The Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM) prepared for the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan by sponsoring a parade of the participants of its various programs.  More than one thousand (1,000) beneficiaries joined the occasion to make the atmosphere in Maharlika Village, Taguig lively to herald the coming of Ramadhan on August 31, 2008.  Among the departments represented in the parade were: CMM-Hamdani Day Care Program, Madrasah-Montessori Program, CMM-TESDA Livelihood Program, Tartil (Qur’an Reading) Training Program, Youth and Scholarship Program, Sunday Women’s Group, Computer Literacy Program, and CMM Youth Quiapo. The Maharlika Village Homeowners’ Association (MAVILHOMA), represented by Bensaudie Lumenda (Blue Mosque Administrator), also joined the parade to show support to the CMM programs.

The CMM-Hamdani Day Care pupils donned their new uniforms donated by the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM) during the parade.

Along the way, the CMM staff distributed Ramadhan calendars for the use of each household in determining the time for imsak (eating at dawn) and iftar (breaking of fast during sunset). This is the first time that the Village of 50,000 residents witnessed such a parade to welcome Ramadhan with a festive air. The occasion was capped by the distribution of grocery items to all the beneficiaries of CMM at its Headquarters in Taguig City. Similar programs and activities were also held in the CMM offices in Marawi City, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Jolo, Cebu, and Tawi-tawi.

Comm. Taha Basman (CMM President) also announced that the usual Ramadhan programs of CMM such as Iftar in different mosques, Qur’an Reading competition and exhibition, Quiz bees for the youth, media programs on spirituality, sports for all ages, and various lectures of the ulama (religious leaders) on the moral values imparted by the proper observance of fasting still continue in selected mosques and communities nationwide. Ramadhan Kareem to all!

Bags of groceries were given to all participants of CMM programs to signal a happy observance of Ramadhan.