FILE PHOTO: This “Guinakit” fluvial parade happens every December 19 in Cotabato City as part of the celebration of the annual Shariff Kabunsuan (SK) Festival. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—The Shariff Kabunsuan (SK) Festival this year officially kicked off here Monday, Dec. 2, reflecting the origin of Islam religion and identity in the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
The SK Festival is an annual event, celebrated in Mindanao every December 19, that commemorates the arrival of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, who introduced the Islamic faith in the 16th century.
“His (Shariff Kabunsuan) arrival not only gave birth to a new form of government but also to our faith and identity as Muslims and Bangsamoro,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said in his speech during the SK Festival kickoff ceremony held at the People’s Palace in this city.
“This festival is a reflection of our identity and our shared heritage, a reminder of our roots, our struggles, and our aspirations for a better future,” Ebrahim said, represented by Assistant Senior Minister and Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director-General Engr. Mohajirin Ali.
Ebrahim also mentioned the ‘Guinakit’, a vibrantly designed Maguindanaon boat utilized by royal families as highlighted in history, saying, “May the Guinakit boat that brought Islam into our shores be the same Guinakit that will bring us towards progress.”
City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, represented by Secretary to the Mayor Guinadin Abdila, metaphorized one’s life in this year’s theme, “Colors of Guinakit: Honoring the Past, Navigating the Future.”
“Parang ganito rin ang buhay natin, hindi ba? Ang ating nakaraan ang humubog sa atin, pero ang ating pananampalataya at pagkakaisa ang gumagabay sa atin patungo sa mas maliwanag na bukas,” Matabalao stated.
[This is the same as our lives, isn’t it? Our past shaped us, but it is our faith and unity that guide us toward a brighter tomorrow.]
SK Festival Schedules
Below is the SK Festival 2024 Calendar of Activities:
Dec. 2:
Parade
Passporting Activity
SK Trade Fair (Ribbon Cutting)
Dec. 5: Inter-Barangay Chess Competition
Dec. 9: On-the-Spot Essay-Writing Contest (College Edition)
Dec. 12: Skateboard Competition
Dec. 13: Mayor’s Cup Tennis Tournament
Dec. 14:
Madame FL Volleyball Tournament
Shariff Kabunsuan Basketball Tournament
Roadside Pickleball
18th National Kyokushin Weight Category Karate Championship
Dec. 15: Mountain Bike Challenge
Dec. 18: Inaul Fashion Show
Dec. 19: Guinakit Fluvial Parade
Dec. 21: SK Shooting Competition
Dec. 22: SK Fun Run
Moreover, CM Ebrahim urged the Cotabateños to remember Shariff Kabunsuan’s legacy—values about compassion, faith, and commitment to the Bangsamoro. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
