Gov. Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu described the event as unprecedented as it brought his constituents from different faiths to converge in a momentous gathering to listen to international speakers such as the highly-distinguished Zimbabwean national Mufti Menk, a global Islamic scholar and motivational speaker, US-based Dr. Muhammad Salah, and Alexandrian-born Sheik Wael Ibrahim.
Mangudadatu said that he saw the importance of dialogue as vital for building inclusive and peaceful societies, prompting the province to organize an interface activity tagged “The Common Terms” to strengthen “unity in diversity,” especially since Sultan Kudarat is a diverse province.
“Napakarami pong [There are lots of] Ilocano, Ilonggo, Maguindanaon, and indigenous peoples (IP), and we wanted to ensure that the message of peace and unity is delivered across to everyone, and that will come from a Muslim perspective as well,” the official said.
He also admitted that Muslims are the minority sector in the province. “Kasi gusto namin, kami mga Muslim, kami ‘yong minority dito [We the Muslims are the minority here in the province], we also wanted to share our thoughts about a peaceful coexistence with one another, and that’s the main gist of what we had today, ‘yong pagsusulong natin ng mas matibay na [advancing a much stronger] unity in diversity at ‘yong pagpapalakas pa ng relasyon [and strengthening the relationship] among Muslims, Christians, and Lumads.”
“It’s all about universalism, peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, at iba pa [others]. We are doing this for us to develop ourselves,” he explained.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority 2000 Census on Population revealed that about 46.92 percent of the household population in Sultan Kudarat classified themselves as Hiligaynon/Ilonggo. Others are Ilocano (17.17 percent); Cebuano (9.21 percent); Manobo/Ata Manobo (5.37 percent); and the rest belonged to Muslims and other ethnic groups (8.41 percent).
Mangudadatu said he was elated to host for the first time speakers coming from different parts of the world to share their stories, messages, and lessons about diplomacy, unity amidst diversity, how to become better communities for one another, charity, and others.
“Napakaganda po ng kanilang katuturuan [They have excellent teachings], and this is very applicable here in Sultan Kudarat,” he said.
Mangudadatu also urged every Sultan Kudarateño not to be scared and skeptical, as the said event was opened to Christians, Muslims, and Lumads, for them to hear Islamic teachings that forbid terrorism, war, and coercion but instead reconcile each other's differences with tolerance and acceptance of one another.
