By: Datu Saidali M. Malic

Once again, The Maranao community and leaders of various community organizations, under the umbrella of the Federation of Maranao Association in Saudi (FEMAS) were gathered, marking the FEMAS 6^th ceremonial turnover and installation of its new set of millenium officers for the year 2000-2001. The warm crowd assembly was held on 15/09/2000 at the Philippine Embassy, Diplomatic quarter under the auspicious presence of his Excellency, Ambassador Rafael Seguis together with his Vice Consul and Administrative officer, Honorable Ezzedin Tago and other embassy officials.

The occasion was formally called to order by the Toastmaster of the Evening, Datu Saleh Bucay (Former FEMAS deputy Secretary General), who held the momentum of the evening and led the entire program until it was concluded. The program proper was graciously opened by reading few beautiful verses from the Holy Qur’an, rendered by  one of the Maranao’s “Qur’an-reading national contestant”, Ustadz Alimodin Ampaso.  It was then a great silence of peace and serenity while the Qur’an was being read, touching every individual’s soul that somehow uplifted the audience’s spirit and opened their minds to the remembrance of  Allah (S.W.T.).  Then the audience was warmly welcomed by the Pangampong a Baloi Brotherhood Associations’ Council of Elder, Datu Abdullah Cali who is also a member of the Philippine Embassy Diplomatic Mission.

One of the important guests who graced the said occasion was the Maranao’s economist and Islamic adviser, Dr. Omar Mababaya who was then asked to deliver an Islamic message.  He left the audience with some of his universal messages and inspirational ideas, with emphasis on the necessity of being proactive, the seriousness and importance of responsibility, vision, communication, knowledge and above all, to put all those into action.  He emphasized also the importance of communication in order to understand others and to be understood, too.

Then it was followed by a short talk by Congressman Nawawi Mabaning, representing the Overseas Filipino Workers Congress, who also happened to be a former Secretary General of the same organization (FEMAS).  One of his important remarks is the FEMAS citation and its great achievement of  “giving birth” to another organization, which is the formation of the Ranao Toastmasters Club. This Club is an affiliated and chartered member of Toastmasters International of which Mr. Mabaning served as the first and charter president.  Moreover, he addressed the audience with his very amazing and inspiring story, signifying the importance of prioritizing commitments wisely and effectively to its optimum use, especially the big rocks in our lives, such as our family, friends and education.

The FEMAS organizer, Dr. Alexander Lucman followed immediately with his important traditional message, addressing the sad plight of the displaced Moro evacuees who are now scattered in different evacuation centers in Mindanao, as a result of the fiery situation and war in Southern Philippines.  He presented the very displeasing scenario of the war victims and called for immediate assistance.  Dr. Lucman cited some of the roles and endeavors of FEMAS, which are not only for its members’ welfare but in fact, it is extended up to the national level, not only to the Muslims in the South but to other Kababayans as well.  This was proven by the FEMAS  involvement in soliciting financial assistance extended to the victims of  the earthquake in Baguio some years ago, in addition to the continuous solicitation of relief goods and shelter being provided to the MORO evacuees at the cost and efforts of FEMAS.

Later in the program, the guest of honor, Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis was formally introduced by his very own  Third Secretary and Administrative Officer, Hon. Ezzedin Tago who was also a guest.   Foremost, the Ambassador commended the outgoing officers for a great success and wished the incoming officers for a challenging responsibility.  Like Dr. Lucman, he also expressed his sincerest concern on the Mindanao problems.  While he believed on some of the MILF concerns,  he called all Maranao leaders who were present in the said gathering,  to convey his message to our leaders back home especially the MILF to have a compromise with the government, to lay down their arms and talk to the government for  a meaningful autonomy.   According to him, the government shall never grant independence to MILF or to any group as it would purport disintegration.  He ended with an appeal for unity as one nation. 

Datu Nawawai Mabaning (Former FEMAS Secretary General) presented the new set of officers and the General Secretariat who were all formally inducted by the Ambassador.   Then the outgoing (FEMAS) Secretary General, Datu Allan Macabangkit delivered his turn over speech, emphasizing some of the important objectives of FEMAS as it has always been executed and aimed from the past.  He also expressed the FEMAS loyalty in supporting the current administration of the Philippine Embassy. Then he thanked all dedicated members of FEMAS for their support, and finally endorsed with great wish of success, the leadership of (FEMAS) to the newly elected Secretary General, Datu Ali Habib Batua.  Followed by an acceptance speech, which was over whelming burst out by Habib Batua.  He was filled with courage and optimism to work devotedly under his term, seeking the utmost cooperation of his co-officers and dedicated members to continue cherishing FEMAS, calling their support to unite further and build a strong ONE family. 

Then the program was finally concluded at 8:30 P.M.  The President of Ranao Toastmasters Club, Datu Saidali M. Malic formally closed the program with a message: “The success of any organization depends mainly on the cooperation between the leader and his followers”.  This should be characterized by one of the ancestors’ sayings, which goes “Love and pity the youngsters and respect the elders”. So as to say, Love and pity your followers and respect your leaders.  Hereafter, Datu Saleh Bucay finally thanked the audience and distinguished guests and invited them for the dinner as compliments from FEMAS.

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By Federation of Maranao Associations in Saudi
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