SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL. Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi leading on Saturday (Dec. 15) the start of the week-long celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival that highlights the arrival of Islam in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of Rowella Dayawan – Cotabato Media Group)
COTABATO CITY – Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi here led on Saturday the formal opening of a week-long annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival commemorating the arrival of Islam in mainland Mindanao.
The activity commenced with an opening program at the city plaza followed by the launching of “Brassware exhibit” at the old city hall building that shows various artifacts and brass wares made of bronze and silver.
In the afternoon, Sayadi led the opening of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival Bazaar at the Citi Mall featuring low prizes gift items ideal for Christmas gift-giving.
Gurlie Frondoza, city tourism officer, said other highlights of the week-long celebration is the Guinakit Fluvial parade commemorating the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan to bring Islam to mainland Mindanao using the Rio Grande de Mindanao.
The celebration is centered on the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to the natives.
“It is an event displaying Muslim religion and culture,” Frondoza said.
Aside from the colorful fluvial parade, a street dancing parade and competition will be featured along with cultural shows, “inaul” (Muslim fabric) fashion show, culinary competition, and many others.
“Cotabato City is host to fishponds that cultures tasty crabs, thus the festival will feature crab cooking and eating show,” Frondoza said.
She also described the festival as an opportunity for the city government to appreciate the efforts of every Cotabateño in making the city earn regional and national recognition in terms of economics and good governance. (PNA)
