With the opening message of the BCPCH Chairperson, the meeting fostered on the presentation of the following topics: The mandate of the BCPCH and the role it plays in the writing of the Bangsamoro History, the advent of Islam to the Philippines, the Muslim ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines, the possible areas of coordination between the Commission and the NHCP on the installation, administration and management of markers in historical sites in the Bangsamoro, re-naming of public streets and areas that invoke colonialism in the Bangsamoro, and the capacity building for BCPCH regional and provincial history and archives personnel.

Apart from the topics presented, there were discussions on Historical Sites Identification and Validation Program of the BCPCH that follows the same guidelines as the NHCP maintaining the asymmetrical relationship between the Bangsamoro and the Philippine government. With this, a Memorandum of Agreement between the BCPCH and NHCP is recommended.

In response to the presentation, NHCP Chairman Calairo expressed his office’s willingness to work with the BCPCH. He also discussed topics on the absence of Muslim historical timeline in the Philippine history; the 650th Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage that includes Sheikh Makhdum Mosque as the first mosque erected in the Philippines; the shared heritage between Indonesia and Bangsamoro as part of the larger Nusantara region; the Kick-off of the 650th Anniversary in Tawi-Tawi in the year 2024; the region-wide and nationwide activities for the 650th Anniversary from 2024 to 2030; and the Administrative Order to be signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the 650th Anniversary.

Commenting on the absence of Muslim timeline in Philippine history and the convergence points between the Moro and Philippine histories, Commissioner for Lanao del Sur highlighted the 1895 Battle of Marahui as an important historical event in Bangsamoro that paved the way for the revolution in Luzon.

Consequently, BCPCH Consultant Dr. Tirmizy E. Abdullah advocated to NHCP the usage of the word “masjid” instead of mosque to avoid negative connotations of such term. He also raised concerns with the NHCP to anchor the 650th Anniversary on the concept of Transitional Justice by undertaking important historical issues that involve Moros such as the Jabidah Massacre, Bud Dajo Massacre, and other issues. He also proposed using the word Bangsamoro instead of Filipino Muslims in recognition of the Bangsamoro identity.

The meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro region. Both parties expressed their anticipation for further coordination and collaboration. Thus, BCPCH is anticipated to arrange a meeting with the BARMM’s Chief Minister in order for the NHCP to present the programs for the 650th Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage.

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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
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