Leaders from Mindanao gathered in Cagayan de Oro City to celebrate the life and contributions of the late Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul, who passed away at 94. Rasul, the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Philippine Senate, was remembered for her dedication to education, women’s rights, and marginalized communities.
Amina Rasul, daughter of the senator and a civic leader herself, spoke of her mother’s gentle nature and her fierce advocacy for education and literacy. She highlighted her mother’s long-standing commitment to serving the youth and adults struggling with literacy since the 1960s.
The senator’s body was scheduled to be taken to the Blue Mosque in Taguig City before being transported to Jolo, Sulu, for burial next to her husband, the former Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abraham Rasul.
Representative Ziaur-Rahman Adiong from Lanao del Sur’s 1st District lauded Rasul’s efforts in advancing women’s rights and supporting marginalized groups, describing her as a pioneer in public service.
Samira Gutoc, another civic leader, acknowledged Rasul’s significant impact on education through her work with the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., which focuses on promoting literacy, reducing poverty, and fostering peace in Mindanao.
Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman praised Rasul’s commitment to public service, emphasizing her role in promoting women’s development and empowerment.
The Mindanao State University – Tawi Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography also honored Rasul, recognizing her tenure as a senator from 1987 to 1995 and her legislative achievements, including the establishment of National Women’s Day through Republic Act 6949 and the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act (Republic Act 7192), which prohibited discrimination against women and opened opportunities for women in the Philippine Military Academy.
