The Department of Budget and Management said that President Marcos showed support to the Filipino Muslims through the approval of an executive committee for the commemoration of Islamic presence in the country.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman expressed her gratitude towards the creation of the steering committee that was recently signed by President Marcos as an Administrative Order (AO).

Pangandaman, a Mindanaoan and only female Muslim cabinet member said that the signed AO meant that the administration recognizes the presence of Islam in the country and how the Muslim Filipinos shaped Philippine history and heritage.

Continuing her strengthened support for Mindanao, the budget chief said that the Situmiayat Wakhamsun Aldhikraa National Committee will be responsible for the preparations made for the celebration.

“It’s not even a year and yet the Administrative Order has been signed [by the president]... This is a sign that BBM will never neglect Mindanao,” she expressed.

“Rest assured that the Committee, chaired by the Executive Secretary, with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as vice-chair and with DBM as one of its members, will undertake the overall study, conceptualization, and implementation of programs and projects relevant to the commemoration with the end goal of reinvigorating the spirit of national unity,” Pangandaman added.

650PH in 2030, the project that the budget secretary mentioned will mark the 650 years of Islamic presence in the Philippines by the year 2030.

The commemoration is targeted to begin by 2024, according to the NHCP.

“650PH in 2030" shows that there is true beauty of unity in diversity. It's a reflection of how faith can bring people together, add value to human life, and peace-building, which is a basic principle of Islam,” said Pangandaman.

Following this, the Philippine Muslim History scholars explained that the Islamic faith began in the Philippines during the years 1350 to 1380.

This would make Islam the oldest monotheistic religion in the Philippines.

Marcos’ approval of the AO is in line with the celebration of the 643rd Sheikh Makhum Day and the Unveiling of the Historical Marker of the Sheikh Makhdum Mosque in Tawi-tawi on Nov. 7.

Additionally, Marcos’ approval of the AO is in line with the celebration of the 643rd Sheikh Makhum Day and the Unveiling of the Historical Marker of the Sheikh Makhdum Mosque in Tawi-tawi on Nov. 7.

The budget secretary attended the event and shared the importance of honoring the missionary who brought Islam to the Philippines.

“This Mosque symbolizes the introduction of Islam to the country, and its pillars—which have remained intact for centuries—are a testament to our people's rich history,” she said.

According to Pangandaman, the president’s endorsement is also in line with the administration’s goal to foster unity in the country amid diversity and stressed the need to protect the Islamic community and their beliefs.

“This project intends to highlight the Philippines as a multicultural country that acknowledges pluralism, and where religious tolerance and inclusivity thrive — all of these leading to the idea of unity amid diversity, which will help fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s campaign for national unity,” she said. (Gabriell Christel Galang)