COTABATO CITY—In remembrance of the late Sheikh Salamat Hashim’s life and contributions to the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination, the Bangsamoro Government commemorated his 19th death anniversary thru the relaunching of the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) on Wednesday, July 13, at Camp Rajamuda Pikit, Special Geographic Area (BARMM-SGA).
Sheikh Hashim was the Amirul Mujahideen of the Bangsamoro and former Chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—the country’s largest Muslim guerilla established in the 1970s to fight for the cause of Jihad.
“Today, it is with great honor and joy to announce the relaunching of the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership. This affirms our commitment to recognize and appreciate quality leadership and volunteerism demonstrated by our founder [Sheikh Salamat Hashim],” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said.
Accordingly, the SEAL illustrates someone (local chief executive) who has exemplified a true spirit of integrity and commitment to improving the lives of the Bangsamoro people and applies his or her leadership attributes to stimulate self-reliance and local autonomy.
Chief Minister Ebrahim announced each awardee shall be entitled to receive plaques of recognition, 24 karats gold-plated medallion worth Php250,000.00, and Php2.5-million worth of project.
“It is my high hope that we lead our fellow Bangsamoro through the vision and mission the same as his,” Ebrahim added.
Ebrahim also extended his gratitude to the 300 widows of war who attended the commemoration of the great martyrdom. Each widow received the first half of Php50,000 cash assistance provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG).
Interior and local government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo was also present at the event, noting that the commemoration is attributed to a man whose life and works were all dedicated to the Bangsamoro people, and who once said, “I have planted the seeds of the struggle that will blossom.”
“In the annals of our history, he stands tall alongside the privileged few who fought and resisted colonialism. The likes of Sultan Kudarat, Raja Silongan, Datu Ali sa Salunayan, Kamlon of Sulu, thousands of nameless and faceless resistance fighters who stood against oppression,” he added.
The Office of the Chief Minister’s Project Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) also distributed 250 sacks of 10kg-rice and 300 hygiene kits.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), on the other hand, doled out 1,400 sacks of 25kg rice, canned goods, and Php3,000.00 for each of the 31 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Barangay Rajamuda. (Majid Nur/BIO)
