In a continued effort to promote cultural understanding and appreciation, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) visited the University of Southeastern Philippines Institute of Languages and Creative Arts (USeP-ILCA) on February 10, 2025. The visit aims to strengthen the ties between the University and the Bangsamoro community.
The exploratory discussion, led by Warina Sushil A. Jukuy, Executive Assistant IV at the NCMF Office of the Secretary, brought together respected Muslim intellectuals, including Dr. Mashur Bin-Ghalib Jundam, former Dean of the Institute of Islamic Studies at UP Diliman; Sheikh Abdulrahman Caderao, Executive Program Director of the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Unit (MCDPU) in Davao City; and Samer Musa Allong, NCMF Youth Commissioner. This dialogue served as a significant step in preserving cultural heritage and fostering mutual understanding.
During the visit, NCMF representatives expressed their appreciation for USePโs commitment to carrying forward, honoring, and revering the history and culture of Bangsamoro. The University’s consistent efforts, particularly through publication of scholarly articles such as the Southeastern Philippines Journal of Regional Development (SPJRD), a Scopus-indexed journal, and the Panumtuman: Anthology of 21st Century Bangsamoro Literature project, managed by the Mindanao Center for Policy Studies (MCPS) and published by the Institute of Languages and Creative Arts (ILCA)โwas highlighted as a significant contribution to the field. These initiatives have effectively established a platform for the Bangsamoro community, ensuring their voices are amplified, included, and recognized within the broader societal context. This exploration underscored the vital role that academic institutions play in the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage while simultaneously supporting marginalized communities.
In their remarks, NCMF representatives commended USeP’s dedication, acknowledging that few universities have consistently championed the Bangsamoro cause through rigorous research and public forums. Given this recognition, the Commission proposed a formal partnership with the University, aiming to expand the scope of cultural dialogues and establish a more inclusive academic environment that adequately addresses the issues and concerns of the Muslim Filipino community.
Jukuy emotionally reflected that the struggles of the Bangsamoro community extend beyond material concerns, highlighting the importance of cultural identity and justice. “We are not here to talk about wars and struggles but to heal transgenerational traumas,” she stated, underscoring the need for reconciliation and recognition of historical injustices.
Echoing Jukuyโs sentiment, Dr. Jundam expressed hope and resilience, stating, “I am happy we still have hope.” He expressed the deep, unspoken connection he felt throughout the discussions and that listening to it surged through his veins. This sentiment struck a profound chord, uniting the participants in their ongoing struggle and underscoring their collective aspirations and shared experiences.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdulrahman Caderao proposed the establishment of an Afiyah, stating, “An Afiyah will be established so that we can pursue what we have initiated today and what we envision for the future.” He emphasized the necessity of conducting feasibility studies to highlight its significance in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro youth and promoting Madrasah education. Consequently, with these proposals in place, the collaborative efforts initiated by the NCMF and USeP-ILCA are set to continue growing and making a meaningful impact on the community.
Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan, Project Leader for the Publication of Bangsamoro History and Culture, Bachelor of Arts in English Language Program Head, and SPJRD Chief Editor, expressed his commitment to fostering this collaborative effort. โMagsama-sama kitaniyu ha supaya manuytuyan na in kasajahitraan ha hula. Pa manga baโguโ tubuโ, tumtumun natuโ in manga kamaasan natuโ timindug ha pantayan namawgbug ha hula,bangsa, iban agama (Let us work together (in doing RDE programs) so that peace will continue to reign in our homeland. To the young generation, let us remember our ancestors who fought to defend our homeland, people, and religion).”
Mr. Francis N. Reginio, ILCA Head and module writer for the Bangsamoro History and Culture, also emphasized the University’s long-standing commitment to community transformation. “True to our commitment to transforming communities, we ensure that every project brings to light the silent stories of our people in Mindanao, including those from Muslim and IP communitiesโstories of struggle, resilience, and hope.โ
He further shared a personal reflection:
โBuwad-buwad a te menge Manobo dini te Davao Occidental aw siak se ulo te sebad tuladaanan. Ibeg day, tindegan te otaw te kenita linekatan sen kandan pegkaotaw, aw maikagi dan se kandan tag-inep aw aden sa kaaldaw te kenita banwa. Tanda nini, milod se kenita tribo aw ked kidon kayaya ikagihen sine kidon amon doen piya kaaldaw tedon (As a Dabawenyo who grew up in a Manobo community in Davao Occidental and now serves as the head of the institute, it is our lifelong commitment to helping create safe spaces where we can share our dreams and aspirations empowering our stories to rise above hardships and shape a better future). With every voice we amplify, we take one step closer to a society built on inclusivity, compassion, and a lasting culture of peace.”
For students like Ms. Jamaica Prado, a Kagan student from the AB English Language program, the discussion was a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation.
โYamasuwat ako sang kanak pagkatigam aw pagdungog sang mga yamangka-inang ng ILCA aw mga oman-oman nang manga utaw sa likod ng Panumtuman. Ika dumduman ko yang araga ng pag surat aw tanaw sa mga tillasayan ng mga kamatikadongan ningawn. Isip isa ka Kagan na studyante aw adon intern, yaga panginto ako na kanaton responsibilidad yang pagprotekta sang kanaton mayo kultura, mga tradisyon, aw agama. Gawo, yang kanaton pag tinabangay aw pagtillasyan untak mag pabilin yang kanaton mga kinadini, na maga silbi na kalampusan sang pag kasambok, panag-idag aw karinaw sang kanaton mga banwa (Hearing ILCA’s contributions and the stories of those behind the Panumtuman had a profound impact on me. It made me think of how significant it is to document and honor our ancestors; efforts. As a Kagan student and now an intern, I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to protect and value our culture, traditions, and religion. I hope that our combined efforts to preserve our customs serve as a beacon of harmony, understanding, and peace among our communities).โ
Pradoโs words underscored the collective responsibility of the younger generation to safeguard their heritage and contribute to the harmony and peace of the community.
As the discussion concluded, Jukuy left the group with a powerful message:
If we negotiate with anyone, we can negotiate with our own self.
She emphasized the need for an awakened consciousness, where communities uphold the principle of non-discrimination- regardless of what indigenous group or status. By embracing these values, the partnership between NCMF and USeP-ILCA envisions a future where the Bangsamoro people can thrive, not only in cultural terms but in their quest for justice and peace.
Article by: Darlyn Lames
