By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
In a move to deepen Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cooperation, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will undergo its first formal mosque management training through a partnership with Singapore’s Islamic Religious Council, or Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).
In a news release on Monday, April 28, NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim said the initiative highlights the spirit of unity among founding ASEAN members and reflects a commitment to enhancing community governance and religious management.
“This partnership demonstrates the oneness of the ASEAN community, especially with the Philippines and Singapore being among the five founding member countries,” Abdurahim said.
Under the agreement, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will nominate NCMF-selected personnel to participate in the training. MUIS, which oversees 71 mosques in Singapore under its Administration of Muslim Law Act, offered to sponsor the program.
The collaboration builds on the NCMF delegation’s recent visit to Singapore, where officials explored successful community initiatives, including mosque-based food pantries and senior care spaces.
Beyond mosque management, NCMF also announced a partnership with the Muslim Converts Association of Singapore (MCAS) to streamline the issuance of Islamic conversion certificates in the Philippines in line with the recently enacted Philippine Islamic Burial Act, which affirms Muslim burial rites.
Abdurahim further praised Singapore’s culturally sensitive prison rehabilitation programs, noting that NCMF aims to work with Philippine correctional agencies to adopt similar best practices for Muslim inmates.
“Our engagement with Singapore reflects our broader aspiration to uplift Muslim Filipino communities through inclusive, innovative governance,” he added. (PNA)
