ILIGAN CITY – For a Muslim woman, the mokna she received during a relief operations for displaced Marawi residents was an important component on fulfilling her obligations as a worshipper.
Maria Mamangkao was one of the beneficiaries who received relief packs from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on June 18.
Mokna, the prayer garb used by Muslim women, was among the relief packs given by OPAPP to four evacuation centers and three communities of displaced Marawi residents that are located in Iligan.
“Ginagamit namin itong mokna limang beses sa isang araw. Dapat may dalawa kang ganito dahil kapag naghihilamos ka ay nababasa at bumabaho,” Maria explained.
Maria was thankful for the mokna given to her since it was an answered prayer from her last night’s wish for a prayer garb she needs and will use during their prayer time.
“Kapag nag-pray kami, marami sa amin ang umiiyak. Alam niyo kung bakit? Buong buhay namin hindi kami nag-pray ng walang mokna. Kaya napaiyak kami kahit mga matatanda dahil ngayon lang kami nakasimba na walang mokna,” Maria narrated.
She also told that she was planning to buy a new mokna to replace the old one she left when they flee away from conflict in Marawi. But the relief operations from OPAPP made her decide not to buy anymore.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza, together with other OPAPP officials and staff, led the relief distribution for Marawi residents who evacuated the city due to ongoing conflict.
Aside from relief distribution, Dureza led the Iftar or breaking of the fast for Muslim evacuees who are currently fasting as part of Ramadan.
Starting June 18 until the end of Ramadan on June, OPAPP will host the daily Iftar for Muslim evacuees. These activities are part of the social healing program and early recovery plan of OPAPP to affected communities in Marawi. ###
