by: Pillars Central News
Subic Town, Zambales – Six high-ranking elected officials of the province were enthroned as rajahs and princesses at the Subic Sports Complex, Brgy. Wawandue of this town on April 20, 2025.
During the Morod and Multaqa 2025 of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun, Congressman Jay Khonghun, Congresswoman Bing Maniquiz, Castillejos Mayor Jeff Khonghun, and Subic Town Mayor Jon Khonghun were enthroned.
With the theme, The Sultanate of Phangampong A Pilipinas Da’Wah Solidarity, the male local officials were given the title Rajah while the female local officials were given the title Prinsesa.
Congresswoman Maniquiz said that when she was still a child, it was one of her dreams to become a princess. “I am very much elated that this dream has become a reality with this enthronement ceremony. Thank you to the Sultans of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for giving me the title of the Princess of the Second District of Zambales,” she said.
She added that this activity has solidified the unity between the Muslim community of Zambales and the local government of the second district of the province, citing that she will forever be grateful for the title rendered to her.
Congressman Khonghun also expressed his gratitude to the group for giving him the title as the Rajah ng Unang Distrito Ng Zambales.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ebdane was given the title of Rajah ng Zambales, Vice Governor Jaq as Prinsesa ng Zambales, Congresswoman Maniquiz as Prinsesa ng Ikalawang Distrito ng Zambales, Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun as Rajah ng Castillejos; and Mayor Jon Khonghun as Rajah ng Subic.
The newly crowned Rajahs were given kris sword, sash, and certificate that authenticates their positions, while the newly crowned Prinesas were given sash, malong, and certificate as well.
The ceremony was led by Sultan ng Pilipinas Bob Datimbang Alhajj, citing that the event shows unity, peace and respect for every religion in the country.
The newly crowned officials were endorsed by high-ranking Muslim officials of the country including Sultan Masiricampo ng Pilipinas Cosanie Derogongan, NCMF Director, Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution; Sultan Cabugatan sa Pilipinas Sonny Baniga Alhajj; and Sultan sa Pilipinas Sultan Bob M. Datimbang Alhajj.
During the event, an oath taking was officiated by Governor Ebdane to the Muslim Federation of Zambales led by President Parker Bassar.
President Bassar expressed his gratitude to the officials of Zambales for their unwavering support to the Muslim community in the province.
He added that the participation of the officials in the said event show how much they are willing to give attention to the Muslim community of Zambales.
Governor Ebdane thanked the officials of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales for accepting them as one of their own, citing that the voices of the Muslim community is just as important as any other voices that are heeded by the Provincial Government.
Other local government officials from Zambales also witnessed the event as a symbol of their support for the crowning of these officials as rajahs and princesses. To end the event, the Maranao Dance Group of Subic performed before the audiences.
PHOTO CAPTION : Left to right: Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, Castillejos Mayor Jeff Khonghun, 2nd District Congresswoman Bing Maniquis, 1st District Congressman Jay Khonghun, Vice Governor Jaq Khonghun and Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. pose before being crowned as rajahs and pricesses at the Morod and Multaqa 2025 of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales held at the Subic Sports Complex in Subic, Zambales on Sunday. (Mahatma Randy V. Datu)
