"Molding the Youth through Dunya-Akhirat Education"
Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte – January 30, 2025 – A significant milestone was reached today as the Ibn Taimiyah Foundation Academy, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking of a new covered court, a project donated by Member of Parliament Engr. Aida Silongan of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), under the Trust Fund for Development and Implementation Framework (TDIF). The project will be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), and to be executed by the private contractor, Barrist Builders and Construction Supplies, led by Engr. Prince Mumbas.
The ceremony commenced at 9:00 AM, drawing an enthusiastic gathering of stakeholders, including staff from MP Engr. Silongan’s office, representatives from the MBHTE regional and division offices, the local Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), and school management. The event began with an invocation led by Ustadz Abdulnasser Mamaluba, a Grade 1 ISAL teacher, followed by the singing of the national anthem and the BARMM hymn, conducted by Ms. Fahima Mustapha, head of the school’s Elementary Department.
School President Zulcarnain I. Garay, MPA, welcomed attendees with heartfelt opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of community support in education. This was followed by an inspiring Islamic motivational speech from Ustadz Jan Areef Mascud, the moral enhancer officer of MBHTE, who highlighted the role of education in shaping future leaders. Expressing gratitude for the project, Ustadz Abdulbashir Sarikula, representing the Barangay captain of Crossing Simuay, underscored the collaborative efforts that made this initiative possible. Sir Acub S. Duluan, Division’s Physical Facilities Coordinator and representative of the SDO – Maguindanao del Norte, further stressed the project’s significance for the students’ and teachers’ well-being. Engr. Datu Bukhar Ayob, the MBHTE project supervisor and representative of Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, affirmed the ministry’s full support and commitment to the successful implementation of the project. Sir Ping Limbak, supervising political affairs officer from MP Engr. Aida Silongan’s office, elaborated on the initiative’s necessity in response to the growing school population, highlighting its potential impact on the new generation of Bangsamoro.
In his closing remarks, the school principal expressed pride in the project, noting that four of the workers are alumni, including Abdulmohaimen Anting, a former student. He famously quoted, “from wata na markadz to wata na barmm,” a phrase trending on social media, to emphasize the transformative journey of the institution. He concluded with a commitment to holistic education, stating, “ITFA will always be a Madrasah a makawata endu wata a maka madrasah,” reinforcing the school’s dedication to nurturing both academic and spiritual growth. As the groundwork begins, the new covered court is anticipated to become a vibrant hub for sports, social gatherings, and spiritual activities, embodying the academy’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education for its students.