Maranao activist calls for reform

By Frank E. Dosdos, Jr.
Correspondent

ILIGAN City — A former Bangsamoro Basic Law Transition Commissioner and self-proclaimed activist called for reform among the Maranaos to achieve peace and development in the ruined City of Marawi and the province of Lanao del Sur.

In her speech during the launching by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) last Sunday at the Iligan City National High School Auditorium, of the massive skills training program for Marawi evacuees now settled in Iligan City Evacuation Centers and homes of relatives, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis called on all Maranaos to reform themselves.

Mentioning what she said were verses from the Holy Qur’an, she said that, “If you kill one person (it’s) as if you killed the whole of humanity.”

She also said that “Allah will not reform you. You must work to reform yourself,” telling reporters later that these words came from the Hadith or Teachings of Prophet Mohammad.

It was learned that the massive skills training is part of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda of the government as it now moves to make Marawi rise again.

Gutoc-Tomawis raise her voice and proclaimed, “Bangon Marawi” to which the audience shouted in unison, “Marawi, Bangon.”

She exhorted everyone to avail of the privilege and opportunity to learn livelihood and occupational skills that  the government through Tesda is offering free that they may be able to participate actively using their acquired skills in rebuilding Marawi City.