Official from the BARMM Government, City Government of Cotabato, and Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte witnessed on Dec. 19 the Guinakit Fluvial Parade marking the historic arrival of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, who introduced the Islamic faith to mainland Mindanao. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
COTABATO CITY – First rays of sunlight revealed a floating canvas along the banks of the Rio Grande de Mindanao as the procession of colorfully decorated boats, referred to as ‘guinakit’, sailed from Mother Barangay Kalanganan to the Bangsamoro Ports Management Office at Poblacion V.
Every 19th of December, the city of Cotabato commemorates the historic arrival of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan to mainland Mindanao, marking the introduction of the Islamic faith to the locals, through a symbolic fluvial parade dubbed the Guinakit.
This year, the event featured 94 parading boats, composed of 11 big and 83 small boats, with the Office of the Chief Minister’s boat taking the lead, parallel to its position in the current BARMM bureaucracy. The parade captivated onlookers, who were visibly thrilled by the colorful display.
“Honoring Traditions, Forging New Horizons,” this year’s theme, calls for the preservation of enduring traditions and culture as the Bangsamoro community advances while remaining grounded in its heritage roots.
Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, in his speech delivered by Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain, emphasized the need to reflect on the legacy of Shariff Kabunsuan. “Let us not only celebrate his rich history and cultural contributions but also draw inspiration from his commitment to peaceful missionary work and interfaith dialogue, guiding us toward unity and understanding,” he said.
“Embracing the ever-changing world, we can shape aspirations and, like him, be pioneers of progress, ensuring the vibrancy and relevance of our culture and traditions in the global landscape,” CM Ebrahim cited, underscoring the necessity of heritage preservation at the crossroads of tradition and change.
Likewise, some key BARMM officials who were present during the program, including Maguindanao del Sur Governor Abdulraof Macacua, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, and Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Abuamri Taddik, echoed the call for reflection on Kabunsuan’s contributions to what the Bangsamoro has now and his influence in shaping the future.
In the words of Mayor Matabalao, “We should remember the values that Shariff Kabunsuan stood for: courage, leadership, and the unyielding spirit of community,” he urged.
Today, the BARMM Government continues its campaign toward advancement through groundbreaking projects and programs while ensuring that long-standing traditions are not lost amid the inevitability of change. Forging unity and fostering comradeship in the ever-evolving community remains a focal point for building a brighter Bangsamoro. (Bai Omairah Yusop/BIO)
