Ramadhan Trade Fair opens

THE FIRST Bangsamoro Ramadan Trade Fair was launched on Wednesday inside the Bangsamoro People’s Complex in Cotabato City. Rosslaini Sinarimbo, officer-in-charge of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, said there will be more stalls than the previous years’ fairs and the area will be able to accommodate more guests this year. “We would like to send the message that this is more family-friendly. You can stay longer than usual because it’s not congested. We will provide more tables and chairs so people can relax,” Ms. Sinarimbo said. A total of 73 stalls featuring food and non-food items from the different provinces of the Bangsamoro region are participating. Aside from the month-long trade fair, the different ministries of the regional government will spearhead programs such as Islamic symposiums every night. Ramadan, as explained by the Islamic Networks Group, is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest for Muslims. During this period, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk “as a means of learning self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.” — Tajallih S. Basman