December 19, 2020 is declared as a special non-working holiday in observance of the Shariff Kabunsuan Day.
This is in commemoration of the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago preaching Islam.
A very significant and remarkable event in honor of the arrival of the Missionary, Shariff Kabunsuan.
Who is Shariff Kabunsuan?
According to historical records, during the 16th century, the arrival of Arab Missionary Shariff Kabunsuan marks the history of Maguindanao. From Johore, he is credited to spread the Islam among the natives, which led to the establishment of the Sultanates of Maguindanao, Kabuntalan, and Rajah Buayan (which now includes GenSan, Sarangani and South Cotabato). He was on a guinakit, an active means of transportation of the locals, which landed along the banks of the Masla Pulangi, now known as Rio Grande de Mindanao.
