Over a hundred Islamic religious leaders, members of the Islamic studies academe, non-government organizations, Islamic educators and community advocates all over Central Mindanao had convened for the first time to hold the first Regional Islamic Summit on Environmental Governance here from July 7–9, 2007.
Dubbed as Khalifatul Ardh or Steward of the Earth. the 3-day Summit aims to raise awareness of environmental governance, get the involvement of stakeholders in environmental governance advocacy and encourage the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to enact effective environmental laws derived from the religious teachings of Islam.
The release of Al Khalifa is the highlight of the Summit; the sourcebook that will discuss environmental governance in ethical, religious and technical aspects.
City Mayor Muslimin Sema welcomed the activity emphasizing the sourcebook as “the practical applications of Islamic teachings to environmental care.”
Gracing the summit is the presence of US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenny, stressing, “this initiative is unique for this is the first time people from all sectors met and came up with a guide book that will help every Muslim be a responsible environmental steward in Islam way.”
ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan’s on the other hand stated his concern on the environment of the region in his State of the Region Address (SORA) thru implementation of programs that will intensify reforestation and rehabilitation of all coastal and marine resources as well as enforcing laws and policies protecting the rights of cultural communities from environmental degradation.
The Summit is a joint effort of the City of Government of Cotabato, Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines, Notre Dame University-Accelerated Teachers Education Porgram, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-ARMM and U.S. Agency for International Development/EcoGov2 Project. (BPI-ARMM)
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