"The Shariff Kabunsuan Festival kicked off in Cotabato City on Friday, an annual celebration honouring the arrival of Islam in Mindanao and its influence on the region. Footage shows several colorfully decorated boats parading along the country's second-largest river as the Bangsamoro community reenacted the arrival of Islamic missionary Shariff Kabunsuan to spread Islam on the island. "We are not merely commemorating a historical voyage. We are remembering a civilizational turning point," Aaron Jeff Usman, Chief Operations Officer of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, said. "We are honouring a legacy that continues to shape who we are, what we believe in, and how we govern ourselves as Bangsamoro," he continued. Usman said the convoy of boats plays a vital role in keeping the tradition alive and honouring the region's roots. "This very festival we celebrate today draws its name from those vessels reminding us that faith, courage, and vision once travelled upon by a wooden boat guided by the stars and conviction," he said. Bangsamoro Minister of Tourism Farserina Mohammad said Shariff Kabunsuan remains an enduring symbol of faith, unity, and good governance. "Our cultural strength is not a thing of the past; it is a living force that creates opportunities, promotes peace, and invites the world to understand who we are," she added. The procession ended at the riverbank of what is now Barangay Kalanganan 2, believed to be the site where Shariff Kabunsuan disembarked about 500 years ago. Beyond the river parade, the festival, which occurs on December 19 every year, includes street-dancing processions, bazaars, cultural performances, and heritage exhibits."