting Muslim women’s dency of the University of the Phil- When Marcos asked the delegates Southern Mindanao has three cam- lectual, is a woman with a bachelor’s rights. The US Embassy in Manila ippines Student Council. what they thought of his proposal puses with more than 10,000 stu- in political science and master’s in has conferred on Lao the Ninoy Abdulwahid, who is currently tak- for martial law, Lucman stood up dents. The university is also in the Asian studies who drafted and typed Aquino Public Service Award for her ing up her master’s in Islamic stud- among the datus who could not op- top 10 among more than 120 state- Misuari’s speeches. indefatigable work in advancing the ies at UP, is a devout Muslimah (Mus- pose the forthcoming militarization owned universities and colleges that Two months after the historic rights of marginalized groups. lim woman). Islam is the basis of of the South. She said sarcastically, earned Level 4, the highest accredi- signing of the Final Peace Agree- She founded Al-Mujadilah Devel- everything she does. “Even as I am an ordinary woman, I tation status awarded to institutions ment on September 2, Roi organ- opment Foundation Inc. in Marawi “Whatever I do is based on the have to raise my hand. Thank you that excel in a broad area of aca- ized the Bangsamoro Women Foun- City that was inspired by a Qur’anic principles of Islam, and I am up- for inviting this group. As governor, demic discipline and enjoy prestige dation for Peace and Development, (verse 58) Al-Mujadilah, which ei- holding Islamic teachings,” I should be here to answer your call and authority comparable to that of Inc. Roi believed that empowering ther means “The Women who Abdulwahid said during in an inter- for a meeting with Muslims. What I international universities. Moro women was necessary to help pleads” or “The Women who view with Moro Times. can say with all the datus here is that More than 20 years after her death Faysah Maniri Racman-Pimping them cope with from the trauma of Seeketh [justice].” The foundation’s She still wears her hijab or head they are unitedly agreed to support in 1984, the two schools she Dumarpa war. The foundation has become the main advocacy is seeking social jus- covering. Those who know her de- you in the announcement for re- founded and nurtured are centers of umbrella organization of tice and working on issues related scribe her as “humble and quiet,” form. Thank you, God bless you and excellence where students from teaching at the Pangarungan Islamic Bangsamoro women who have to women’s rights, good governance sympathetic to the masses, a “radi- the Filipino people.” poor families are given the hope and College, where she also finished her dedicated their lives to improving and peace building. cal” and “intelligent.” The feisty Lucman was removed opportunity to improve their lives bachelor’s in education. She then the welfare of the widows, orphans, The foundation has produced She is the second child of Court from governorship by Marcos but by way of education. Such was the held the post of ARMM undersecre- homeless, and displaced. pioneering publications such as the was later reinstated by President legacy of Plang, the pioneering and tary of the Department of Social Primer on Code of Muslim Personal Corazon Aquino. one of the most successful the Welfare and Development before Muslim democrat Laws and the CEDAW primer in four Her maverick attitude also de- Magindanawn tribe has produced. getting elected to the Regional Leg- In 2007, Amina Rasul received the Moro dialects. fined her personal choices. Lucman islative Assembly in 1993. Muslim Democrat of the Year Lao is also the second nominee also didn’t want to marry someone Woman president Award from the Center for the of the Abanse Pinay party-list group. whom she did not choose. She was One of the country’s Ten Outstand- Quiet force behind ulama Study of Islam and Democracy, a repeatedly engaged by her family to ing Women in the Nation’s Service Aleema Khadijah Imam Mutilan, Washington-based think tank. The Labor leader men from reputable and respected (TOWNS) is the first woman presi- widow of the late Dr. Mahid Muslim Democrat of the Year and humanitarian Maranao families, but she kept dent of the Mindanao State Univer- Mutilan of the Ulama League of the award is given by center to one out- Bai Fatima Palileo Sinsuat is the re- breaking off wedding plans. sity Nurhaylah “Emily” Maro- Philippines, was the strongest sup- standing advocate for democracy in markable daughter of the late She eventually married her men- hombsar. Lions International de- porter of the influential Muslim the Muslim world, particulary strongman Datu Blah Sinsuat. Not tor, Sultan Al-Rashid Lucman, scribed her as “erudite, bemedalled religious leader. Not much is those individuals who overcome content to be a pampered founder of the Bangsamoro Libera- and exemplary among the crop of known about the Aleema Mutilan, hardships or challenges in his or Maguindanao princess, she helped tion Organization. The couple went since she has deliberately kept a her efforts to promote democracy. her father organize labor. on exile during martial law. low profile in Marawi. The award, with a distinguished list In 1986, all dockworkers in the She graduated from Al Azhar of recipients, including former Cotabato City port were members Princess and educator Unveristy of Cairo and later helped Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister of the Progressive Labor Union, Shahana “Shan” Abdulwahid Her jihad was simple—education for institutionalize women’s participa- Anwar Ibrahim, recognizes Rasul’s which she headed. Union members all. A Maguindanawan princess pur- tion in the ulama organization of life-long advocacy for democracy reported that the princess gave suing free education for her Lanao. The ulama (Muslim religious and peace in Muslim Mindanao. money to families with emergencies of Appeals Associate Justice Hakim provincemates, Bai Matabay Namli scholars and leaders) are considered She has been a commissioner and bailed out laborers from jail. Abdulwahid and Naida Edding Plang of Kabacan founded most influential in Muslim society. with the National Commission on She was mayor of Upi, Abdulwahid. Mindanao Institute of Technology She organized the Nisa Ul-Islam, a the Role of Filipino Women, a Maguindanao, from 1980 to 1986 The young woman graduated cum and the University of Southern group of aleema or women gradu- board director of the Philippine before her appointment as head of laude from UP in 2006 and was a Mindanao in 1951. That school has ates of Islamic theology. The group National Oil Corp. and of the De- the ARMM Board of Investments. recipient of the Prince Salman become one of the country’s top was vital in pushing for the velopment Bank of the Philippines. She was appointed a member of Scholarship Grant. In 2005, she was schools for agricultural education. Islamization of communities as it She is the first Muslim woman the University of the Philippines cited as one of the 50 Young In the 1940s, Plang was able to started holding Islamic seminars in member of the Cabinet, appointed Board of Regents by former Presi- Achievers. Abdulwahid also received get enough capital support from public places, involving more pro- by former President Fidel Ramos as dent Joseph Estrada and served for the President Macapagal-Arroyo politicians to acquire from the fessionals, who were schooled in presidential advisor on youth af- three terms. Leadership Award in 2001. Americans the 1,024 hectares of Western education. fairs. Appointed concurrently as the A pillar of the Red Cross in former rubber plantation in the She also supervised the politi- first chairman of the National Maguindanao for the last 30 years, Anti-war poster girl town of Kabacan, Cotabato prov- cal participation of women in a Youth Commission, she was re- Sinsuat is the first Muslim woman Articulate and adamant, Amirah Ali ince. Mindanao Institute of Technol- movement in a Marawi-based Is- sponsible for organizing the new elected to the national board of the “Mek-Mek” Lidasan is often inter- ogy became a university in 1978. lamic political party that cata- agency and for the formulation and Philippine National Red Cross. She viewed while mobilizing demon- Plang was one of the children of Nurhaylah “Emily” Marohombsar pulted Mahid Mutilan to implementation of the Philippine was chosen by the Philippine Na- strations. She continues the activism Moro royalty educated in the mayorship for two terms and later Medium-Term Youth Development tional Volunteer Service Coordinat- she displayed as a leader of the stu- United States as a government- Muslim women.” the governorship of Lanao del Sur, Plan. That plan was acknowledged ing Agency as one of the country’s sponsored student. She returned Gracing the cover of Woman’s wresting power from the tradi- by the United Nations Economic six outstanding volunteers in 2003. home and was married off to an- Magazine, this attractive woman tional political elites. and Social Commission for Asia Sinsuat, now 67, was lauded for other political scion, Salipada from Ganassi, Lanao del Sur, was Mutilan’s major accomplishment and the Pacific as one of the best her blood donation advocacy pro- Pendatun, who later became con- hounded by talent scouts to join is institutionalizing the madaris (Is- practices in the preparation of grams at the awarding ceremony last gressman and was instrumental in showbiz. Laughing it off, she re- lamic schooling) system not only in youth development plans. December 10, 2003 at Malacañang, creating the Children’s Educational turned to her province after ARMM but also in other areas. She Vietnam had invited her to help the official residence of the Philip- graduating from Philippine Wom- helped lobby for government sup- them establish their own youth de- pine President. en’s University and taught at port for the Islamic schools, espe- velopment program. She managed Mindanao State. cially in providing salaries for the growth of the Youth Commis- The communicator She started as a professor in madaris teachers. sion as an institution from an un- Moro Times managing editor, Samira English. She rose up the ranks to After the untimely death of Dr. known agency with a budget of P18 Gutoc, believes in the power of me- become university president. Mutilan, she was perceived as a million to a highly regarded na- dia to promote a positive image of As president, Marohombsar per- quiet force keeping her Islamic tional policy-oriented body with a the Moro. This 33-year-old has severed to make Mindanao State party together to pursue the vision budget of P140 million. founded publications such as Suara one of the top schools of the coun- of her late husband. During the Rasul has the distinction of speak- Kabataan, the Mindanao State Univer- Amirah Ali “Mek-Mek” Lidasan try, producing leaders in business First National Ulama Summit in ing for the Group of 77 during the sity Law Gazette and Arellano Law and and engineering. She also opened January, the 25 aleema participants United Nations’ 10th anniversary of Policy Review. She is also one of the dent movement in Manila. the doors of the university to link- from Mindanao turned to her for the International Youth Year in pioneering writers of At age 33, she was elected the first ages abroad in the United States and leadership as she guided their dis- 1995. As presidential advisor on www.bangsamoro.com, a Philippine Muslim woman president of the the BIMP-EAGA region. BIMP-EAGA cussions toward how they can help youth affairs, she focused attention web awardee. Samira’s writings have National Union of Students of the refers to the East Asean Growth peace and development in conflict- on the plight of vulnerable and dis- been published nationally Philippines, after her stint as presi- Area, a grouping that includes Bru- torn homeland. advantaged youth, including those (Newsbreak magazine, the Philippine dent of the University of the Philip- nei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malay- Mutilan was conferred a royal in areas of conflict, foreign-occupied Daily Inquirer, Philippine Center for pines Mass Communications Stu- sia and the Philippines. title, “Baialabi ko pata pangampong or alien-dominated territories, refu- Investigative Journalism) and inter- dent Council. After Mindanao State University, ko Ranaw,” in recognition of her gee and displaced youth, indigenous nationally. A native of Parang, Maguindanao, she continued to serve her coun- efforts to help her people. youth and those with disabilities Lidasan belongs to the Iranon Mus- try as the lone woman member of were of particular concern to the lim ethno-linguistic group. Her fam- the government panel for the Intellectual and international community. ily is one of the most influential Bai Matabay Namli Plang peace talks with the Moro Islamic mujahideen Passionate about giving the families in Maguindanao province. Liberation Front (MILF). She was Absent in the story-telling about the Moros an effective voice in main- She, however, grew up in Manila Foundation Village, now called the later appointed by President March 1968 Jabidah Massacre are stream society, Rasul organized the where she took up her elementary Cotabato Foundation College of Gloria Arroyo to be a member of the women behind the resulting Philippine Council for Islam and to college education. Science and Technology. the Constitutional Commission, Moro rebel fronts that were organ- Democracy (PCID) in 2002 together Even as a child, Lidasan would created by the government to study ized. It was but fitting that the with former Human Rights Com- hold discussions with the The Manila Times the Charter change. marker placed by Mindanao groups missioner Nasser Marohomsalic mujahideen (women fighters) the For her achievements, she was that commemorated the event in and the late Abraham Iribani, whenever she went to Times conferred the Asean Gintong Ina Corregidor on March 18 was writ- former MNLF spokesman. Maguindanao for vacation. This moro Award, Sultan Kudarat Award for ten by a woman. Concerned about the false and exposure helped her understand JOAQUIN C. ROCES JR Most Outstanding Muslim Educa- Djalia Hataman of Basilan wrote, negative image projected about their lives and the essence of what Publisher tor, Bangsamoro Woman of “This controversial incident sparked Muslims in the media, she initi- the Moros are fighting for. ❋ ❋ ❋ Distinction, Outstanding Alumni the Bangsamoro struggle for na- ated the Moro Times, the first sup- She later co-founded the Moro DANTE FRANCIS M. ANG II by the East-West Alumni, and tional self-determination which plement devoted to Muslim and Christian People’s Alliance, work- Executive Editor/ other awards. cause is sanctified by hundreds and Mindanao issues published by The ing for the welfare of the minori- President and CEO thousands of lives of Moro men, Manila Times. Samira Gutoc ties. Entering politics, she became ❋ ❋ ❋ Politician women and children ... This marker Rasul continues to muster foreign the national vice-chairman of the RENE Q. BAS Faysah Maniri Racman-Pimping serves as a remembrance and a bea- and local support for Mindanao As a youth leader, she was the Suara Bangsamoro party-list group. Editor in Chief Dumarpa is a three-term repre- con for us living to continue the concerns, such as human rights, Is- first woman to become president of She has been traveling here and ❋ ❋ ❋ sentative of the first district of struggle for justice that their deaths lamic law, Islamic education, em- the UP Muslim Students Associa- abroad to gain media mileage of AMINA RASUL Lanao del Sur. Born in Marawi would not be lost in vain.” powering the ulama and Muslim tion, the Muslim Youth and Stu- the human rights violations in Editor City, Dumarpa is married to Com- One such woman became the pil- women. She has written and edited dents Alliance and executive vice- Sulu, Basilan and central SAMIRA GUTOC-TOMAWIS missioner Salic Dumarpa. lar and strength of the Moro Na- several books on the Muslim situa- president of the First National Mindanao. In March 2007, she was Managing Editor While more famous for the un- tional Liberation Front as she tion in the Philippines and is a col- Youth Parliament. She is one of the part of a Philippine human rights fortunate incident at the House of founded the Bangsamoro Women umnist for The Times. founding convenors of the Young delegation that toured North NASSER SHARIEF Representatives cafeteria, where she Committee, a support arm of the Moro Professionals Network, America and Europe, drawing inter- ALIYYA SAWADJAAN allegedly slapped a waitress for serv- MNLF. Eleonora Rowaida Tan- Champion for Muslim which aims to bridge the informa- national attention to the human Editorial Team ing her pork, Rep. Dumarpa has a Misuari or Roi to her comrades women’s rights tion divide between the main- rights crisis in the Philippines. ❋ ❋ ❋ fine legislative record. She currently joined the armed movement as a Marie Claire magazine named civil stream and the minorities. BRIAN M. AFUANG chairs the Committee on Social woman-member of the Central society advocate Yasmin Busran-Lao When she was just 26, Samira was Art Director Defender of Services and is vice-chairman of the Committee of the MNLF. Roi, who as among the top 25 “Women of recognized as the first Muslim the boat people Telephone 524-5665 to 67 Committee on Muslim Affairs. witnessed the inhumane impact of woman to receive The Outstanding Mucha Shim Arquiza of Sulu advo- Telefax 521-6897 • 521-6872 In the current Congress, she has war, adamantly believed in the Young Men (TOYM) 2001 by the cates for the rights of the Bajaus and Subscription 528-1319 sponsored bills focusing on the es- Bangsamoro movement as a catalyst Jaycees International for Youth in Sama, two of the more marginalized tablishment of a Moro Cultural Her- in achieving social development for Socio-Cultural Development. Moro groups based in Zamboanga, www.manilatimes.net itage Center, the expansion of the the Bangsamoro people, although Awarded the Chevening Fellowship, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. The E-mail [email protected] ❋ ❋ ❋ Shari’ah Court System in the Au- she was open to diplomatic ap- she studied at the Oxford Center for Moro beggars seen in Metro Manila tonomous Region of Muslim proaches that could help build in- Islamic Studies. are mostly Bajau escaping the harsh The Moro Times is published by Manila Mindanao (ARMM), the prohibi- stitutional change. She believed in life in Mindanao. Times monthly at 371 A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila, 1018 tion of religious and racial profiling laying the groundwork for social Moro student activist She organized a Zamboanga City- ❋ ❋ ❋ against indigenous cultural commu- justice by reforming the Moro cul- “To see the Moros succeed and ex- based foundation called Lumah Ma nities and other local bills for the tural institutions and rectifying his- cel in various fields, to prove that Dilaut (House in the Sea) with the T1-20, Governors Place improvement of her district. torical and political inequities. we too can excel and to see the Moro slogan, “Lost Language, Banished Condominium, Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Faysah, who graduated with a Roi has always been an organizer, brethren live out of poverty and People,” to give Bajaus access basic Telefax 532-6058 master’s degree in Anthropology at a force behind Chairman Misuari. conflict.” So proclaimed Shahana services and livelihood programs. E-mail: [email protected] the Centro Escolar University, Behind his fiery and charismatic “Shan” Abdulwahid, a Sama from Arquiza, who also dabbles in started her public-service career presence that galvanized thousands Yasmin Busran-Lao Zamboanga City. She is the first writing poetry and literary essays, the D moroTimes 3 The Manila Times FRIDAY March 28, 2008

woman to be appointed ambassador “Quality education is impossible to ARAB FROM D1 in 2007 and later Foreign Affairs un- attain, if there is an absence of dersecretary. infrastructural support,” she said. At the center of her public service is A sought-after lecturer on Islamic law her faith. Bahjin always keeps a Qur’an here and abroad, Abubakar co-wrote the Heavyweights snub in her office. Every morning before she book The Convention on the Rights of the begins her routine, she turns to Sura Child and Islamic Law, Convergences and Yasin and reads to calm her mind and Divergences: The Philippine Case, 2005, Syria’s Arab summit for guidance. published by the UNICEF. Not just a first lady Voice of courage and Sunday, while diplomatic sources said Jordan the claims and says it is making efforts to boost Bai Sandra Sinsuat Ampatuan Sema is Maguindanao’s Noraida Adang and Morocco will also be represented by lower- fragile relations with neighbors. the first lady of Cotabato City, married Abdullah Karim delivered the keynote level officials. The United States, which also backs Siniora, last to its mayor, Muslimen Sema. It is a po- address in New York City for receiving The snubs underscore the anger with Syria over week called for Arab countries to reflect before sition that she takes seriously. the “Voices of Courage” award in the protracted political crisis in Lebanon that has left deciding to participate in the summit and also Mucha Shim Arquiza As city tourism head of Cotabato and 2007. The award is given annually by the the country without a president since November accused Damascus of paralyzing Lebanese politics. regional tourism chairman of Region 12, Women’s Commission for Refugee amid accusations Damascus has blocked efforts to London-based pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al- promotes the arts of the Sama and she has presided over projects intended Women and Children to individuals or elect a successor. Awsat on Wednesday quoted Syrian Vice- Bajaus. “In promoting indigenous to preserve Muslim traditions. At the same organizations from around the world knowledge systems and practices and time, she sought to change the image of that have shown commitment to and Foreign ministers from the 22-member Arab President Faruq al-Shara as saying that “coun- in modeling appropriate and empow- her city by initiating projects like the leadership in promoting the well-being League were to meet in Damascus on Thursday to tries that do not attend the summit will regret ering education program for reviving Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, which was of displaced women and children. prepare for the summit, with heads of state or their it,” without elaborating. the spiritual and cultural energies of included as one of the country’s tourist Karim, an internally displaced person representatives expected to arrive today. Lebanon is in the midst of a standoff between the Sama ethnic communities is nonethe- destinations listed on the Department of herself, is also the coordinator of the Lebanon said Tuesday it would refuse to take part government and the Hezbollah-led opposition after less a self-fulfillment for its mostly Tourism calendar of festivals. Food Assistance Project for conflict-af- because of what it termed Syria’s negative role in pro-Syrian Lahoud stepped down at the end of his Muslim staff as their own personal Sema values her traditions as a Mus- fected communities in Maguindanao, a Beirut’s protracted crisis while Egypt and Saudi mandate on November 23. jihad and a contribution to a favorable lim woman and passionately believes project in partnership with the World da’wah environment,” she said. that the young should be taught the Food Program. She played a leading role Arabia said they blamed Damascus for obstructing The Lebanese crisis, the worst since the end of the She holds the distinction of being same. This same principle guided her in the Literacy, Livelihood, and Food the election. country’s 1975 to 1990 civil war, is widely seen as an the lone Moro woman to address the stint as ARMM Education Secretary, ap- Sufficiency Project for women and male Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said extension of the conflict pitting the United States 10th Session of the Working Group on pointed by then Gov. Misuari. youth that was field-tested for the World Lebanon has “lost a golden opportunity to discuss the and its regional allies against Syria and Iran. Minorities organized by the United She pushed for the integration of the crisis and strengthen the Arab initiative for solution.” On Monday, a 17th session of parliament to elect a Nations Office of the High Commis- teaching of the Arabic language in Syria, which held sway in Lebanese affairs for decades successor to Lahoud was postponed. A new session sion on Human Rights in Geneva in ARMM schools. Sema, a leader among before it was forced to withdraw its troops from the has been set for April 22. March 2004. the MNLF women, was later appointed She was former secretary-general by President Arroyo to be the first Mus- country in 2005, is accused of blocking the election of a Analysts predicted a weak turnout and few results of the Asian Muslim Action Network, lim Department of Education undersec- successor to former President Emile Lahoud. by the end of the summit. an Asia-wide network of Muslims retary because of her expertise in devel- Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which back the govern- “No one expects much from this summit,” working for human rights, peace and oping madrasah education. ment of pro-Western Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Mohammed Sayed Said, editor in chief of Egyptian social justice through intercultural Siniora, already announced their leaders will boycott daily Al-Badeel, told Agence France-Presse. He and interfaith dialogue. She is also Mother of war victims the summit. added he anticipated little more than a broad executive director and senior re- Baicon Cayongcat-Macaraya began Egypt will be represented by State Minister for final statement calling for “Lebanon’s national searcher for an all-woman, mostly working with victims of the war after Moroland (an indigenous commu- giving up her law studies in Marawi Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mufid Shehab, while unity or some such.” nity in the Philippines) research col- City during the all-our-war in nearby oil powerhouse Saudi Arabia, a major supporter of Egypt’s state-owned daily Al-Ahram said in an lective. The aim of the organization Baloi, Butig, and other parts of central the Lebanese government, is sending Arab League editorial Sunday that the Lebanese crisis seems to (HAGS Inc.) is to work toward indig- Mindanao in 2000. Ambassador Ahmad Qattan. have polarized member states. enous women’s empowerment. At age 36, she now serves as a Philip- Iran, also accused by the West of meddling in “This summit will be one that confirms Arab pine officer of the World Food Program Lebanon’s affairs, is sending Foreign Minister differences instead of being a summit of Arab unity Protector of the lake of the United Nations helping thousands Manouchehr Mottaki to the summit. Tehran denies in these times.” AFP Omera Dianalan-Lucman, 59, was the access basic services. Noraida Adang Abdullah Karim first Muslim woman to be appointed Her public profile began early in col- undersecretary. Serving the Department lege, when she became the first woman Bank. She also headed the “Arms are for of Social Welfare and Development from Republic of the Philippines to be elected student regent of the Hugging” project that initiated the re- Department of Transportation and Communications 2001 to 2004, she oversaw the delivery Mindanao State University System. She building of an elementary school in AIR TRANSPORTATION OFFICE of services to the Mindanao region. Prior later founded a non-government organi- Inug-ug, Maguindanao, in 2002. MIA Rd., Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300 to her Social Welfare department, she zation, the Bangsamoro Youth Ranao She was born in Cotabato City and INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID was a board member of the Coopera- Center for Peace and Development, spent most of her formative years in March 25, 2008 tive Development Authority in 1993. which oversaw the daily needs of thou- Datu Piang in Maguindanao. Her child- The Air Transportation Office (ATO) invites all prospective bidders to apply for Eligibility and subsequently bid for the following: As an administrator representing sands of evacuees staying in schools. hood and youth were marked by pov- Name of Project Approved Minimum Required Bid No. Mindanao, she caused the formulation Her organization tied up with Tabang erty, repeated displacement because of Budget Bid Security of responsive policies supporting sus- 1. Repair of ILS Localizer and Glide Slope P3,569,875.00 08-025-03 Mindanao and pioneered the Integration armed conflict in Mindanao and by a (RWY06) at Manila International Airport, tainable development of cooperatives Return and Rehabilitation Program to help determined desire to survive. MIA Pasay City(Direct Contracting) Shall be in accordance with in Mindanao. displaced families get back on their feet. Karim spent years assisting other dis- 2. Procurement of NAV/COMM and DME P1,692,327.00 the provision of Section 27, 08-026-03 She earned her Bachelor of Science in Later, her group handled the reconstruc- placed Muslims in Metro Manila, organ- Transponder Test Sets Flight Test Section- IRR-A of R.A. 9184 business administration from ASD, ATO Hangar, Andrews Ave., Pasay City tion of about 500 houses, six mosques and izing to meet basic needs, and advocat- 3. Repair of Glide Path and DME RWY 23 P1,422,870.00 08-027-03 the Philippine Women’s University and five schools destroyed by fighting in ing for peace negotiations in Mindanao. Approach of Davao International Airport, a master’s in business manage- Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. The Peace Agreement of 1996 set the Sasa, Davao City ment from the Mindanao State Univer- For her community work, local datus stage for her return to Mindanao. She The BAC activities are as follows: sity-Iligan Institute. conferred on Macaraya the title, “Bai Labi became involved with local civil society Issuance of Eligibility Statement Forms : BAC Secretariat, G/F ATO Main Building, MIA Road, Pasay City, After her government stint, she led the organizations concerned with human and Bid Documents during office hours from 28 March-14 April 2008, Upon formation of the Philippine Muslim receipt of Letter of Intent and payment of P1,500.00 per item. rights; advocated for the relief of dis- non-refundable Women Council, a national federation placed persons, and initiated livelihood Pre-Bid Conference : 15 April 2008, 2:00 P.M. of Muslim women. Mobilizing local and projects for poor women. She returned Receipt and Opening of Eligibility and Bid Documents : Not later than 2:00 PM, 28 April 2008 international support, Omera Dianalan- to school in her native Cotabato City and Eligibility Documents and Bid Proposals submitted after the deadline shall not be accepted. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Lucman has committed herself to the obtained a social work degree from De Bidders representatives who choose to attend at the aforementioned address. protection of Lake Lanao, which she La Vida College in 1999. Aside from the other requirements, the value of prospective bidder largest single contract compeleted within the last three (3) years similar believes should be named a World Her- to the project to be bid must be at least fifty percent (50%). itage Site as it is one of the oldest lakes Bidding will be conducted through open competitive and all other particulras relative to Eligibility, Bid Evaluation, Award of Contract and Here comes the judge Performance Bond shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations-Part A (IRR-A). in the world. Nurkarhati Salapuddin Sahibbil was The ATO reserves the right to reject bids and or all bids, to waive defects or formality therein and to accept bids considered responsive and one of the thousands of devout young most advantageous to the Government. First Muslim woman Muslim girls educated in the Catho- (SGD.) WILFREDO S. BORJA ambassador lic Notre Dame of Jolo. Graduating Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin was born to a magna cum laude, she never thought MT - Mar. 28, 2008 small and frugal family in Jolo. Her links she would be thrust into a controver- to the Tausug came from her grand- sial position. Republika ng Pilipinas mothers and her late husband, Datu She was happy to be a wife and KAGAWARAN NG PAGAWAIN AT LANSANGANG PAMBAYAN Samsuddin Bahjin of Patikul, Sulu. mother of six, working with the Jolo Mountain Province District Engineering Office She graduated cum laude from the Shariah Court as clerk of court from Bontoc, Mountain Province University of Santo Tomas in 1967, ma- 1985 to 1993 to help support the joring in English and theology. The lat- family. INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID ter never fails to raise eyebrows whenever Baicon Cayongcat-Macaraya But Sahibbil has always been The MOUNTAIN PROVINCE DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE, BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, through its Bids & Awards people learn that Bahjin is a Muslim. strong-willed and a fighter for rights Committee (BAC), invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board “Senator Enrile was surprised when I Ko Shakba,” in ceremonies held at and justice. Not content to merely (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the hereunder contract: told him so,” she said. In 1974 Bahjin Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao del Sur. document cases and decisions, she Name of Contract Location Project I.D. Brief Approved Duration obtained her Master of Arts from the She helped organize innovative cam- took the Shariah bar exam in 1991 Number Description Budget of the University of the Philippines. paigns, such as the Mothers for Peace and passed. Contract (ABC) Before embarking on a diplomatic Campaign, and hosted the Peaceteach, She then applied to be a Shariah 1. Improvement / Paracelis, 08PI0015 Road Improvement & P19,300,000.00 125 CD career, Bahjin was an educator. She a tele-conference for young people or- court judge. This created a contro- Construction of Mt. Prov. Road Concreteing taught at the Holy Trinity College in ganized by the United Nations Chil- versy. Many Muslim men in the Of- Bananao Access Road Palawan (1967), at the Centro Escolar dren’s Fund and its allied partners. She fice of Muslim Affairs objected to a 2. Rehabilitation / Tadian, 08PI0016 Road Widening, P19,270,000.00 138 CD University (1972), then at Palawan State is also a model of Modess’ “Aim High woman being appointed judge. But Improvement Mt. Prov. Concreting and University, where she eventually became Pinay” campaign. she is a formidable advocate who does of Mt. Province-Ilocos Road Improvement an assistant professor. not give up easily. Sahibbil is known Sur via Tue Road Amb. Bahjin rose from the ranks. She Muslimah dean to be the matriarch of her clan whose Prospective bidders should possess a valid PCAB License applicable to the contract, have completed a similar contract started out as acting director of the Cul- of Islamic studies quiet word is followed. Against all with a value of at least 50% of the ABC, and have key personnel and equipment (Listed in the Eligibility Forms) tural Division of the Office of Islamic Dr. Carmen Abubakar has served the odds, she was appointed in 1994 and available for the prosecution of the contract. The MPDEO- BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the Affairs (now the Office on Muslim Af- academe most of her life, believing became the first Muslim judge of the Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The MPDEO- BAC TWG will conduct post- fairs) in 1982. She had her first assign- that teaching is a profession that Shariah court system. qualification of the lowest calculated bid. ment abroad as vice consul in Jeddah in fulfills her because it allows her to Sahibbil is looking forward to the All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bid Conference, 1986. She went back to Manila in 1998 nurture young minds. implementation of the Shariah system Evaluation of Bids, Post- Qualification and Award of contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. to become a director of the Office of She said she knows that the core of in all-Muslim communities, as prom- 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Middle East and African Affairs. In 1990, the Bangsamoro problem is rooted in the ised in the 1996 peace agreement be- The Schedule of MPDEO- BAC activities are as follows: she served as second secretary and con- need for knowledge. She is the only tween government and the MNLF. She sul in Amman, Jordan. In 1991 she was Muslim woman to be appointed dean in laments the lack of access of most MPDEO BAC Activities Dates moved to Cairo, where a year later she the prestigious University of the Philip- Muslims to an Islamic court and their 1.Deadline of receipt from prospective bidders of Letters of Intent April 04,2008 became the chargé d’Affaires. pines, heading the UP Institute of Islamic lack of knowledge of their rights and (LOI including Application for Eligibility) Bahjin also served in Bangkok and Studies for three terms. obligations. 2.Pre-Bid Conference April 08,2008 Beijing. She became the first Muslim Born in Jolo, Abubakar finished her 3.Issuance of Bid Documents April 11, 2008 bachelor’s in education at the Notre 4.Receipt & Opening of Bids April 24, 2008 Dame of Jolo College. She started teach- The MPDEO-BAC will issue to prospective bidders Eligibility Forms at DPWH-MPDEO, Bontoc, Mountain Province, ing at her alma mater, before going to upon their submission of LOI, and upon their payment of non- refundable amount of Two Hundred Pesos (Php200.00) UP Diliman to finish an master’s. She to the DPWH-MPDEO Cashier. Prospective bidders shall submit the Eligibility Requirements to the BAC-TWG Central then taught English at the high school Office. They may also obtain the results of the Eligibility Check by the BAC-TWG Central Office. department of UP Baguio before head- The MPDEO-BAC will issue Bidding Documents only to bidders declared by the BAC-TWG Central office to be eligible ing back to Diliman to earn a doctorate for the bidding upon payment of a non-refundable amount of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00) to the DPWH- in Philippine studies. MPDEO Cashier. Abubakar said the educational situa- The DPWH-MPDEO assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred tion in Muslim communities is “very in the preparation of their bids and reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to declare a failure of bidding, or not poor,” as shown even in the low levels to award the contract for the reasons stipulated in section 41 of the IRR-A of RA 9184. of literacy in the ARMM. She said this implies that the number of people who (SGD.) REX K. OYA-OY make enlightened and informed deci- BAC Chairman sions is also very low. Stressing education as the fuel for Approved: development, Abubakar said education (SGD.) LEONARDO C. LEYALEY has to be made more accessible to peo- District Engineer ple in rural areas, and government Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin must be address this. Nurkarhati Salapuddin Sahibbil MT – Mar. 24 & 28, 2008