PHL bags awards in intl Qur'an event in Malaysia

The Philippines was recognized in an international Qur’an recital assembly in Malaysia last July 16 to 23, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. Philippine delegates won second and fifth place in the men and women’s category, respectively, at the 53rd International Qur’an Reciters’ Assembly at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. “Saudi Gandisa of Cotabato won second place in the men’s category, while Rahima Panondiongan of Marawi City won fifth place in the women’s category," the DFA said in a news release. Malaysia won first place both in men and women’s categories, the DFA said, adding that 81 male and female participants from 50 countries competed in the event. Accompanying the Filipino Qur’an readers were National Commission of Muslim Filipinos commissioner Raida Maglangit and Second Secretary and Consul Gonaranao Musor. — JE, GMA News