By Noralyn A. Macabalang
COTABATO CITY -The regional autonomous governance through its Bangsamoro Commission on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) is mulling on the possibility of writing comprehensive Bangsamoro history that will lend guidance and inspiration to younger generations.
The BCPCH conducted last June 27 a consultation with Moro historians in a bid to jumpstart efforts for the writing of such history, the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) said in a statement copy-furnished with the Philippine Muslim Today news.
The meeting also solicited recommendations from participating local experts and historians in the formulation of ways and mechanics in developing and sustaining an official Bangsamoro historiography, it was learned.
“Our identity as Bangsamoro is deeply rooted in our history and culture that has been a testament of our struggles and aspirations,” the BIO quoted BCPCH Chairperson Dr. Salem Lingasa as saying at the meeting.
Dr. Salem prodded the participant-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 foundations of truth and justice. As such, it is very timely that our narratives be reflected on the annals of history.” Lingasa added.
At the meeting, BCPCH Commissioner Robert Maulana Alonto announced he would sign an enabling memorandum of agreement with the Mindanao State University (MSU) system early this month, the BIO said.
“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 was quoted as saying.
Commissioner Alonto reportedly pointed out that from the perspective of 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 averred.
The BIO statement said Alonto has been designated as ad-hoc committee chairman in writing Bangsamoro history.
It said Alonto has outlined some important steps in prelude to 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.
The June 27 meeting was attended by Moro historians, including 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 present in the event were BCPCH Commissioners Elmasia Almajilon of Tawi-Tawi, Ardan Sali of Sulu, Merfa Ampao of Basilan and Guiamel Abdulrahman from the Indigenous Peoples (IP) sector. (NAM)
PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 