Through the immense efforts to provide access and streamlining the inclusivity of the
event, the Davao City Centralized Eid Prayer Council was officially created, bringing together
a collective of organizations and government bodies aimed at streamlining the planning and
execution of Eid celebrations in Davao City. The council consists of the Darul Ifta Wadda’wah
Association Region XI, the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion
Unit (MCDPU), the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO), the National
Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the City Government of Davao, and the Mercy
Islamic Foundation.
Purpose of the Council’s Creation: The primary purpose of this council is to ensure a unified
and coordinated approach to the observance of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in Davao City. The
council will focus on organizing and facilitating the centralization of the Eid prayers and other
related activities. The council’s goals include:

Cultural and Religious Support: Providing guidance and support for religious and
cultural needs during the Eid period.
By working together, the council aims to improve the overall Eid experience, ensure the
religious significance of the occasion is honored, and foster cooperation between local
government, religious leaders, and community organizations. This collaboration underscores the
commitment of all parties involved to promote peace, unity, and support for the Muslim population
in Davao City

Unified Observance: Ensuring all Muslim communities in Davao City have a consistent
and coordinated approach to the Eid prayers.

Logistical Coordination: Organizing prayer grounds, security measures, transportation,
and other logistical aspects to ensure the smooth conduct of the prayers.

Community Unity: Promoting a sense of unity and solidarity among the Muslim
community during the Eid celebrations.

The annual Istiqbal Ramadhan 2025 event, held at the Jamjom Masjid in Ecoland on
February 26, 2025, marked an extraordinary gathering of the Muslim community to prepare
spiritually for the upcoming blessed month of Ramadan. The event was thoughtfully organized
with the aim of increasing awareness, knowledge, and readiness for fasting, prayer, and other
Islamic practices during Ramadan. This event was a collaborative effort among Darul Ifta
Waddaw’ah Association Inc. Region XI, the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and
Promotion Unit (MCDPU), and the Mercy Islamic Foundation. The primary purpose of this
gathering was to welcome the holy month of Ramadan by fostering unity and reinforcing the
spiritual significance of fasting within the Muslim community. The event featured educational
programs and discussions aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of Islamic teachings
and preparing them for the upcoming fasting period. Such initiatives align with the objectives of
the MCDPU, which emphasizes values formation and religious education in Madrasah centers
across Davao City. Additionally, Mercy Islamic Foundation has been actively involved in
educational programs, including special courses for new Muslims, to deepen their understanding
of Islamic principles.

Closing Remarks and Dua
The event concluded with closing remarks from the event organizer, who expressed
gratitude to all the speakers and attendees for their participation. A heartfelt dua (supplication)
was offered for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and for a fruitful Ramadan that would
bring peace, mercy, and blessings to all.

Opening Ceremony and Welcome AddressThe event commenced with the recitation of
the Holy Qur’an, which set the tone for the day’s spiritual gathering. The opening address
was delivered by the event’s organizer, who welcomed all attendees and highlighted the
importance of Istiqbal Ramadhan—a preparation not only for fasting but for embracing the
spiritual opportunities the month offers.

Presentations from Key Speakers
The event featured insightful and engaging talks from respected representatives of three
esteemed institutions:
A. Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Unit
The first speaker, from the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Unit
led by Director Shaykh Abdulrahman G. Caderao, followed by Shaykh Abduljalil Taha, spoke on
the significance of the month of Ramadhan. The presentation highlighted how Ramadan serves
as a time for Muslims to deepen their faith, engage in charity, and practice patience. Key points
included the importance of proper education for both young and adult Muslims, emphasizing
that Ramadan is an ideal period for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and learning.
B. Darul Ifta Waddaw’ah Assn. Inc.
Next, a representative from Darul Ifta Waddaw’ah Assn. Inc. addressed the assembly,
elaborating on the religious rulings and practices related to Ramadan. The talk covered the
proper conduct of fasting, the importance of sincerity in worship, and the significant role of
Tafseer (Quranic exegesis) during this sacred month. Special emphasis was placed on the
meaning and benefits of Taraweeh prayers, the rules of Zakat al-Fitr, and the etiquette of
breaking the fast. Their presentation reminded the attendees of the essence of Ramadan as not
just a physical fast but a time for spiritual purification.
C. Mercy Islamic Foundation
The final presentation was delivered by a representative from the Mercy Islamic
Foundation. Their focus was on the importance of charity and community service during
Ramadan. This talk encouraged attendees to engage in acts of kindness, whether through
financial donations or through volunteering their time. The speaker shared impactful stories of
how the Mercy Islamic Foundation has made a difference in the lives of underprivileged families
during Ramadan and how everyone can play a part in supporting those in need.

Interactive Sessions and Discussions
Following the presentations, the floor was opened for an interactive Q&A session.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions regarding the practices and rules of Ramadan.
The speakers provided clear and concise answers to the queries, addressing common concerns
and ensuring that everyone left with a better understanding of how to make the most of the
upcoming month.

The 13th Presentation of Traditional Madrasah Graduates was successfully held at the Davao City Recreation Center, marking a significant milestone in recognizing the academic achievements of Madrasah students. The event, which took place on the morning of February 22, brought together 211 graduates from various educational levels were presented, including Elementary level under Grade 6 (Ibtida-i) with 164 Graduates, Middle School (Mutawassit) with 6 Graduates,  High School (Thanawiy) with 30 graduates, and College (Kulliyah) with 11 Graduates. This annual celebration serves as a public display of the hard work and accomplishments of students from different communities in Davao City.  The event is supported and funded by the City Government of Davao through the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Unit.

The primary objective of this presentation was to honor the graduates and showcase the academic excellence fostered within the Madrasah system. It provided a platform for students to present their achievements in various fields of study, demonstrating how the Madrasah system has helped develop well-rounded individuals who are capable of contributing meaningfully to society. The event also emphasized the importance of integrating Islamic education with the national curriculum, enabling students to receive a holistic education.

Graduates and Participants:

A total of 211 graduates participated in the presentation, coming from different levels of education:

• Elementary Level: Students who completed their elementary education were presented with their certificates, showcasing their academic growth and commitment to learning.
• High School Level: High school graduates were recognized for their perseverance and academic achievements, preparing them for the next phase of their education or their entry into the workforce.
• College Level: A significant number of graduates from the college level were also honored, symbolizing their dedication to furthering their education and contributing to their communities with advanced knowledge.

These graduates hailed from diverse communities across Davao City, each bringing with them unique stories of perseverance and success. Their achievements not only highlight their personal efforts but also the support of their families, teachers, and communities who have worked together to ensure their success.

Program Highlights:

The event began with an opening ceremony led by distinguished guests from the Department of Education RO XI, Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (MCDPU) and the City Mayors Office and Darul Ifta XI, who all underscored the importance of education in fostering peace, unity, and progress. The program included speeches, prayer recitations, and inspirational messages from key figures in the community.

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of graduates. Each graduate walked proudly across the stage, receiving their certificates of achievement. Their families, friends, and fellow students cheered them on, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. A key moment in the ceremony was the presentation of the Valedictorian for their  Class 2024-2025, Ustadh Saddam A. Singkot, a Kulliyah graduate who demonstrated exceptional performance, both academically and in extracurricular activities.

Community Impact:

The 13th Presentation of Traditional Madrasah Graduates was not only an academic event but also a celebration of cultural pride and community resilience. The Madrasah system in Davao City has played an essential role in promoting Islamic values alongside formal education. The event underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage while empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate modern challenges.

The event also strengthened ties between the Madrasah students and the broader community, highlighting the potential for future collaboration between various sectors in ensuring the continued growth and development of the Madrasah system.