September 29, 2023
BCPCH Crafts Bangsamoro Heritage Act of 2023 key points
In hopes of crafting an authentic basis of culture with a broader scope on the preservation, conservation, protection and promotion, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH)–BARMM conducts a consultation meeting for the draft finalization of the Bangsamoro Heritage Act, held on September 18-20, 2023 at Cren Cuisine, Cotabato City.
With the support of the offices of Member of Parliament: Diamila Disimban Ramos and Suharto Esmael, the consultation enabled a platform that would aggregately discuss the concerns and issues related to the development of a regional policy and in aid of legislation.
The 3-day activity facilitated by veteran culture expert Dr. Noor Saada together with outputs from former NCCA Commissioner Dr. Abubacar Datumanong resulted to the act’s formulation entitled as ‘Bangsamoro Heritage Act of 2023’: An Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the Bangsamoro Heritage, Strengthening the BCPCH, and Providing Funds Therefor.
This initiative is in line with the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim’s priority legislative (2023-2024) of mainstreaming culture heritage and identity, considering the Bangsamoro government recognizes that, without these aspects the Bangsamoro is never going to be Bangsamoro.
Headed by Chairperson Salem Y. Lingasa, other participants in the crafting of the key points include MP Suharto Esmael representative Mr. Allan Galido (Political Affairs Officer II), and Mr. Saidamin Mambayao (Chief of Staff) of MP Diamila Disimban Ramos.
BCPCH Executive Director Akman D. Mama, Aaron-Jeff D. Usman (Chief of Operations), Jobayra Tandalong (Chief Administrative Officer), Senior Museum Reseacher Mr. Glenn Francis Lanticse (Museum Management Section), Community Affairs Officer III Ms. Sheryan Guialel (Cultural Affairs Section), Senior History Researcher Ms. Esnaira Salem (History and Archives Section) and Planning Officer II Ms. Alesa Krista Valensoy as part of the consultation technical team present during the said activity.
This proposed act will also lead to the new Hierarchy System that will be more extensive, specific and clear functions of individuals concerning wider benefit for the people in the BARMM region.
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BCPCH is the primary institution in preserving the history, culture, arts, tradition, and rich cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro people across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Commission is currently under the leadership of Chairperson Salem Y. Lingasa, Ph.D.