Capitol opens door for Muslim community for Eid al-Adha

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Capitol opened its grounds to the Muslim community for the observance of Eid al-Adha for the first time.

This as Muslim community also pushed for the establishment of a local Muslim Affairs office to address long-standing concerns involving government services, representation, and cultural inclusion.

Hundreds of Muslims from Cebu City and nearby areas gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 27, for congregational prayers and fellowship during Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.

Muslim leader Arlene Sanoh-Salahuddin, consultant and spokesperson of the Salaam Police Advocacy Group in Central Visayas, said the gathering represented a significant milestone for the Muslim community in Cebu.

“This is very significant because this is the first time in the past 500 years that the Capitol opened the gates for the congregation of the Muslim community to pray for Eid’l Adha,” she said.

She said the gathering was intended to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in the province, while encouraging broader participation in community-building efforts.

“With that, we wanted the entire Cebu Province to see that the Muslim communities are friends and can get along even with non-Muslims. God-willing this will be the start,” she said.

An estimated 500 to 600 participants attended the event, coming from different parts of Cebu including Danao City, Toledo City, Talisay City, and nearby areas.

Alongside the Eid observance, Muslim leaders renewed their call for the establishment of a provincial Muslim Affairs office, which they said would address gaps in government services and strengthen representation for Muslim communities.

The proposed office is expected to centralize assistance for documentation, certifications, and coordination with various government agencies.

Sanoh-Salahuddin said discussions on the initiative are already in the final stages.

“What the Cebu Capitol would want is that at least naay ta centralized help even if we start with a very small staffing only so as long as we are able to start it,” she said.

She noted that the office could be established as early as June, although final details are still being worked out.

Sanoh-Salahuddin also highlighted ongoing concerns in hospitals, particularly in relation to Muslim burial practices and cultural requirements.

She explained that Muslim families traditionally require immediate burial within 12 hours and do not practice embalming, which has caused delays in some cases under standard procedures.

“Sauna kinahanglan pa gyud moagi sa punerarya and everything. So karon, we’re actually making sure nga kami na jud ang mopull out para di na sad hasul sa mga kuan nato sa DOH,” she said.

She said coordination with health authorities has already started in selected areas, including Talisay, as part of efforts to streamline processes for Muslim families.

She also pointed out that improvements are still ongoing across the province, particularly in ensuring responsiveness in both health and administrative systems.

Sanoh-Salahuddin further emphasized the need for better statistical data and registration systems for Muslims in Cebu to guide government planning.

She estimated that around 26,000 Muslims currently live in the province, though documentation efforts are still being improved to capture more accurate figures.

Steps are also being taken to make identification and registration processes more accessible for Muslim residents, as part of efforts to strengthen inclusion and access to services.

She also observed that Muslims in Cebu are becoming more visible in public life as fear of discrimination gradually decreases.

“If you notice and mga Muslim nakagawas-gawas na sila karon, nagkadaghan-daghan na since di na kaayo sila murag mahadlok ‘going out in the open’,” she said.

Sanoh-Salahuddin added that Muslim groups in Cebu have consistently supported disaster response efforts, including during Typhoon Odette, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic, although formal representation remains a continuing concern.(MyTVCebu)