Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-Taq
BAGUIO CITY — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – North Luzon (NCMF-NL), under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Sitti Divina M. Roxas, RN, MMPA, through its Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Division (PBCRD) headed by Chief Engr. Aslanie M. Muripaga, MPA successfully conducted a Community Peace Awareness Campaign on October 10, 2025, in Tarlac City.
The activity was organized in collaboration with the Da’wah Riders of Baguio and Pangasinan, led by Ustadz Jamael Usodan, and formed as a part of NNCM-North Luzon’s continuing advocacy to promote peace, cultural awareness, and strengthen community engagement among Muslim communities across the region.
The program began on Thursday evening at Masjid Al-Ragabi, Tarlac City, with a series of informative and spiritually uplifting discussions delivered by respected scholars from Al-Maarif Educational Center, Inc., namely:
1. Sheikh Muhammad Najih Abdulrashid, SCL, Assistant Director – “How to Deal with Hardship (Fitnah)”
2. Sheikh Alnor Lawi, Faculty Member – “Steadfastness and Firmness Amidst Hardship”
3. Sheikh Alfahani Ali, Faculty Member – “Facing Trials and Hardships as a True Believer (Mu’min)”
4. Sheikh Jamael Usodan, Faculty Member – “Experiencing True Love for the Sake of Allah”
The following day, Friday, Ustadz Jamael Usodan delivered the Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday Sermon) at Masjid Al-Ragabi, focusing on the topic “The Doctrine of Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’ah on the Rightful Creed (‘Aqeedah)”. He emphasized that the foundation of Islam is anchored on the Qur’an and Hadith, and that adherence to the Sunnah and the understanding of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) is essential to maintaining the true creed of Islam.
After the Friday prayers, Atty. Abbas S. Macadatar, Provincial Director of NCMF-NL Pampanga Field Office, delivered an insightful discussion highlighting the mandate of the NCMF—to promote and preserve the cultures, traditions, institutions, and overall well-being of Muslim Filipinos, in accordance with national laws and Executive Order No. 67, s. 2018. Atty. Macadatar also discussed relevant legal updates, particularly on the Republic Act No. 11596 (Anti-Child Marriage Law) and Republic Act No. 12160 (Philippine Islamic Burial Act), emphasizing their implications on Muslim communities.
An open forum followed, during which Mr. Bocari Macacuna, President of the Tarlac City Muslim Community, provided updates on the current status of the Tarlac City Muslim Consultative Council. He also requested NCMF’s assistance in the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the council, as well as in addressing other pressing issues concerning the Muslim community in the province.
Also, in attendance were Ustadz Saadoding C. Muripaga, ADOF III and Ustadz Adrajie Adapun, ORD staff of NCMF-NL; Abdulmalik Narvas, Head of Discover Islam Pangasinan; Ustadz Joel Omar, Barangay Chairman of Campo Filipino, Baguio City; members of the Da’wah Riders of Baguio and Pangasinan; and other local Muslim leaders.
The Community Peace Awareness Campaign in Tarlac City reaffirmed NCMF-North Luzon’s unwavering commitment to its mission of fostering peace, unity, and cultural understanding among Muslim and non-Muslim communities — strengthening harmony, faith, and cooperation for the betterment of all. (/)