Featured image of Qur’an above, credit and thanks to EjupLila on Pixabay.
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Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-qee
By EDD K. USMAN | Twitter: @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 | Facebook: SDN — SciTech and Digital News
MANILA (SDN) — On February 20, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will stage the 48th National Qur’an Reading Competition (NQRC) 2023 at Bahay Alumni, University of the Philippines (UP) Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.
The competition has 36 participants — 19 male and 17 female. They will be up against the defending champions, Monaifah Alawi (female bracket), who represents CARAGA Region, and Saidi Saiduna (male bracket), from General Santos City, Southern Philippines.
NCMF Executive Director Tahir S. Lidasan, Jr., CESO II, said the Commission invited diplomats from the Manila embassies of some member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Muslim congressmen from the Bangsamoro region and other areas, national, local, and civic leaders to attend the annual event.
“The (NCMF) has been facilitating and/or sponsoring the regular conduct of the annual Qur’an Reading Competition from Organization or Community level through Municipal, District, Provincial, Regional and finally the National level. Its ultimate goal is to select from the grassroots to the national level the best Qur’an Readers in the country, both male and female, wherein the winners will represent the country to any international Qur’an Reading Competitions,” said Lidasan.
He added is geared towards helping preserve, promote, and enhance the Islamic heritage of Muslim Filipinos and strengthen Philippine relations with the Islamic world.
The Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (NCMF-BMCA) has been organizing and handling the NQRC since the time of the defunct Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA). Currently the BMCA is headed by lawyer Michael Mito-on J. Ali, officer-in-charge (OIC), a son of the late former Ambassador Sanchez “Ching” A. Ali.
This year’s NQRC revolves around the theme, “Al-Qur’an: Illuminating Humanity” which emphasizes the Islamic Holy Book shining light on humanity and providing inspiration in the eternal struggle against darkness, including the darkness in one’s soul.
On the eve of the event, the NCMF will tender a welcome dinner for the participants and guests at a hotel in Quezon City. (✓)