By Sam Ramos
Leaders from across Mindanao paid tribute to former Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul, the first Muslim woman elected to the Philippine Senate, following her passing at the age of 94.
In a statement, civic leader Amina Rasul, the senator’s daughter, described her mother as a gentle soul who championed education and literacy throughout her life. “She was proud of her heritage and her people and unafraid to fight for her convictions, especially for education and the adult non-literates she had served since the 1960s,” Amina said.
Rasul’s remains will be brought to the Blue Mosque in Taguig City before being flown to Jolo, Sulu, for burial beside her late husband, former Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abraham Rasul.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Ziaur-Rahman Adiong described Rasul as a trailblazer in public service who worked tirelessly for women’s rights and marginalized communities. Civic leader Samira Gutoc highlighted her contributions to education through the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., which promotes literacy, poverty alleviation, and peace in Mindanao.
Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman remembered Rasul as a dedicated public servant and advocate for women’s development and empowerment. The Mindanao State University – Tawi Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography also honored her legacy, noting her service as a senator from 1987 to 1995 and her authorship of landmark legislation, including Republic Act 6949, which declared March 8 as National Women’s Day.
Rasul also authored Republic Act 7192, the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act, which prohibited discrimination against women and allowed women to enter the Philippine Military Academy. Her life and work remain a cornerstone of progress for women’s rights and education in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao.