City sets aside P3.9M in aid for 18 pilgrims

THE City Govern-ment of Davao allocated P3,870,000 budget for 18 Muslim-Dabawenyos who are set to join the pilgrimage to Mecca this year.

The 18 pilgrims, who will receive P215,000 each, are Anwar Oma, Kadil Impi Adilin, Aslean Osani, Talibean Lojo, Masil Ahalul, Mustapha Aynin, Esmael Adam, PO3 Taha Nor Akmad, Radjail Adin, Alice Abubacar, Alimoddin Abdul Mannan, Macabayao Apadan, Oden Nonongan, Jainar Tangayon, Imran Maongco, Sali Matanul Sahibuddin, Alexander Castillo and a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Duterte said Hajj fees cost around P183,812 each. The city is also giving them an allowance worth P31,188.

“Taon-taon ang pag sponsor ng city for Hajj para sa mga kapatid natin na Muslim. I remember inumpishan ko ‘to in 1990s. Ang standard ko naman ay yung isang mabait na Muslim, sumusunod sa teachings ng Islam at wala talagang pera. Kasi yung mga mayaman, hindi na kailangan tulungan kasi marami ng pera yan,” he said during their meeting at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Friday.

He said Davao City religious leaders or Muslim political leaders will join this year’s pilgrimage.

“Ang pagpunta niyo sa Mecca ay hindi isang pasyal lang. it’s a pilgrimage of

sacrifice. Panahon na, gusto ni Allah na pumunta na kayo doon,” he said.

In a talk during the ceremonial turnover of the budget allocation, PO3 Akmad told Duterte that going on a pilgrimage to Mecca has been his lifelong dream but the hefty price of the journey was always a barrier.

He said he is thankful he was chosen as one of the pilgrims this year. ANC she added as she wiped her tears.

“Nature of the white water is very powerful. It would only take five minutes for a person to die under an undercut rock with fast water current. In kayaking, no matter what you do, you have to deal with the nature of the wilderness,” said Mark Joffe, head of the International Rafting Federation. SSCDO