GOLDEN ARCH This arch installed inside the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City is all aglow and one of the many lighting installations in the compound to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday. 鈥擝angsamoro Government
COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines 鈥� Bangsamoro government Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Sunday urged people in the region to continue praying and working for peace, not only during the fasting month of Ramadan.
In his message on the first day of the fasting month, Ebrahim said he would continue to pray for peace 鈥渘ot only in the Bangsamoro but throughout the world.鈥�
He urged everyone in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM) to offer sacrifices and perform 鈥渃haritable acts of mercy for our less fortunate brethren during the fasting month.鈥�
鈥淲e have challenges in the region, the separation of Sulu in the regional bureaucracy and the upcoming first parliamentary elections,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 ask you to pray for our Sulu brothers and sisters, and for peaceful and credible elections in BARMM. Love one another regardless of our differences.鈥�
Muslims around the world devote more time to prayer and meditation, extending charity, especially food for those who have less in life, performed as a religious obligation during Ramadan.
Before the fasting began, Ebrahim ordered adjustment of work hours for Muslim officials and employees in all BARMM ministries, offices and agencies.
Instead of the regular 8 a.m.-to-5 p.m. work hours, BARMM personnel will work from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to an order pursuant to Presidential Decree 291, which provides for the implementation of Muslim holidays and relevant Civil Service Commission resolutions.
Ebrahim said the adjustment aims to accommodate the religious practices of Muslim officials and employees while ensuring compliance with the required 40-hour workweek under civil service regulations.
Mohagher Iqbal, BARMM education minister, also urged fellow Muslims to devote more time for reflections, devotion and renewal of faith.
鈥淩amadan is not only a period of fasting but also an opportunity for self-discipline, generosity and strengthening our connection with Allah. It is a time when we embody the values of patience, gratitude, and compassion鈥攑rinciples that guide us in our service to the Bangsamoro people,鈥� Iqbal said. 鈥擡dwin Fernandez