First Muslim woman Senator Santanina Rasul passes away at 94

First Muslim Filipina Senator Santanina Tilla Rasul passed away on November 28 at 94 years old, Senate spokesperson Arnel Jose Bañas announced.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of former Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul, a trailblazer, legislator, educator, and beloved mother and grandmother, on November 28, 2024," Bañas said in a statement.

Rasul served as a senator from 1987 to 1992 and from 1992 to 1995, according to the Senate website.

During her tenure in the Senate, Rasul authored eight laws as chairperson of the Committee on Civil Service and Government Recognition and the Committee on Women and Family Relations.

Among the laws that she shepherded were Republic Act 6850, which grants civil service eligibility to government employees who have worked in a career civil service position for at least seven years; R.A. 6949 which declared March 8 as National Women’s Day; R.A. 7192, which dismantled gender discrimination, opened the doors of the Philippine Military Academy to women, allocated funds for women in all government agencies; and R.A. 7168 which elevated the Philippine Normal College to Philippine Normal University.

"Her life was a testament to her tireless dedication to public service, and her commitment to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities, particularly Filipino Muslims," the Senate statement read.

"Her Senate career was marked by her steadfast commitment to advancing civil service and education reforms, promoting women's and minority rights, and fostering peace in her homeland," it added.

After her years in the legislative department, the Senate acknowledged her work in combating illiteracy through the Magbassa Kita Foundation (Let Us Read).

"Nina Rasul leaves an indelible mark not only on her family but also on the countless lives she touched through her decades of public service and unrelenting advocacy. Her memory will forever inspire those who strive for equality, education, and peace," the Senate statement said.

Rasul, who was born in Siasi, Sulu, served as a public school teacher in her town as well in Jolo from 1952 to 1957 prior to joining the government.

She became a technical assistant to the Office of the President of the Philippines at Malacañang from 1963 to 1964.

A year after she was elected as a public servant in Sulu, she became a commissioner representing the Muslim and other ethnic minorities from 1978 to 1987 and subsequently in 1986 became a member of the Board at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.

Rasul was then appointed as honorary ambassador of UNESCO during the International Literacy year in 1990.

She was married to late Ambassador Abraham Rasul Sr. with whom she had six children.

In lieu of flowers, Rasul's family requested that donations be made to Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc. — BAP, GMA Integrated News