The book, titled “HRH Tomas Lluisma Cabili and the Royal House of Sultan ā Dimaśangkay Ko Ranao,” was co-written by genealogist Nasser Sharief and The Royal House of Cabili.
The launching was made to coincide with Cabili’s birthday.
The book features personal stories and tightly kept photographs from the late senator’s childhood, his years as an assemblyman, lawmaker, and sultan to his last moments as the “most-revered successor” of People’s President Ramon Magsaysay.
Cabili was among those who died with Magsaysay following a plane crash in 1957.
Tomas Cabili Jr., also known as Tomas Pastor, president of the Tomas Cabili Peace Foundation, said the book compels readers to contemplate what Mindanao and the Philippines could have been and reconnects with people his ideas that were forgotten.
“As I flip through the pages of the book, I see the personal stories, photographs of my father. I feel both sadness and joy of the wonderful memories we shared together. I welcome and ask you to join me in the coming chapters of my journey as I continue to live out my father’s legacy,” the younger Cabili said.
“My father’s legacy is one of service, integrity, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of the Mindanaoan people. He was a dynamic force in fighting for Muslim rights, and may his lasting legacy continue to inspire people to promote peace and development in the region,” he added.
Pastor was crowned as the second Sultan ā Dimaśangkay Ko Ranao 65 years ago, in lieu of his father.
The coffee-table book reveals Cabili’s vision of Philippine politics, his efforts to promote the Christian-Muslim peace process during his time, and why his ideals remain relevant to Philippine society today.
Cabili was born in Marawi, Lanao del Sur. He attended schools in Iligan City, Zamboanga and Cebu.
He completed his law degree at the Philippine College of Law in 1929.
In 1934, he was appointed the Justice of the Peace of the Municipal District of Lanao, as well as of Dansalan (which is now Marawi).
He became a delegate to the Constitutional Assembly.
In 1935, he was elected assemblyman for his district in the First National Assembly, serving on the committees on agriculture, codes, franchises, provincial and municipal government, the national language, public instruction, Mindanao and special provinces, appropriations, civil service, and public lands.
He was the only delegate to the Constitutional Convention who did not sign the 1935 Constitution for the reason that it failed to provide adequate protection for Muslims.
Cabili also served as secretary of the National Defense during the administration of former President Sergio Osmeña and spearheaded efforts to free the Philippines from the Americans.
In addition to the coffee-table book, the Tomas Cabili Peace Foundation will also launch the Tomas Cabili Fellowship Award to recognize individuals in Asia who champion universal values, culture, and peace processes.
The foundation’s mission is rooted in Senator Cabili’s vision for a better future for Mindanao and the country as a whole, and encourages others to pursue the same ideals. (SunStar Philippines)