Davao City’s First Balik Islam Congress Champions Inclusion and Unity

From the margins to the spotlight: Davao’s Balik Islam community gains recognition. How this historic gathering is reshaping the city’s cultural and social landscape.

, and Administrator

2025 November 20 . 7:21 AM

1 min read

In this image in the center there is one mosque, and in the background there are some buildings. On... — In this image in the center there is one mosque, and in the background there are some buildings. On the right side and left side there are some trees, at the bottom there is gate and some trees and there is a walkway and some plants and also we could see some poles, boards, plants and some vehicles. On the right side there is one building, railing and at the top there is sky.

Davao City’s First Balik Islam Congress Champions Inclusion and Unity

Davao City has hosted its first Balik Islam Congress, marking a significant step in recognizing the community's role in local culture. The event brought together sectoral leaders, city officials, and security forces to highlight the contributions of those who have embraced Islam after practicing other faiths. Organizers described it as a milestone for inclusion and dialogue in the city.

The Congress was organized by the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office and Task Force Davao. It aimed to shift the Balik Islam community from the margins to the center of discussions on peace and unity. Abdul Hakeem Omalay, chief of staff for Balik Islam Davao City, explained that the event sought to raise public awareness about the sector's existence and its formal recognition by the city.

The Balik Islam Congress 2025 has placed the community at the forefront of Davao City's cultural and social discussions. With expanded representation and official recognition, the sector is now positioned to play a more active role in local peacebuilding efforts. The event also underscored the city's commitment to fostering unity through inclusive policies.