Saturday, November 9, 2013

Feature: A Place to Call our Own - 24 Years of the Autonomous Region

By Samira Gutoc-Tomawis
Moro Writer-Journalist, former RLA Assemblyperson and chair of the Committee on Education

Rising from the ashes over and over, Muslim Mindanao is a resilient gem that is braving new winds. Torn by memories of war, driven by an ancient past, the community aspires to embrace the fold of society brandishing the Bangsamoro identity.

The Autonomous Region has discovered diamonds in the rough in its vast human resource. Athletes, cultural troupes, Qur'an readers, the talent is raw, awarded and can bridge worlds. They continue to reap awards for the region and rally behind more of their kindred.

Technology has fast-tracked the discovery . Government is harnessing these home-grown preserving oldest artifacts (in Tawi Tawi) , multiplying scholars, and readying for a Bangsamoro 2015.

Civilians are excited as well with a vibrant social media that constantly engages Government. Bangsamoro including those abroad readily lend their thoughts on local developments and policies, wanting to be part of the whole birthing process for the Bangsamoro.

While ARMM has suffered floodings and its island residents in the Zamboanga stand-off, the region has shown Islamic solidarity can make them survive travails.

Good governance can also spell confidence. McDonalds and other global brands have invested in support of the education and outreach of the region. Scholars are coming home to serve their homeland. Professionals are investing their capital in projects of their own as their contribution to development , that has long been denied them .

Muslim Mindanao also possesses strategic placement for economic growth, support and diversification owing to the BIMP-EAGA connection. The Muslim connection , halal investment and other shared interests make Muslim Mindanao the region of the future.

The ARMM founding anniversary commemorates the blood of the martyrs ready to rewrite a jihad in the 21st century, that of a Moro that battles a myriad fights and ready to be at par .

"Moral Governance"

English - "Good governance for a progressive and peaceful BARMM."

Sinama - "Hap pamarinta tudju BARMM na sambu maka salamat"

Bahasa Sug - "Dan mabuntul tudju pa BARMM masambu iban mahatul"

Meranaw - "Mathitu a kandatu sa BARMM ko katagompiya go kalilintad"

Slogan

"Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE)"