Mosque in Tawi-tawi declared as national historical landmark

MANILA--President Benigno Aquino III has declared the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, which is considered as one of the country’s oldest existing Muslim Houses of Prayer or Mosques located in Tawitawi, as a national historical landmark.

The Chief Executive signed on May 24 the Re- public Act 10573, otherwise known as “An Act Declaring the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, considered as the site of one of the oldest existing Muslim houses of prayer or mosques in the Philippines, at Tubig Indangan, Simunul, province of Tawi-Tawi, as a National Historical Landmark and for other purposes.”

The measure was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 23, 2011 and February 4, 2013, respectively.

Aquino said it is the policy of the state to preserve historical sites, monuments and other relics that repre-

sent the Filipino heritage and culture and should therefore be under the protection of the state.

Consistent with the constitutional mandate to conserve, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, the President declared the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque located at Tubig Indangam, Simunul, province of Tawi-Tawi a national historical landmark to underscore the immense contribution of the Islamic faith to the enrichment, vibrance and diversity of our culture and civilization.

The newly-declared national historical landmark Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque was constructed in 1380 A.D.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall exercise supervision over the preservation of the site and shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to fulfill its functions, the President noted.

Aquino tasked the chairman of the NHCP to immediately include in the Commission’s program the operationalization of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque as a national historical landmark, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (SDR/Sunnex)

In order to afford the people an opportunity to participate in financing the preservation, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of the shrine, the President authorized the NHCP to organize and undertake a national fund campaign for the purpose of raising funds from private sources.

The new law shall take effect 15 days after its complete publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.