Around 1,000 participants from across the two cities of Isabela and Lamitan and the 11 municipalities of Basilan, including madrasah administrators, chairmen of associations, representatives of organizations, security sector representatives, and foreign graduates, gathered on September 30 for the Basilan Ulama Summit 2025 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center.
With the theme “Strengthening Ulama Unity for a Better Basilan,” the event was organized by the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council with support from the City Government of Isabela and the Provincial Government of Basilan.
External Vice Chairman of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council Abdulmuhmin Mujahid opened the program with welcome remarks, stressing the vital role of the Ulama. “Tayo pong mga Ulama, tayo po ay dapat kabilang sa pinaka-aktibong miyembro ng lipunan, para sa kinabukasan ng Basilan,” he said. Former Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud then acknowledged and introduced the representatives from the different municipalities.
Meanwhile, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman underscored the importance of solidarity among Ulama. “Nais nating mapalakas ang ugnayan ng mga Ulama upang ang Basilan ay mas maunlad at magkaisa,” she said. She also raised concern about the youth: “Medyo nakakabahala ang estado ng ating mga kabataan, bigyan po natin ng pagtutok ang ating mga kabataan. Siguro kailangan po nating pag-isipan kung paano maaabot ‘yung mga kabataang wala sa madrasah. Handa po ang LGU na makipagtulungan sa inyo.”
Council of Elders CEO and SPDA Chairman Gerry Salapuddin likewise delivered a strong reminder about the Ulama’s influence in shaping public life. “The voice of the people is the voice of God. Islam is a religion of peace,” he said, while cautioning against misinformation: “News today is not always necessarily the truth. Kaya maging maingat tayo.” He further emphasized: “The Muslim scholars are the heirs of the prophets,” urging the Ulama to remain moral guides and voices of wisdom in society.
Adding a national presence, Queenie Padilla, daughter of Senator Robin Padilla, conveyed her father’s message: “Sana po maging inspirasyon ang ganitong programa, in all Philippines.” Messages of support also came from the security sector, with 101st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Frederick Sales and Basilan Police Provincial Office Director PLTCOL Cerrazid Umabong, represented by his deputy, both expressing commitment to work hand-in-hand with the Ulama in building peace and security in the province.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman likewise delivered his message, presenting his administration’s plans for 2026. He shared that resources will be directed toward education, health, livelihood, environment, and infrastructure, with a particular focus on supporting madrasah. “Mabilis ang development ng Basilan kung tayo’y magkaisa,” the governor emphasized.
The summit also featured lectures from Ulama leaders. Chairman Aboulkhair Tarason of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council spoke on the role of Ulama as models of unity, emphasizing how their leadership should inspire peace and harmony. Council Member Mohammad Bashier Ismael further highlighted the importance of collective action, pointing out that unity among Ulama is key in addressing the needs of the community.
Municipal representatives were also given the chance to share their initiatives as well as the pressing challenges faced by madrasah—from limited facilities and resources to the urgent need for stronger community support.
To cap the discussions, Basilan Ulama Supreme Council Internal Vice President Dr. Alzad Sattar synthesized the key points of the summit, stressing that the shared insights and commitments should serve as a roadmap for collective action moving forward.
Also present were Basilan First District Board Members Amin Hataman and Atty. Faigdar Jaafar, who both extended their support and expressed readiness to work with the Ulama in pushing for policies that strengthen education and peacebuilding.
The program concluded with the closing remarks and du’a of Kulliyatul Furqan President Munir Muluk, who prayed for continued unity, wisdom, and guidance for the Ulama of Basilan.
In the end, the Basilan Ulama Summit 2025 became more than just a gathering. It stood as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and unity, anchored on the Ulama’s shared responsibility of guiding Basilan toward peace, progress, and solidarity. (Words by KJ Lim and E. Banding-Hadjala/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
