THIS year Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) marked its 25th anniversary and the celebration was much grander than previous festivities, showcasing the life and culture of the ARMM people, among them the Maranaos, Yakans, Tausogs, Iranuns and Maguindanaons. After 25 years, the ARMM will give way to a new Bangsamoro government that will inherit a “silver lining from a reformed ARMM bureaucracy,” Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman said during the ARMM 25th anniversary program at the ARMM compound in Cotabato City.
He added that the ARMM is ready for the transition to the Bangsamoro with only a few minor kinks still being worked out. The passing of the Bangsamoro basic law will legalize the Bangsamoro government. This new order is the crux of the final peace pact, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Hataman said the ARMM government under his term has introduced reforms in the bureaucracy that will lay a solid foundation for the new dispensation.
President Aquino called Hataman a “ghost buster” for fighting corruption by exposing anomalies, such as nonexistent teachers and schools. “Our experiences will ‘lighten the load’ of the new political entity,” Hataman said in Filipino.
He also urged the incoming leaders of the new Bangsamoro government to be considerate of the welfare of the majority of some 4 million Moros that include the ethnic groups of the Tausugs, Maguindanaos, Maranaos, Iranuns, Samals and Yakans. “Set aside your self-interest and that of your family in behalf of the interest of all the Muslims, Christians and indigenous peoples in the new Bangsamoro government,” he said.
The anniversary event opened with the launch of a cultural village that featured mini-villages typical of their provinces. A colorful float and costume parade and a dance contest depicted the culture and tradition of the different ethnic tribes in the ARMM.
The monthlong 25th anniversary celebration will culminate on December 19, the Shariff Kabunsuan Day, a holiday in the ARMM.
SOUTHERN CHARMS
“FOR those who have not been in the ARMM provinces, we put up a cultural villages in the compound for visitors, so that tourists can have an idea what these provinces can offer,” ARMM First Lady Princess Sitti Djalia Hataman said.
The “Yaman ng ARMM” of course includes Tawi-Tawi, a faraway island province with pristine white shorelines, breathtaking vistas, rare birds and sea houses on stilts. As the new Bangsamoro government is installed, it will be promoted as a tourist destination, together with other Muslim provinces, such as Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. Hopefully, travel advisories that once banned or warned tourists will soon give a nod to Muslim Mindanao.
It is hoped that the negative publicity regarding the peace and order situation in the region will soon be a thing of the past, as tourism officials trumpet the natural wonders and rich culture of these provinces. For instance, no longer the battleground between the military and rebels, Tawi-Tawi beckons travelers to its mountain views, ancient underground chambers and crystal-clear waters.
Its neighboring island Sulu is home to the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, which is the first natural site in the Philippines to be included by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the prestigious World Heritage List. Among other cultural attractions include Sulu being the world’s smallest walled city, its Moorish architecture, and the pangalay, the exotic Muslim dance that mimics the fluidity of the ocean waves.
In Lanao del Sur, Lake Lanao has a mythic quality. Folktales have the lake being formed by angels to prevent the world from drowning. In ancient times, a giant named Umacan threw clay balls at the rajah that formed into islands and mountains. Today it has become the settlement of the Maranaos, or People of the Lake. The Maranaos are known for the torogan, the residence of Muslim royalty.
The architecture is characterized by its elevation from the ground, steep roof and okir, or curlicued designs, carved on wood. The Maranao’s malong, a vibrantly patterned tubular sarong, is a versatile accessory as it is used for clothing, head cover, drape, hammock, cradle and sack. Visitors can learn more about the local culture at the Aga Khan Museum in Mindanao State University.
“The M’ranaos have shared their culture for years through legends of the Lake Lanao, sophisticated weaving techniques, artworks, metal crafts and wood carvings. In our village, we offer tourists a series of traditional music and dances like “Kakolintang,” “Kasipa sa Minggis,” “Kasipa sa Abun,” “Kambayoka,” “Kasayaw sa Singkil,” and “Kanggarotay” performed by talented M’ranao performers from different municipalities,” Regional Vice Gov. Haroun Al Rashid Lucman said.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao boasts of a rich biodiversity and cool dive spots in the marine sanctuary in Parang and the Ligawasan Marsh which lies by the Mindanao River. Next to Lake Lanao in size, freshwater Lake Buluan attracts visitors for its soothing waters and rare fish. Golfers can enjoy the picturesque fairways at Camp General Salipada K. Pendatuin, a tribute to the great Muslim statesman. For those who seek solitude, there are sanctuaries for the soul such as the Sultan Bolkia Grand Mosque, or a zipline in Padang-Padang Adventure Park in Parang. A local government unit-operated and a community-based project that was launched late last year, the park spans 60 hectares and features two zipline attractions and a teahouse adjoined with mini cottages nearby. Poised to be the hottest summer destination in the south, it is also being planning to install a cable car, a function hall, swimming pools, cottages, and other amenities within the park.
Scrapping exaggerated stories of kidnapping, pirates and warfare, Basilan is making a bid as the region’s island paradise. The largest island in the Sulu archipelago, it is famous for Punta Matangal, whose massive waves have made it the surfers’ mecca in the Philippines. Panigayan has become a noted spearhead fishing destination. People who want to connect with the primal forces of nature hie off to Lantawan and Lamitan for the dramatic waterfalls. For beach havens, Tenusa Island with its powdery white sand, White Beach of Malamawi Island, and the Hami Beach of Baluno in Isabela. The Yakans warmly welcome visitors to their houses on stilts along the mangrove areas.
Highlighted in the ARMM anniversary celebration was the fashion show by A-list Tausog designer, the Manila-based Amir Sali, who proudly showcased his stunning collection during the Gabi ng Kultura at Kasaysayan ng ARMM, and no less than Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj strutted down the runway as the lead model.
Ayunan G. Gunting