NEWS
10February
Bangsamoro Government Upholds the Rights and Protection of Indigenous Peoples in BARMM
- Feb 10, 2025
- Muhammad Musa, Luwaran
- HITS: 602
The event brought together various Indigenous communities—including Teduray, Lambangian, Manobo Dulangan, Blaan, Sama Bajau, Erumanen Menuvu, and Higaonon—to witness this historic occasion and affirm their ancestral rights and cultural heritage. MP Atty. Mary Ann M. Arnado expressed her gratitude through social media for her colleagues' tireless efforts in passing this vital law.
The attendees celebrated by dressing in traditional attire while performing rituals to thank their Creator. Local Government Units led by Municipal Mayor of Upi Ma. Rona Cristina P. Flores and MP Ramon A. Piang Sr. warmly hosted guests with brewed coffee paired with traditional sticky rice cooked in bamboo.
The excitement grew as BARMM Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim arrived to grace this milestone achievement for the Bangsamoro government. The program commenced with singing both the national anthem and Bangsamoro Hymn followed by solemn prayers.
“This ceremony celebrates interconnected efforts,” said Mayor Piang, thanking everyone who contributed to making this law a reality—especially Chief Minister Ebrahim, members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), civil society organizations, and others involved in this initiative.
In his speech during the event, MP Piang stated: “Sa araw na ito [On this day], we come together not only to celebrate a new chapter for our region but also to honor our Indigenous People’s resilience.”
He elaborated that “this thanksgiving ceremony marks a pivotal moment” as they reflect on BIPA’s passage—an essential piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding rights while promoting cultures among Indigenous Peoples within BARMM.
Chief Minister Ebrahim reiterated his full support for BIPA: “Today is historic as we gather here not just to give thanks but also witness its ceremonial turnover to our traditional leaders representing indigenous tribes across BARMM." He highlighted that recognizing and empowering indigenous peoples is vital for progress in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Ebrahim underscored the long-standing alliance shared between Bangsamoro Muslims and IPs throughout nearly four decades of fighting for the right to self-determination of Bangsamoro people: “Hindi lang ito ang unang pagpunta namin dito [This isn’t our first visit]. We have been side-by-side during struggles.” He assured them that they would fulfill promises made regarding support through legislation like The Bangsomaro IP Code.
Chief Minister Ebrahim said, “samahan niyo kami sa Bangsamoro Government na yakapin at makitang magbunga ang IP Code na ito para sa lahat ng mga Indigenous People sa Bangsamoro. Ang inyong pamumuno ay mahalaga sa pag-implementa ng batas na ito. Dahil kayo ang tulay na kumakatawan sa mga boses ng inyong komunidad,” he further added urging collaboration among international partners alongside local sectors ensuring success implementing these laws moving forward
“Simula ngayon iisa ang ating Tribu -Bangasamro tayong lahat! [From now on we are one Tribe -We are all Bangsmoros]” were emphatic words echoing throughout the gathering uniting Mamalu and Tabunaway brotherhood demonstrating solidarity over common goals amidst diversity.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Indigenous Peoples, the Teduray, Lambangian, Manobo Dulangan, Blaan, Sama Bajau, Erumanen Menuvu, and Higaonon have expressed their appreciation to the Bangsamoro government for passing this law. They said that they must bring the information drive campaign to the grassroots level to educate and inform their constituents. Their speeches underscored the significance of the law in preserving their traditions, protecting their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard in governance.
Time in Cotabato
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