THE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) marks its 26th anniversary this November with peace programs and pageantry. The campaign, with the theme “Breaking Barriers: Journey Through Bangsamoro Culture and History Toward Peace and Development,” is comprised of a series of events that highlight the Muslim lifestyle and activities that will help spur for the passage of the Bangsamoro basic law.
For a number of centuries, Mindanao has been a separate region, which allowed it to establish its own culture and identity. This territory has been the homeland of Muslims ever since Arab trader Karim ul’ Makhdum arrived in Sulu archipelago in the 14th century. Sultanates were established and maintained their independence even during the Spanish period. For over four centuries, Moros have resisted colonizers and have fought for their independence from the Philippine republic. The ARMM was established in 1989 by a law that mandated an independent region in Muslim Mindanao. The ARMM was inaugurated on November 8, 1990, in Cotabato City, the provisional capital.
This year’s festivities began from November 6 to 8 with a pilgrimage to the Sheikh Makhdum Mosque, the cradle of Islam in the Philippines in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. The mayor hosted a feast of traditional cuisine outside of the mosque after the prayers.
The Master Chieftain Competition, meanwhile, was a culinary contest among the seven ARMM tribes: Tausug, Yakan, Maranao, Maguindanaon, Sama, Iranun and Teduray. It was held on November 11 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex. Inspired by the reality cooking competition MasterChef, the competition engaged tribal chieftains and sous chefs from the seven tribes to present their indigenous cuisine, ranging from appetizer to dessert.
November 18 turned out to the busiest day in the anniversary celebrations. The equivalent of the Mardi Gras, the cultural street dancing showcasing ethnic dances, started along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue and ended at the Org Compound in Cotabato City. ARMM also continued its monthly free legal and health services at the same venue.
In the evening, Handog Pasasalamat” the annual thanksgiving concert, featured the dances of ARMM’s ethnolinguistic groups. The following evening, November 19, ARMM celebrated its 26th anniversary with another concert at the ORG Complex, with folk artists Coritha and Asin are guest artists.
On November 29 the Peace Parade and Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) invites MWOP volunteers, peace advocates and various groups to show their support for nonviolent means to end conflicts in Mindanao.
The Bike for Peace on November 30 enjoins cyclists to travel from Cotabato City and Midsayap in North Cotabato to Datu Piyang and Datu Saudi ing Maguindanao. ARRM’s ethnolinguistic groups will again be highlighted in a competition in exotic weaving at the Org Compound.
One of the agendas of ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman with this year’s celebration is to raise people’s awareness of peace as an individual and collective responsibility.