After a year of existence, The Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM) is viewed with ambivalence by the Muslim communities.  On one hand, some look at the CMM as an effective partner in the pursuit of the noble societal goals of peace, tolerance, and progress.  On the other hand, other sectors may perceive the CMM as the competitor in the provision of services to the community.  In both cases, everybody is happy that there are many allies in the search for the good. CMM is one reliable ally.

     The desire to please every Tom, Dick, and Harry is primordial in the minds and hearts of the CMM staff.  But such objective is easier said than done.  CMM, therefore, has to content itself with merely exerting its best effort to make everybody happy.

     Although there can be a wide gap between promise and performance, the people behind CMM believe that their achievements have surpassed the expectations they have laid down for the past year.  Here is a rundown of their activities during the past years:

a)   UNIVERSAL MESSAGE – This monthly newspaper is distributed in all mosques in Metro Manila and Mindanao during Fridays. Its website (www.mindanaoresearch.com) is also an effective avenue in drawing interests towards the advocacies of the Center.  Embassies and important institutions are also recipients.   

b)    QUR’AN READING  (focus on peace and tolerance) – The Qur’an reading competitions sponsored by the CMM set a venue for discussion on the merits of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and demonstration among the Muslims.  This also provides a kind of attraction among Muslims folks and an avenue towards going back to the fold of religiosity and piety in a manner that nurtures good values for the audience and participants.

c)   QUIZ BEE – The Quiz Bee sponsored by the CMM has always been well-attended with the active participation of the ulama and local traditional leaders. This activity has always been a hit in every locality where it is implemented. The questions pose challenge not only to the participants but also to the audience for them to hone and brush up on their knowledge about Islam.

d)   FORUMS – The forums sponsored by the CMM are always in coordination with local organizations representing various sectors including the youth, women, madrasah organizations or professionals.

e)   CABLE TV (Channel 6 Lanao del Sur) – The local cable television program in Marawi City is aired three times a week (Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday). The program’s format includes a panel discussion on specified topic based on the issues prevailing at the time of airing.  Discussants include CMM consultants and administrative staff.  Authorities on specified topics are invited to shed light on the issues being discussed.

f)    RADIO PROGRAMS (DXCO, DXUM, DXXX) – As in other CMM activities, the radio programs dwell on imparting the moderate teachings of Islam to its listeners.  This has a wider coverage because more Filipino Muslims in Mindanao own radios, not television sets.  According to statistics, DXCO in Marawi City is heard by more than 500,000 listeners, DXUM in Davao City has more than 1,000,000 listeners, and DXXX in Zamboanga City has more than 600,000 listeners.

g)   NATIONAL TV APPEARANCES – The activities of the CMM catch the attention of the various tri-media in the country.  And because of that, its officers are featured in television programs showcasing the noble activities of the Centers. CMM officer’s appearances on national television have helped the Center in promoting its goals to the Muslims and non-Muslims.  In this manner, the Center’s goal is to create wider acceptance among its viewers. This also forms part of the information campaign of the Center to target areas.  We have so far appeared on Linawin Natin (IBC 13), Strictly Politics (ANC), NET 25, Talk Back (ANC), Saksi (GMA7), Jessica Soho Reports (GMA7),etc.

h)   MEDIA EXPOSURE (On National Issues) – When issues of national magnitude are in question, media always seek the opinion of CMM because of the popularity the Center has, owing to its numerous activities.  Apparently, CMM is one of few Muslim organizations that media recognizes.

i)    FREE COMPUTER PROGRAM – CMM’s free Computer Literacy Program was implemented in partnership with the CBCP, the highly recognized and influential organization of Bishops in the country.  The primary goal is to give opportunities to the Muslim out-of-school-youth to finish high school through modular computer education.

j)    SPORTS (Muslim Youth and interfaith) – Through sports, CMM reaches out to the youth who are apathetic to the current issues.  Participation in Interfaith Sports events gave the Muslim Youth a chance to mingle with non-Muslims and thus practice the teachings of peaceful co-existence and tolerance.       

k)   PHYSICAL FITNESS (Women) – This is a chance for women to indulge in physical activities and to be health conscious.

l)    ISLAMIC TEACHINGS WITH COOKING LESSONS FOR WOMEN ­ - Many women participate in this Regular Sunday Program.  They come to listen to lectures and discussions in Islam.  Different ulama are invited for certain topics. This attracts the women who are given the chance to be in touch with friends outside of their regular schedules as mothers and wives.

m) DAY CARE FOR MUSLIM KIDS – This is to introduce children to the basics of Islam in their growing-up years.

n)   IMAM AND BILAL FORUM – A new CMM program, this will make the values of peace, patience, selflessness, and moderation regular topics of sermons in the Mosques.

o)   DRAWING AND SKETCHING LESSONS FOR KIDS – Another come-on for the whole family.

p)   INTERFAITH DIALOGUE – This maintain the circulation of the CMM leadership in all sectors of Philippine society. The interfaith has millions of members nationwide.

     All told, CMM wants to touch the hearts of everybody. We are all partners, anyway, in the pursuit of whatever is GOOD. Let’s keep it that way, always!

March 2005