Cultural Affairs Division NCMF Zamboanga Peninsula Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City

Proposed Supplemental Work Program/Activity For C.Y. 2012

Pursuant to R.A. 9997, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos is mandated to preserve and develop the culture, tradition, institutions and well-being of Muslim Filipinos in conformity with the countrys laws and in consonance with national unity and development. In an effort to accomplish said mandate, the Cultural Affairs Division has been tasked to conduct research and studies on the cultural development of Muslim Filipino Communities, formulate and implement education program, maintain a central library, museum and audio-visual repositories of information on the Muslim Filipino people. The division is likewise responsible for the madrasah program and to oversee the conduct of the Annual Quran Reading Competition. The advocacy for the enhancement, preservation and strengthening of Muslim culture and tradition must be relentlessly pursued and sustained. One significant issue that Muslim Filipino presently confronted with is the threat of extinction of Muslim culture and tradition. The need to promote and protect indigenous Muslim culture and tradition should therefore be prioritized. The Muslim population of Zamboanga Peninsula is composed of various tribal affiliations having its own rich and colourful traditions and the preservation of these several Muslim arts and culture will promote awareness among Muslims and non-Muslims in the entire peninsula. This endeavor will likewise help boost the tourism industry in the area. Aside from the regular program of the Cultural Affairs Division, the following supplemented activities are hereby proposed: Of cultural practitioners in Zamboanga City Photo and video documentation of indigenous livelihood, Muslim artifacts, Muslim visual and performing arts and crafts.