The Bangsamoro History Month 2024 kicked off on Friday, March 1, 2024, attended by personnel from the different ministries, offices and agencies of the Bangsamoro Government, law enforcers assigned in BARMM, students, youth and civil society organizations. The event took place at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City. The Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) leads the observance of the History Month with the theme, “Commemorating the History for a Stronger, Enduring, and Resilient Bangsamoro” honoring the rich history, culture, and social facets that contributed in the Bangsamoro peace process. During the program, the distinguished guest speakers conveyed their solidarity messages.
For Minister Hussein P. Muñoz of the MPOS, the process of dialogue, interpreting, and mutual respect is important in finding common ground or solution. “It is those unprecedented moments where people realize that even in the hardest moments, peace follows when we are of one mind and speak one language – about a bright future for generations,” he said. “Let us work to build a Bangsamoro that is stronger, more enduring, and more resilient that it has ever been before – a Bangsamoro where the law, equity, and prospects prevail for all,” he added.
The Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim also gave his keynote message. “This month dears witness to events that have not only inspire us to fight but have also fortified our reliance and resolve in the face of adversity,” he said. “It is our collective duty to ensure that our narrative endures so that our children and their children understand and appreciate the sacrifices made to preserve our identity, our faith, our culture, and our history,” he added.
Guest officials pledged their support to the BHM, emphasizing collaboration to sustain the gains of peace. Present during the kickoff ceremony were Dr. Salem Y. Lingasa, Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage (BCPCH); Mr. Archie U. Buaya of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC); Atty. Ranao-Datu-Dacula, CPA, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Parliament Speaker – BTA; Melanie M. Indar, EnP, Director I of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA); and Mr. Prince Nor-Anzarrih M. Matalam, Chief Administrative Officer of the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO).
For this year’s observance of the Bangsamoro History Month, the MPOS has prepared month-long schedule of activities and programs that centered around remembering the rich heritage of the Bangsamoro, including the Bud Dajo Massacre, Jabidah Massacre, Dansalan Declaration, All-Out-War by former President Joseph Estrada against the MILF, the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Inauguration of BARMM, and the Inaugural Session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, among others.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 001, series of 2021, the month of March has been annually celebrated as the Bangsamoro History Month acknowledging the milestone of Bangsamoro history in pursuit of peace and advancing the right to self-determination. It provides a platform to pay tribute to those who sacrifice and fostering a sense of shared history and interconnectedness.
