Welcoming Ramadan in the Pearl of the Orient

SOURCE: PNA

In the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines prepares for a period of profound spirituality. The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI), a pillar of Islamic authority, has proclaimed the onset of Ramadan for Tuesday, March 12. This announcement follows a fervent session of moon sighting on Sunday evening which yielded no vision of the crescent moon.

Continuing an age-old tradition, the BDI's annual moon sighting activities embody the symbiotic relationship between celestial observations and Islamic rituals. The lunar odyssey began earnestly, with the BDI, complemented by a retinue of Muslim scholars, venturing across Mindanao's expanse to detect the nascent moon's first appearance – a celestial event signaling the start of a holy month of reflection and discipline.

"So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month (of Ramadan), let him fast it," prescribes the Qur’an’s Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter Two (2) Verse 185. This divine directive underscores the ritual's importance, framing the act of fasting as both a submission and commitment to the will and observance of God's mandate.

 Mindanao's Moon Sighting Mission

Within Mindanao's provincial tapestry – Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, the geographically splintered provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and the urban enclave of Iligan City – Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, alongside a cohort of BDI ulama and religious advocates, orchestrated the moon sighting initiative, underscoring the communal aspect of this sacred practice.

Ramadan stands as a pillar amongst pillars, a ninth-month observance integral to the Islamic calendar. As the world watches, Muslims in the Philippines engage in an enduring testament to faith through fast, prayer, and contemplation, further cementing both personal and communal bonds to Islamic tenets.

As daylight ascends, and dusk falls, the Filipino Muslim community adheres to a disciplined schedule of fasting, aligning with the five pillars that structure Islamic belief. The abstinence from sustenance from dawn till sunset is a practice of self-restraint, spiritual reset, and societal solidarity.

In an appeal for uniformity, Emran Mohamad, BDI executive director, has implored the Muslim populace to observe the Mufti’s declared start date. This unified approach ensures that the commencement of the fast is collective, fostering a pan-Islamic unity within the diverse Philippine cultural mosaic.

The announcement by the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ marking the start of Ramadan in the Philippines is not merely a calendar event but a statewide call to virtue and piety. As the lunar cycle dictates the spiritual rhythm of millions, the entry of this sacred month is embraced with reverence and discipline, with believers in the archipelago reflecting a glimpse of the global Muslim devotion.

Until the next crescent's silhouette adorns the celestial sphere, the Filipino Muslim community will navigate a month-long journey of purification and devotion. From the tapestry of prayers whispered at dawn to the communal breaking of the fast, the spirit of Ramadan renews the Philippines' Islamic fervor.

This post is dedicated to the unified and devout Islamic community across the Philippine isles and beyond, who continue to preserve and honor their faith's traditions, making Ramadan a beacon of hope and spirituality in today’s ever-changing world.

Unleashing Digital Empowerment: Cagayan de Oro's Journey to Internet Freedom

SOURCE: PIA 10

In the heart of Northern Mindanao, a digital revolution is brewing, courtesy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez's office from Cagayan de Oro City's Second District. Their mission? To enhance free Wi-Fi connectivity and establish the Level 2 Digital Transformation Center (DTC), bolstering the city’s second district's digital prowess.

As the Marcos administration zeroes in on ICT, the transformative power of technology becomes a national focus. Pioneering this digital movement is the "Broadband ng Masa Program," a DICT initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of free and reliable broadband services.

By the end of 2023, DICT successfully activated 99 free Wi-Fi sites across 59 locations in Cagayan de Oro City. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy stated, "We shall expand our free Wi-Fi internet to 30 more public places in the city’s 2nd District within the year, opening up a world of opportunities to their residents and businesses alike."

The second district of Cagayan de Oro City is now a digital hotspot, with 53 of the 59 Wi-Fi sites located in this area. These sites are particularly concentrated in public elementary and high schools, creating a digital springboard for the city's future generations.

The collaboration between DICT and Rep. Rodriguez's office has resulted in a significant increase in free Wi-Fi access points in the second district. The number of access points soared from eight at the start of 2023 to 63 by year-end, covering 33 locations.

In 2024, the program will further extend its reach, adding 30 new locations in the second district, comprising 12 barangay halls and 18 public schools. Rodriguez commits to ensuring that all 56 barangays in Cagayan de Oro will benefit from free Wi-Fi.

As part of this digital upliftment, the first Level II DTC in Cagayan de Oro City will be established within the second district. The DTC, a national inclusion initiative by DICT, will serve as a self-sustaining center capable of providing ICT-enabling services and opportunities for ICT skills development.

The DTC will offer basic online training via live stream or through Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs. "The DTC shall serve as an edifice for empowerment, providing residents access to computers and other ICT tools as well as equipping learners with skills to participate more fully in a globally competitive economy,” Uy said.

The establishment of reliable internet connectivity and the upskilling of the city's workforce is expected to complement DICT's ICT industry development measures, such as Digital Cities 2025 and the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program.

Secretary Uy emphasizes the importance of continuous collaboration between the public and local government units in building a progressive, dynamic, and digitally connected future. With these concerted efforts, Cagayan de Oro is well on its way to becoming Northern Mindanao’s premiere ICT investment hub.