“Embracing the Trials”, 47th NQRC’s theme for 2022 with 19 male and 18 female contestants
By EDD K. USMAN | @edd1818 | @bluestar0910 | SDN — Science and Digital News
Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-h92
(SDN) — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will conduct the 47th National Qur’an Reading Competition (NQRC) tomorrow, March 15, 2022.
It will be held at the Radisson Inn Park Hotel, adjacent to SM City North, Quezon City. This year’s NQRC revolves under the theme, “Embracing the Trials.”
President Rodrigo R. Duterte sent his greetings to the NCMF and the contestants.
The NCMF is now headed by Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong, replacing now Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan.
Duterte welcomed the event, one of the Commission’s mainstay programs being held annually, noting that Muslims look to the Qur’an as a source of solace and inspiration in times of adversities.
“As you hold this competition to encourage greater understanding of your sacred and vibrant spiritual teachings, I hope that you will also use this opportunity to deepen your faith, preserve and enhance our country’s Islamic heritage as well as strengthen relations with religious leaders worldwide,” the President said.
46th NQRC defending champions Ustadhz Muhammad Seddic Guiwan and Ustadhza Rahima Amerol will be up against 18 and 17 Qur’an readers, respectively, who will try to get their respective crowns.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Ano also sent his felicitations for the annual event. The NCMF is under the DILG’s supervision.
“I appreciate the NCMF for promoting Islamic values and principles as guiding lights for Muslim Filipinos, especially the youth, to be steadfast in living a life of peace and charitableness. As the Holy Qur’an says, ‘Verily, with hardship comes ease,'” Ano said.
The DILG chief lauded the Commission for its constancy of commitment in its mission of preserving and developing self-reliant Moro communities towards becoming nation-builders and peacemakers.
“Now that we face many critical crossroads in governance this year, I trust that the NCMF will be ever more active in ensuring the welfare of Muslim Filipinos and the efforts you exert to mold the youth to be God-fearing, peace-loving, and productive citizens,” Ano emphasized.
Mamondiong, appointed by the President to the NCMF only very recently, commended the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (NCMF-BMCA), headed by Director Laman M. Piang, CESO IV, the NQRC’s main organizer.
He also cited the personnel of the BCMA, the invited dignitaries and other guests, contestants, as well as those working behind for the event’s success.
“No words are enough to express how grateful I am for welcoming my stewardship (of the Commission) with this momentous if not historical 47th National Qur’an Reading Competition,” said Mamondiong, who was head of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) before his NCMF stint.
NCMF Executive Director Tahir S. Lidasan, Jr., CESO II, noted the NQRC’s achievements in the past, saying it “has been one of the biggest and most awaited programs” of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, the Competition has made in impact on the lives of many, thus strengthening their confidence, knowledge and skills in reading The Holy Book. Today, we carry on this legacy to instill social values and promote the essence of peace,” Lidasan said.
Duterte hope that “our nation’s renewed vigor and courage guide (us) to the high moral ground so that we may continue to be more sensitive to the needs of others as we discern for lasting solutions that will achieve our vision for a progressive and God fearing society.”
Mamondiong expressed his gratitude to the President “for entrusting me the welfare of the Muslim Filipinos. Thus, in this new endeavor of (mine), I urge everyone to join hands with me in changing our attitudes, in working towards excellence in all our activities — big or small.”
Past winners of the NQRC went on to represent the Philippines in international Qur’an reading events in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Pakistan, Iran, among others, serving as vehicle for renewing and cementing relations between with other countries and their peoples. (✓)
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Featured image of Qur’an from and credit to Unsplash by The Dancing Rain.