Sahron Tamano – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

Sahron ‘Roy’ Tamano 

Community Champion

As the main vanguard of MARCOM, the Maranao Community in UAE, Sahron ‘Roy’ Tamano has been passionately promoting unity and mutual cultural understanding, while supporting the welfare of marginalized Filipino Muslims across the emirates, and in the Philippines.

A victim of the tragic 2017 Marawi Siege, Roy has since helped fuel various relief initiatives that bridge the cultural and religious gaps between Filipino Muslims and their fellow countrymen. On his legacy, he shares: “My wish is to be known as one who purveys Filipino idealism by standing for what is right and defending those who are weak and oppressed.”

Spending almost two decades leading the Filipino Muslim community, he has spearheaded initiatives like the Filipino Muslim Basketball Tournament which gathers different tribes to promote unity through sport, as well as cultural activities that preserve Islamic heritage for Filipinos.

On the political front, Roy has also supported the Philippine government’s peace efforts, and has campaigned for the plebiscite for the ratification of the new Bangamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) last January 2019. Furthermore, through MARCOM, he also recently sent 5000 Qurans, donated by Emiratis, back home for distribution in mosques and madrasahs in rural areas, as well as tons of dates as part of their decade-old Ramadan charity project to benefit Marawi Siege victims.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Sahron Tamano – The Voice of the Filipino Muslim Community

For Sahron Tamano, being a Filipino is a privilege and something to be proud of. This view has helped him achieve so many remarkable feats that is not only a testament to his character but also gives pride to his country.

As the former President for two consecutive terms and currently Senior Adviser of the Maranao Community in UAE, Roy is a much-respected leader in his community, serving his kababayans in many ways. Whether fostering togetherness within the Marcom family through social, sports and cultural activities, helping keep traditions and religious fervor alive, or providing a bridge by linking and supporting other Filipino community projects and Filipino organizations to aid victims of calamities back home, Roy demonstrates how one can provide live a fulfilling life, not only as an accomplished professional, but also as an active contributor to the community.

So it is no wonder that Sahron, who is largely acknowledged as the de facto spokesperson for his community who brings Filipino Muslims and non-Muslims together, has been bestowed various commendations for his advocacy including the Kabayan of the Year Award 2013 by the Kabayan Weekly News and recognized as an Ambassador of Goodwill and Peace by the Southern Philippines Muslim United for Development (SPMUDA-International) a UN accredited peace advocacy group.

He remarks, “Being raised and growing up in the land of promise, Mindanao, where peace is an elusive dream, and having witnessed the suffering of our own Bangsamoro people during the dark moments of Martial Law years, has given me the courage to stand for my principle that despite of our hardships and differences, we can achieve eternal peace.”