By E.H. Edejer | April 21, 2025

SUBIC, Zambales — Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. became the honorary ruler of the province of Zambales on Sunday in an Islamic ceremony here that also gave “rajah” and “princess” titles to top Zambales government officials in recognition of their excellence in community service.

In an enthronement ceremony held at the Subic Sports Complex on April 20, Ebdane was conferred the title “Rajah of Zambales” by the Sultanate of Phangampong A Pilipinas-Da’wah Solidarity Inc., an organization that promotes Islamic knowledge and solidarity in the country.

Ebdane, who was garbed in a golden “baju Melayu” for the ceremony, received a kris as a symbol of authority from Sultan Bob M. Datimbang Al-Hajj, who heads the Sultanate of Phangampong A Pilipinas. The kris, which is associated with high social status, was originally worn as a sign of readiness to protect one’s family and property.

In the same event, Zambales Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun was installed as “Princess of Zambales”; Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun, “Rajah of First District of Zambales”; and Zambales Second District Representative Doris Maniquiz, “Princess of Second District of Zambales.”

Meanwhile, Subic Mayor Jonathan Khonghun was given the title “Rajah of Subic” and Castillejos Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun was named “Rajah of Castillejos.” Rajah, derived from the Sanskrit word for “king” or “ruler”, is a title given to the highest chief of a community.

The ceremony, which was attended by local government officials from Subic town and other Zambales communities, was part of “Da’wah” activities undertaken by the Philippine sultanate to promote unity and solidarity among Muslims throughout the country.

In the same event, officials of the Muslim Federation of Zambales headed by Parker Bassar were sworn into office by Gov. Ebdane.

Zambales, which registered a total of 416,600 voters in the 2022 elections, had a Muslim population of about 5,600 in 2015.

Rajahs Ebdane and Jay Khonghun, in their respective social media posts, expressed gratitude for receiving the honorifics and vowed continuing support to the Muslim community in the province.

Princess Maniquiz, meanwhile, posted that it was a childhood dream come true. “Noong bata ako, pangarap ko ang maging isang prinsesa. Hindi ko akalain na ito ay matutupad sa paggawad ninyo ng titulong ito sa akin (As a child, I dreamt of becoming a princess. I didn’t expect it would be realized through this title you gave me).”

The new rajahs and princesses are all running for reelection, most of them unopposed, in the coming May polls. In their oath, they pledged commitment to freedom, unity, justice, equality and social responsibility, independence, effective action, and nationalist service. 