“As we celebrate this day, let us also honor those who have come before us, whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for the BARMM. Let us remember the many lives lost, the dreams that endured, and the faith that carried us through. Our journey is far from over, but our gains inspire us to move forward with greater determination.”
— BARMM Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal
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- EDD K. USMAN | X (Twitter): @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 |Facebook: SDN – SciTech & Digital News
MANILA (SDN) — And the region-wide, week-long activities kicked off with the banging of the Moro gong called “agong”, its welcome sound reverberating and filling the air.
On Monday, January 20, the celebration of the 6th Founding Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) started with the Wali (Guardian) of the BARMM, Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden.
Witnessing the ceremonial banging of the bronze gong are BARMM officials such as Chief Minister Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Asnin K. Pendatun, among others.
Also present in January 20-24, 2025, activities included Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, other BARMM officials such as Ministers of the Parliament (MPs), line agency ministers, religious and community leaders, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), non-Muslims, and professionals comprising the Bangsamoro sectors.
Not to be missed out are officers and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chaired by Ebrahim.
In a report explained the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), an attached agency of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), SDN – SciTech & Digital News learned that the banging of the gong is a “symbolic gesture” marking the start of the week-long festivities.
The celebration revolves around the theme: Salamat BARMM: Pagpupugay sa Anim na Taong Paglilingkod sa Bangsamoro” (Thank you, BARMM: Celebrating the Six Years of Service to the Bangsamoro), which celebrates the region’s accomplishments “in peacebuilding, governance and development.”
Ebrahim, who has been leading the BARMM being governed by the MILF, delivered a message at the opening of the event.
“We honor the sacrifices of our struggles, a living memory that serves as the foundation of our present and the light that guides our way to the future,” he notes of the event the emphasizes the region’s continuing commitment to achieving a prosperous and united Bangsamoro.
Honoring the pioneers of the Bangsamoro struggle
Iqbal, chief negotiator of the MILF and its Peace Implementing Panel chair, issued a separate message, paid tribute to the pioneers of the Bangsamoro struggle.
“As we celebrate this day, let us also honor those who have come before us, whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for the BARMM. Let us remember the many lives lost, the dreams that endured, and the faith that carried us through. Our journey is far from over, but our gains inspire us to move forward with greater determination,” he says.
Iqbal noted that the celebration serves as a gathering for the Bangsamoro people on what he described as “the long and arduous journey” that led the 6th year anniversary “historic milestone.”
“Six years ago, through the grace of Allah (SWT) and the steadfast commitment of those who believed in the cause of peace and justice, the (BARMM) was established. It is a testament to our people’s resilience, determination, and unity.”
The Bangsamoro region, established in 2019 by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), is made up of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, as well as the Special Geographic Area’s (SGA) 63 barangays or villages in North Cotabato that voted “Yes” in a plebiscite in February 2019 to be under the BARMM jurisdiction. With the plebiscite for the SGA, the BARMM now has eight new municipalities..
According to the Philippine Atlas BARMM has 4,404,288 people. It has 116 municipalities (plus eight newly established under the SGA: Basilan, 11 municipalities; Lanao del Sur, 39; undivided Maguindanao, 36; Sulu, 19; and Tawi-Tawi, 11. Its component cities are Cotabato (the regional center and capital) in Maguindanao; Lamitan in Basilan; and Marawi in Lanao del Sur.
A Pyro-Musical Fireworks Show in the evening capped the day-long opening activities surrounding the joyous celebration, another BIO report said.
On hand to witness the spectacular display at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) compound in Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, included BARMM officials, employees, and the regional constituents.
Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police were also present at the kick-off ceremonies. (with reports from Morsid Kadir/Benyamen Cabuntalan/Marhom Ibrahim/Hamdan Badrudin/BIO) — (✓)