Rackib Alih Hussin of the BTA-TID organizes the glossary of words, translated into different local languages, which are posted on the office’s Facebook page. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
In a world rich with diverse cultures, languages serve as bridges for communication and understanding.
Globally, there are about 7,164 languages spoken today, according to Ethnologue. In the Philippines, this linguistic diversity is celebrated annually through Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month), a nationwide event promoting the Filipino language, initiated by Proclamation No. 1041 in 1997 under President Fidel Ramos.
Reflecting a similar commitment to linguistic inclusion, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) established its Translation and Interpretation Division (TID) in 2019.
The office is responsible in ensuring that Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts (BAAs) and other legislative measures are available in all official languages of the region, supporting the Parliament’s multilingualism policy, as outlined in Resolution No. 96, s. 2020.
Moreover, the TID provides linguistic, technical, and logistical support for plenary sessions, hearings, meetings, and public consultations. It offers interpretation services for committee and delegation meetings, translating into the official languages requested by members.
Bai Fairuz Candao, the TID’s Chief Administrative Officer, stressed that their division plays a vital role in fostering engagement among the Bangsamoro people in the autonomous region.
“We are expected to translate legislative measures into Filipino and Arabic, but we took it upon ourselves to also translate into the other languages, for it is how we are going to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity,” she stated.
In addition to Filipino and Arabic, the TID translates into four major local languages of the Bangsamoro region: Yakan, Tausug, Maguindanao, and Meranaw, which are primarily used in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Maguindanao del Norte and del Sur, and Lanao del Sur, respectively. The TID also plans to expand its services to include Sinama, Teduray, Iranun, and Kagan languages in the future.
“Whenever we are tasked with translating, we always keep in mind that this is not just simply translating a specific legislative measure; this is translating history,” she continued.
Making History
Candao shared that the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), also known as the Commission on the Filipino Language, mentioned that the TID is the country’s pioneering office, which offers translation and interpretation services.
“The KWF was surprised, saying that we have a small office, but our functions—translation and interpretation—are not yet in the Philippines, neither in the Senate nor in the House of Representatives,” the Chief said.
Bai Fairuz Candao, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority-Translation and Interpretation Division (BTA-TID), discusses the contents of the calendar, translated into Teduray language. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
Under Republic Act No. 7104, the KWF was created in 1991, during the administration of ex-President Corazon Aquino, and shall undertake, coordinate, and promote research for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other Philippine languages.
Procedures
After the BAAs are published, the TID automatically and rigorously translates the legal documents into six languages, ensuring that the translation does not only bridge the gap but also becomes relatable to their end-users.
The TID ensures translations maintain the legal context and intended message, consulting with requesters to avoid nonsensical, word-for-word translations. They handle requests from BARMM ministries, agencies, NGOs, and other offices.
Translations are validated by relevant bodies, such as the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino for Filipino and Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) for Arabic. By translating Bangsamoro laws into various languages, the TID enhances public understanding, encouraging engagement and representation among Bangsamoro citizens.
“What matters is that we eventually eliminate the disconnection from the BTA Parliament and the Bangsamoro Government, in general, down to the community level, for they can now read the legislation in their local language,” she expressed.
Alongside the celebration of the Buwan ng Wika, Candao underscored that the TID is one with the promotion of not only the Filipino language but also all other languages.
“Through the commemoration, we allow all local languages to be heard. This means that we do not only uplift one language or notice one culture. Indeed, we unite the whole Bangsamoro region,” she underlined, responding to the 2024 Buwan ng Wika Theme—Filipino: Wikang Mapaglaya.
Meanwhile, for the upcoming parliamentary polls in the Philippines and BARMM in May 2025, Candao noted that the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC), which governs this election and safeguards the right to vote, has been translated into six languages, pending expert validation.
The other priority codes—the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code, Education Code, Local Governance Code, and Administrative Code—have also been translated.
To ensure voters are well-informed, the Bangsamoro Government, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and various civil society organizations are focusing on voter education and awareness. This includes initiatives like the Halalang Bangsamoro campaign by the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), which aims to spread information about the BEC and encourage voter registration.
Connect with TID
The requesters may visit the TID Office on the ground floor of the 8Z Building on Governor Guttierez Avenue, Cotabato City, or send in their requests through [email protected] or its official Facebook (FB) page: BTA Translation and Interpretation Division.
Formal letters can be submitted to the Legislative Technical Affairs and Information Service (LTAIS) to request TID services. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for requesting services are still pending approval from the BTA Parliament. The TID also features a “Word of the Day” in six languages on its Facebook page.
The TID is optimistic about starting interpretation services, including real-time interpretation (RTI) for BTA Parliament sessions, allowing members to listen in different local languages. They also plan to offer sign language features for Bangsamoro persons with disabilities, in collaboration with organizations like KWF and Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP).
Candao emphasized their partnership with regional legislators and commitment to serving the Bangsamoro people. She encouraged community involvement in raising awareness about the BTA-TID to expand its services across the region.
“If you think your language is not given proper attention or is not given enough opportunity to be represented, you can start with us,” she stressed.(Johamin Inok/BIO).
