ARMM on its 27th year

COTABATO CITY --- Ethnic groupings in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are set to showcase their diverse culture, traditions, and way of life as the region marks its 27th founding anniversary this month.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman urged all sectors to take part in the celebration, saying: "The Moro here look forward to more years of pride and success.”

He said this year's celebration highlights the 27 years of history, achievements, and progress of the autonomous region.

The creation of an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The ARMM was established in 1989 by virtue of Republic Act 6734 and was originally composed of the provinces of Sulu, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-tawi.

The province of Basilan and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan became part of the region following the expansion of  the ARMM’s powers and geographical composition under a new organic act, Republic Act 9054, which was the result of the Final Peace Agreement between the national government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

According to the official website of the ARMM, “the history of the region can only be understood in the context of how the Bangsamoro people continuously struggle for self-rule and self-determination.”

As part of the celebration, the regional government has lined up several activities this month and in December.

Among them are the food festival featuring the cuisines of the different major Moro tribes in the ARMM,  film showing, cooking showdown, sports festival, search for the ARMM’s Rajah and Ranee, financial literacy forum, cultural presentation, regional governors' peacetivity, People's Day, week of peace, local government unit's summit, and Gabi ng Parangal.

Tourism Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen said the celebration highlights the rich culture of the Moro people as well as the variety of local products from the different ARMM provinces.

"It's a great opportunity for tourists to discover the rich culture of the region," Secretary Dilangalen said.

The different regional line-agencies will also provide and deliver free legal and medical services on the People's Day on November 19.

The 636th commemoration of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last November 7 marked the official kick-off of the anniversary celebration. It will culminate on December 19, during the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, with a fluvial procession at the Rio Grande de Mindanao in Cotabato City.

In 2015, the ARMM opted to mark the region’s anniversary with a muted celebration in the wake of a wave of terror attacks in different parts of the world that claimed the lives of hundreds. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)