JEDDAH, 7 May — Consul Imelda M. Panolong, a career foriegn service officer, is leaving Jeddah for a new assignment in Manila. Being the first Muslim woman in the Philippine diplomatic community to attain the rank of consul and well loved by the local Filipino expatriates with whom she has an “Ina-Ama” (mother-father) relationship, she had completed her 4-year term in the Kingdom. She spent her first three years her in Jeddah as a vice-consul and was promoted as consul last year.
The Maranao community, led by Shakba International, Greenland Unayan and the umbrella organization, United Bangsaranao Council (UBC) organized a “Kandori” thanksgiving and prayer gathering yesterday prior to the dimplomats departure for Manila. Consul Imelda Panolong & Jamel Panolong leave this coming week.
The UBC’s leaders have offered prayers for the consul and her husband in the person of Ustadz Jamel Panolong and their children. They also expressed their thanks and gratitude to the couple.
In his speech, Sheikh Omar Bin Omar said that “Life is just a memory and history. One of the good advise(s) we hear always from elders ‘be good with any one you meet because you don’t know when and where you will be separated’”.
“A person is always remembered by the people for his good manners, the treatment and his behavior to people. In public service, there are some officers who are very helpful. They treat whoever approaches them alike, regardless of what tribes or race they are belong. They never hesitate to extend help and assistance to anyone who is in need. When these kind of officers leave, everybody gets sad and longing for the old times,” Bin Omar added.
Out-going Sheikh Saibatul “Bobby” Dalus also had to say that Imelda was known for her soft, mild voice when talking to anybody.
“She uses the words and language of mercy. She tries to ease and comfort anyone with problems. If you are a young man you feel like talking to a mother and if you are at her age you fell like talking to a big sister.”
Former UBC Sheikh Albani Maunco also have described Imelda as a model and good example for Muslim women. Panolong has shown a good example of a Muslim woman working in a secular government system. She managed to balance her career as a diplomat and her Islamic personality as Muslim woman following the Islamic way of life, which is very rare in the diplomat community.
It is amazing to see a Filipina diplomat wearing “hijab” at the Embassy or consulate. Many Arabs who had the chance to meet with her talked about her, Maungco added.
The first Sheikh Edris Tamano called on communities to be united and always remember their forefathers dedication toward cooperation in helping each other as one entity.
The kandori gathering was attended by a big community leaders in Jeddah along with their families, prominent among them including Datu Ali Olama of the Binidayan Islamic Association, Datu Mesug Hadji Omar of the Malumbay International, Datu Alinasser Radiamoda of Diwan International, Datu Jamail Tamano of the Marawi Expatriates, Datu Carasa-an Diampuan of Tarakanians. Members and leaders of the Angoyao Clan International, Abna Marantao Fi Saudia, Balo-i nians, Ewaton International, Amin Dipatuan of Ganassi United Islamic Development, Datu Sulaiman Udasan of the United Malabang Islamic Foundation also came to say goodbye.
The Panolong couple also expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support extended them by the community during their stay.
