COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro History Month (BHM) 2026 was inaugurated on March 2 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), marking a renewed emphasis on commemorating pivotal milestones that shaped the Bangsamoro struggle for autonomy, self-determination, and peace.

Led by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), this year’s observance carries the theme “Reclaiming our story, preserving our identity, and restoring our dignity,” setting the tone for a month-long series of events dedicated to honoring the political, cultural, and peace achievements of the Bangsamoro people.

 

In his welcome address, BCPCH Chairperson Salem Lingasa emphasized the importance of recognizing history not merely as the past but as a living testament that continues to define their identity and aspirations. He highlighted significant historical moments such as the Bud Dajo Massacre, the annual commemoration of the Day of the Shuhada, and the long road of resistance that reflects resilience amid adversity.

 

“Our history is not just a history of suffering but also a story of triumph,” Lingasa stated. 

He pointed to the signing of peace agreements, the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and ongoing efforts towards genuine peace and self-governance as proof that dialogue and perseverance can overcome division.

 

Key Moments in the Bangsamoro Struggle

 

Delivering the keynote speech, Amor Pendaliday, Provincial Director of TESDA Sarangani-GenSan, traced the roots of the Bangsamoro identity, beginning with the February 1, 1924, Zamboanga Declaration of Rights and Purposes. He described this declaration as a foundational moment in articulating the political identity of the Moro people, asserting their desire for autonomy amidst colonial policies aimed at subsuming Moro culture under a Filipino national identity.

 

Pendaliday further explained that the concept of “Moro” evolved through history, transforming from a term associated with conflict to one of unity and resistance. He highlighted that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was instrumental in redefining the term, eventually leading to the popularization of “Bangsamoro” as a unifying identity distinct from Filipino nationality.

 

The program also commemorated significant achievements through peace agreements, including the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014, the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018, and the ratification of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) via a plebiscite in 2019.

 

Throughout March, BCPCH will host various activities such as the commemoration of the Bud Dajo Massacre, the observance of the Jabidah Massacre and Dansalan Declaration anniversaries on March 18, a TikTok infomercial contest, public lectures, community outreach programs for families of the Shuhada (Martyrs), and a cultural exhibit titled “Faces and Places of Bangsamoro History.” The month will also feature dissemination of educational materials to deepen public understanding of the region's historical journey.

 

Bangsamoro History Month was proclaimed under Proclamation No. 001, s. 2021, signed on March 8, 2021, as a designated time to honor the significant events that contributed to the region’s pursuit of autonomy and enduring peace.