JEDDAH, 27 April — The induction and investiture ceremony of the United Bangsaranao Council at the Nayong Filipino Restaurant last April 19 saw the new chief of the Jeddah-based group, Omar Bin Omar calling on its members to strengthen the organization and spread Islamic awareness among Filipinos.
The event was well attended by the Western Region Filipino community, a large number of whom hoped to get a word with the guest of honor, Khaled Al-Maeena, Arab News editor in chief. Al-Maeena is well-liked by expatriate communities in the Kingdom for his helping role in expatriate community affairs.
In his speech, Al-Maeena acknowledged the hard work being done by the Filipino community in various spheres of life in the Kingdom. He commented that bringing together people under one umbrella was a very good idea “because it reinforces the idea of togetherness.”
“Since you are away from your country, such associations can help you alleviate your sense of loneliness,” he said. “We all are accountable to Allah and we need to do good deeds in this life.”
Al-Maeena stated that he was fascinated by the glorious history of the Bangsaranao people and their valiant struggle against the American forces. “They fought against all odds to preserve their culture and they succeeded,” he pointed out.
He said that he had come across Bangsaranao nationals in many countries on his travels worldwide and that “they are a God-fearing and very affable people.”
Al-Maeena wished the new organization success and emphasized that they should use all kinds of media — print and electronic — to promote their cause.
The community expressed its gratefulness to Al-Maeena and Arab News for giving a balanced coverage on the current events in Mindanao.
The current lineup now has Eng’r. Usman Islao (Shakba International) as secretary-general, Eng’r. Abdurahman Dipolog (Abna Marantao Fi Saudia) as treasurer, Datu Amin Dipatuan (Ganassi United Islamic Development) as auditor and Datu Khalid Minodar (Greenland Unayan) as public relations officer.
The new chief, Omar Bin Omar, an engineer by profession is involved with various local organizations. He has always played a key role in resolving problems confronting the Maranao community. His many plans include combining the programs of the various groups to minimize the expense of conducting meetings and social gatherings.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Gangco Punginagina, cultural affairs officer at the Philippine Consulate, Omar M. Mitmug and the three sheikh emeritus: Sheikh Edris Tamano, Sheikh Albani Maungco and Sheikh Saibatol Dalus.
The following Council of Muslim Leaders (CML) group chiefs of member organizations were also inducted after confirming their support for the new administration: Datu Abdul Rahman Macacua (Abna Marantao Fi Saudia), Datu Yusoph Amboloto (Angoyao Clan International), Datu Abdul Rahim Pascan (Balo-inians), Datu Ali Olama (Binidayan Islamic Association), Datu Alinasser Radiamoda (Diwan International), Ali Ditucalan (Ewaton International), Datu Musama Gunting (Greenland Unayan), Amin Dipatuan (Ganassi United Islamic Development), Datu Mesug Hadji Omar (Malumbay International), Datu Ibrahim Macadato (Pantarian Plotters), Arch’t Casan Macaraya (Shakba International), Datu Ibrahim Muti (Saguiran International Association), Datu Abdul Malik Tagoranao (Silsila), Datu Carasa-an Diampuan (Tarakanians), Datu Sulaiman Udasan (United Malabang Islamic Foundation), Datu Jamail Tamano (Marawi Expatriates), Datu Nasrudin “Rudy” Dianalan (Maisa), Arch’t Farook Lomangco (Ranao Professional Association & Association of Ranao Engineers and Architects), Datu Abdul Halim Pagador (Insan Assembly), and Rasool Abbas, (Tugayanians).