COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Commission on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) on Monday, June 27, conducted its first consultation with Moro historians in writing of the Bangsamoro history.
The activity sought to consult Bangsamoro experts and historians in the formulation of programs in writing Bangsamoro history and also to identify ways forward in developing and sustaining Bangsamoro historiography.
BCPCH Chairperson Dr. Salem Lingasa said, “our identity as Bangsamoro is deeply rooted in our history and culture that has been a testament of both our struggles and aspirations.”
He told the historians that their “expertise and profound wisdom could ably guide the direction setting and the formulation of the framework” for the meaningful recording of Bangsamoro narratives.
“Our long journey for our quest to chart our own path and destiny has been always anchored upon the very foundations of truth and justice. As such, it is very timely that our narratives be reflected on the annals of history.” Dr. Lingasa added.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Robert Maulana Alonto said they will be signing a memorandum of agreement with the Mindanao State University (MSU) system [hopefully] by next week.
“A total of 11 historians are due to convene. They will be assembled and commissioned to do the actual job of writing Bangsamoro history that has to be accomplished in the three-year transition period,” Alonto said.
He stressed that from the perspective of the Bangsamoro people, methodological and comprehensive writing and propagation “is incontrovertibly germinal to our present pursuit of justice, peaceful co-existence, and social development.”
“The writing of Bangsamoro history is a process, inevitably link to the Bangsamoro Right to Self Determination (RSD) […] the marginalization of Bangsamoro people, a historical narrative, is a prerequisite to the correction of injustices committed against the Bangsamoro [and] improving the misrepresentation of identity,” Alonto shared.
As ad-hoc committee chairman in writing Bangsamoro history, Comm. Alonto, also outlined, some important things in writing Bangsamoro history such as:
- Inquiry into a development of theoretical framework, ontological and epistemological approach to Bangsamoro historiography;
- The collection, consolidation, and analysis of primary sources of information from the past up to contemporary Bangsamoro history;
- Nurturing of continuous research, and discourse that is viable on Bangsamoro history through conferences;
- Publishing compendium and journal publications on Bangsamoro history; and
- Pursuing the inclusion of Bangsamoro history in the curriculum and development of Bangsamoro studies.
Historians in attendance were Dr. Tirmizy Abdullah from Marawi City, Dr. Calbi Asain of Sulu, Dr. Noor M Saada from Tawi-Tawi, Damona P. Sadjail of Basilan, Dr. Alano Kadil from Cotabato City and Dr. Rufa Cagogo-Guiam from General Santos City.
Also, among the commissioners were Comm. Elmasia Almajilon from Tawi-Tawi, Comm. Ardan Sali from Sulu, Comm. Merfa Ampao from Basilan and Comm. Guiamel Abdulrahman representing Indigenous Peoples (IPs). (Majid Nur/ BIO)
