GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of Sarangani is planning to organize a regional Musabaqah or intramurals for students of Madaris Arabic schools in parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen.
Asma Akmad, coordinator of Sarangani’s Commission on Muslim Affairs, said Tuesday discussions are underway for the holding of the region’s first-ever Musabaqah.
Akmad said the move aims to give young Moro students in the region a venue to showcase their skills, talents, and knowledge in both sports and academics.
“We’re hoping that this will materialize soon and would be spearheaded by the province,” she said in a statement.
The proposed activity, which is supported by Sarangani officials led by Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, will take off from the three-day annual provincial Musabaqah over the weekend that was joined by around 2,500 Moro students in the province.
Akmad said the event, held at the provincial capitol grounds in Alabel town, was organized by the local government in coordination with the Madaris for Peace Program. It was anchored on the theme: “Batang Madaris ng Sarangani, Iba ka, Umangat ka.”
She said the participants came from 49 Madrasahs or Madaris Arabic schools in the province’s seven municipalities.
At least 3,000 Moro children and youths aged six-years-old and above are currently enrolled in the Madrasahs, she said.
During the Musabaqah, which is an Arabic term for intramurals, Akmad said the students competed in sports events such as basketball, volleyball and sepak takraw.
It also featured academic competitions, among them a quiz bee that focused on their Qur’an lessons and a story telling contest introduced by the province’s Muslim women leaders.
Malapatan town emerged as the overall champion of the Musabaqah 2018.
Akmad said the provincial government organized the Musabaqah to promote the culture of unity and peace among Moro youths in the province. It also aims to instill among them the value of education and respect for their elders, she said.
