Quezon City, Metro Manila – 587 Muslim pilgrims from Lanao del Norte departed for Mecca, Saudi Arabia on October 12, 2011 to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars – the Hajj (pilgrimage).

This was the biggest number of pilgrims who availed of the Hajj program of the provincial government since it started on 2002.

“The increasing number of pilgrims in the Hajj program is a testament of its importance and effectiveness in addressing the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters who wish to take their hajj”, Program Head Lyndon Calica said.

As the birthplace of prophet Muhammad and a site of the composition of the Quran, Mecca is regarded as the holiest city in Islam.

The annual Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God.

“Governor Khalid Dimaporo gives equal support to the two biggest ethic and religious groups in the province – the Maranaos (Muslims) and the Christians. For the Christian constituents, every month of January Governor Dimaporo is sending a delegation to the biggest fiesta celebration in the country – the Sinulog. The Hajj program is intended for our Muslim residents”, Calica explained.

Under the Hajj program, pilgrims receive assistance in securing their passport and other required travel documents. Enrolled pilgrims are also reserved airline seats for their flight to Saudi Arabia. As part of the program, the provincial LGU also help facilitate for the transportation needs of the pilgrims from Lanao del Norte to Manila as well as book their hotel accommodations while waiting for their scheduled international flight.

Last year, 427 pilgrims from Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur availed of this unique program by the provincial government.

“Governor Dimaporo has accepted hajj applicants from Lanao del Sur because he believes that they too deserve this kind of assistance for this special once-in-a-lifetime journey”, Calica added.

Composing the Hajj organizing team are personnel from the Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) and the Provincial Information Office (PIO).

“We are truly thankful to Governor Khalid Dimaporo for supporting this (Hajj) program. Many of us who are availing of the Hajj program this year were convinced by pilgrims of the previous years of the effectiveness of the program”, expressed University Professor Pili Salem.

The Hajj proper officially starts on November 4 and will end on November 9. VNL/PIO-LDN