Muslim lawmaker appeals for recognition of Moro traditional art’s heritage 

• Jan 27, 2017
• Gandhi Kinjiyo
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A Moro lawmaker representing Anak Mindanao (AMIN) party-list appealed for the recognition of Moro traditional arts heritage particularly acknowledging its origin.

In a privilege speech at the House of Representatives last Monday (Jan 23), AMIN party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman conveyed her dismay for the wrong information on the origin of a Yakan-made cloth worn by Miss Universe contestants in an event dubbed Mindanao Tapestry held in Davao City on January 19.

“We are however very much disheartened to take notice of the fact that our very own Yakan Tennun or popularly known as Yakan weave or cloth was presented as a fabric from Region IX instead of from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),” she said.

“Our only appeal, is for our traditional arts to be recognized as having originated from us,” Turabin-Hataman stressed and added, “That it is our own distinct contribution.”

“We find it unfair, when anything bad and negative and ugly can be easily said of our making, but something beautiful and precious cannot be appropriately attributed to us,” the lady lawmaker lamented.

Yakan is one of the 13 Moro tribes inhabiting the ARMM’s Basilan Province. Members of the Yakan tribe are known for producing their own colourful hand-woven clothes whose design is distinct compared to the landap of Maranaos and Inaul of Maguindanaons.

Turabin-Hataman added, “As a people, so much has already been taken away from us. We thus call upon everyone, to take on a conscious effort in ensuring that nothing more is taken away, because no people and community must be denied of their rightful heritage.”

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