Tag: history

“Philippine orientalism and Bangsamoro’s decolonial responses: how othering of others perpetuates” at Doha conference on Orientalism

With the purpose of ‘in aid of legislation,’ Dir. Dr Adiong’s research presentation focuses on two accounts: one is how Bangsamoro became an orientalist object targeted and subjected to Christian Filipino’s political elites’ ploy while the second is marked by political responses that the Muslim Moros partake in utilizing morality and decoloniality as their defensive neo-orientalist cards through a strategic regional legislation mechanism of their reputed autonomous parliament.

The research presentation, through conference network platforms, can shed light and provide legislative support to the following pending bills, namely, Bill no. 309 or protection of rights and welfare of community settlers, Bill no. 299 or Bangsamoro history towards autonomy museum, and Bill no. 31 or Bangsamoro Regional Institute for Higher Islamic Studies. It is without a doubt that this office supports Dir. Dr Adiong’s policy research endeavors in uplifting Bangsamoro lives through sound legislative advocacy by endorsing his request to participate in the Doha conference and gather data in aid of legislation.

Unbeknownst to a usual doxa rhetoric, Philippines is not a homogenous nation-state characterized by cultural or normative uniformity unlike their Asian counterparts of Malays, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Thai descents who shared similitude of cultural traits, physical attributes, or civilizational values. Filipinos are culturally diverse with more than 195 spoken languages, 182 ethnolinguistic communities, majority (or 86% of its demography) are affiliated with the Christian faith represented by various Catholic and Protestant groups while a significant Muslim population exists in Southern Philippines alongside indigenous peoples (IPs) who settled across the country (Ileto 2001). There is a deep sense of favoring colonial experiences by Filipinos living in urban cities such as in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao as they have embraced Christianity from Spain and emulated the educational system, form of government, and whiteness culture of the US (Curaming 2009; Perez 2023). This “coloniality of being,” palpable and arguably claimed to be unique by those Christian Filipino urban dwellers, is the one thing that many Muslim Filipinos—particularly the Moro peoples—and IPs been struggling to accept and thus hereby resent until today (Alegre 2015; Mendoza 2023; Valencia 2022).

Borne from its self-conscious social and Islamic identity as Bangsamoro, these communities are composed of 13 ethnolinguistic Muslim groups where Meranaw, Maguindanaon, and Tausug dominate the entire representation. A cultural collectivity resulting from a struggle for self-rule and self-determination is deeply rooted in the historicity of the Muslims in the Philippines. Creating and organizing political representation is an orientalist strategy by Christian Filipinos’ political elites to address the age-old “Moro Problem,” also known as the “Mindanao Problem” or “Mindanao Conflict,” and purportedly gain peace dividends and capitalistic development. But the Bangsamoro response upends a certain decolonial dive of morality in which they called it “moral governance,” a process that denotes a system of order that is values-based and Islamically rooted. Islamic ethical philosophy is foundational to the Bangsamoro leadership framework that encompasses five immutable principles: Faith, Freedom, Moral Authority, Common Good, and Social Ethics (Adiong 2021).

Aside from the morality card as a response to Christian Filipino’s orientalist views and portrayals of Muslims in the Bangsamoro, the decolonial card is another response stemming from addressing colonial historical injustices by carving its own political trajectory through autonomy and resisting the replication of colonial-based politics. The discussion focuses on two accounts, one is how Bangsamoro became an orientalist object targeted and subjected to Christian Filipino’s political elites’ ploy and the second one is marked by political responses that the Muslim Moros partake in utilizing morality and decoloniality as their defensive neo-orientalist cards. And one approach that the Bangsamoro used is through regional legislation of their own autonomous parliament. 

Call for Book Chapters: The Contemporary Bangsamoro

Call for Book Chapters

The Contemporary Bangsamoro

Editors

Nassef Manabilang Adiong ∙ Acram A. Latiph ∙ Almahdi “Aldean” Alonto

A book project collaborated by the Mindanao State University’s Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (MSU Marawi’s IPDM), Bangsamoro Research Network (BRLN), University of the Philippines Bangsamoro Studies Group (UP BSG), and the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

The project collaborators open the submission of book chapter proposals for the upcoming anthology “The Contemporary Bangsamoro,” a compendium of both academic and policy papers that engage the different aspects and angles of the Bangsamoro and the changing character of its society and politics, religio-cultural practices, history, economy, security, and environment. As a rapidly evolving autonomous region as well as a fluid sociopolitical identity, this monograph aims to shed light on historical issues alongside its current status, concerns, and future prospects. It offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of the Bangsamoro as it continues to navigate post-conflict governance, economic development, political transformations, and social change. The Contemporary Bangsamoro moves beyond a generalized view of the autonomous region by emphasizing provincial heterogeneity—how different provinces within the region experience governance, economic development, security, and social dynamics differently. It also includes perspectives and views of Moro societies outside the region both in the country and overseas. By integrating case studies from Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato, and Moro communities outside the region, the book provides a granular understanding of how local, national, and international variations affect policy implementation and development outcomes.

Prolegomenon

The use of the term “bangsa” alongside “Moro” is more than a hundred years old, with a newspaper in 1911 mentioning it as a counterpoint to “bangsa tau puti” or people of European descent, referring to those at the apex of colonial power. In 1924, we see its English translation “Moro Nation” resurface in the Zamboanga Declaration whereby prominent Moro leaders of the time expressed their protestations in being included in an independent Filipino nation. Here, it morphed as a counterpoint to the Filipino, and 11 years later, the Dansalan Declaration of 1935 further amplified the need for a distinct nation for the Moro people, binding the 13 Muslim ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan in a single political possibility. History did not favor this independence campaign, however, and more than three decades later, the Jabidah Massacre of 1968 prompted one of the biggest internal crises of the Philippines as it commenced the Bangsamoro struggle that continues to persist today in changing configurations.

With this brief overview, a far cry from the complex reality of its chronological journey, the delineation of the Bangsamoro identity grew in scope and meaning, now embracing both settlers and non-Moro indigenous peoples as a voluntary self-identification. The dynamism of the Bangsamoro as demonstrated by its historical antecedents, hence, demands a constant renewal of analysis. In this anthology, the project collaborators aim to breathe life into our current conceptual categories and empirical resources in understanding the Bangsamoro and its sociopolitical, historical, economic, religio-cultural, environmental and security aspects. With this overarching direction, it further aims to provide clarity as to its contemporary character, concerns, and potential trajectories as well as steer clear from ambiguities and misconceptions persistent in academic, official, and practical discussions and debates on the Bangsamoro.

Objectives

With the monograph’s emphasis on the contemporary condition of the Bangsamoro, its society and politics, history, culture, economy, religious practice, environment, and security, the book aims to achieve the following:

  • To introduce up-to-date conceptual and empirical insights and findings of the Bangsamoro as both an autonomous region and an identity beyond geographical limitation;
  • To provide clarity to the current understanding of the Bangsamoro and dispel recurring misconceptions given its dynamic and multifaceted characteristics;
  • To explore and discuss potential futures that address present concerns, ranging from issues of inclusivity and governance to transition and justice, among many others;
  • To serve as a key reference for understanding BARMM’s governance, economy, and social landscape at a provincial level; and,
  • To inform discussions on policy, peacebuilding, and development while offering a research-driven perspective.

Themes

Bringing together leading Bangsamoro scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this book addresses the following key themes:

Part I: Political Transformations and Governance: Examines governance challenges, the persistence of political dynasties, and institutional reforms across different provinces.

Part II: Economic Development and Informal Sectors: Analyzes economic diversification, informal economies, and the role of private sector growth across the Bangsamoro.

Part III: Peace, Security, and Justice: Investigates security threats, transitional justice, and law enforcement mechanisms in the provinces.

Part IV: Social Change, Identity, and Education: Explores socio-cultural diversity, educational reforms, and the role of women and youth in the provinces.

Part V: Provincial Perspectives and Comparative Analyses: Highlights the political, economic, and social heterogeneity of BARMM’s provinces, focusing on disparities, opportunities, and local governance models.

Part VI: Sustainability and Development Challenges: Addresses climate resilience, infrastructure gaps, and development planning within the region.

Contents

Introduction: The introductory chapter provides an overview of BARMM’s transition, the significance of examining its provinces individually, and the book’s interdisciplinary approach.

Part I: Political Transformations and Governance

01. The Bangsamoro Transition: Progress, Governance Gaps, and Provincial Disparities

  • Evaluates the performance of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) across different provinces and municipalities.

02. Political Dynasties in BARMM: Continuities and Divergences Across Provinces

  • Analyzes how political families dominate governance in different provinces and their impact on policymaking.

03. Decentralization and Local Governance: The Role of Provincial Governments

  • Compares governance structures across BARMM’s provinces, exploring fiscal autonomy and service delivery.

Part II: Economic Development and Informal Sectors

04. Economic Growth in BARMM: Provincial Disparities and Structural Barriers

  • Examines why some provinces (e.g., Basilan and Tawi-Tawi) have stronger economic performance than others.

05. The Informal Economy in Bangsamoro: Livelihoods and Survival Strategies

  • Investigates the role of informal trading, cross-border economies (Malaysia-Philippines), and local enterprise development.

06. Islamic Banking, Halal Industries, and Investment Zones: Provincial Economic Models

  • Focuses on the development of halal industries in Lanao del Sur and the role of Islamic banking in economic growth.

Part III: Peace, Security, and Justice

07. Security Challenges in BARMM: Understanding Provincial Variations

  • Compares security threats in mainland vs. island provinces, addressing armed groups, crime, and law enforcement.

08. Transitional Justice in the Bangsamoro: Addressing Historical Injustices

  • Discusses how different provinces approach justice for past conflicts and human rights violations.

09. Local Peacebuilding and Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

  • Highlights how customary laws and religious leaders contribute to peacebuilding in various communities.

10. Role of civil society and international cooperation in promoting peace

  • Tackles the contributions of HWPL and other INGOs and CSOs on international contributions to local peace efforts.

Part IV: Social Change, Identity, and Education

11. Education Reforms in BARMM: Provincial Access and Quality Disparities

  • Examines the varying levels of educational access, including the role of Madaris and public schools.

12. Women and Youth in Bangsamoro’s Political and Economic Landscape

  • Investigates gender roles, youth engagement, and socio-political participation in different provinces.

13. Cultural Diversity in the Bangsamoro: The Intersection of Ethnicity, Religion, and Governance

  • Explores how cultural identity shapes governance and development in various parts of BARMM.

Part V: Provincial Perspectives and Comparative Analyses

14. Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur: The Political and Economic Divide

  • Examines how the split into two provinces has affected governance, service delivery, and economic development.

15. Lanao del Sur: The Maranao Economy and Post-Siege Reconstruction in Marawi

  • Analyzes how Marawi’s rehabilitation influences economic recovery and governance.

16. Basilan: Governance and Economic Resilience in a Conflict-Affected Province

  • Explores Basilan’s post-conflict governance, economic revitalization, and security challenges.

17. Sulu: The Complex Interplay of Traditional Leadership and Governance

  • Discusses how traditional power structures and local politics influence governance in Sulu.

18. Tawi-Tawi: Border Trade, Maritime Economy, and Development Challenges

  • Examines Tawi-Tawi’s strategic role in regional trade and its economic dependence on Malaysia.

Part VI: Sustainability and Development Challenges

19. Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Governance

  • Evaluates environmental risks across the provinces, focusing on adaptation strategies.

20. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Overcoming Development Barriers

  • Analyzes transportation, digital connectivity, and energy access across BARMM’s provinces.

21. Measuring Provincial Progress: Policy Implementation and Development Outcomes

  • Provides a comparative analysis of development indicators across provinces, identifying gaps and policy recommendations.

Contribution to the Field

This book makes a pioneering contribution to the study of governance, development, and conflict resolution in the Bangsamoro by incorporating “we perspective” analyses. It provides:

  • A comparative perspective on governance, security, and economic development across BARMM’s diverse provinces.
  • Policy insights to enhance governance, private sector engagement, and long-term stability in the region.
  • An interdisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis, empirical research, and policy discussions.

Market and Target Audience

This book is intended for:

  • Academic Scholars and Students: Those researching Southeast Asian studies, governance, and conflict resolution.
  • Policymakers and Practitioners: Decision-makers in the Bangsamoro government, national agencies, and international organizations.
  • Civil Society Organizations and Local Leaders: Groups advocating for governance reforms and economic empowerment.
  • General Readers and Regional Observers: Those interested in Bangsamoro’s political and economic landscape.

Contributors (tentative list)

Potential contributors may include scholars and experts from:

  • Mindanao State University (MSU) and IPDM
  • Academic institutions within or outside BARMM
  • Bangsamoro government agencies
  • Development practitioners and policymakers
  • Independent researchers on Bangsamoro governance, economy, and society
  • NGOs and CSOs and various stakeholders

Submit your proposal by filling out the Google form below.

Revisiting the Narrative of Bangsamoro with Dr. Potre

The Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS-BTA) was fortunate to have Bangsamoro’s very own Dr. Potre Dirampatan-Diampuan, Ph.D., who delivered a fascinating virtual lecture on the History of the Bangsamoro. The lecture was threefold: (1) Bangsamoro Ethno-linguistic groups and identity, (2) Narratives of the Muslims in the Philippines: A Historicity, and (3) Chronicle of Muslims affairs in the Philippines.

In the first session, she introduces, as she dubbed, the 13+1 Bangsamoro Ethno-linguistic groups and identity (Badjao, Iranun, Jama Mapun, Kalagan, Kalibugan, Palawani, M’ranao, Malbog, Sama, Sangil, Tausug, and Yakan plus the Balik Islam group), and their intra-faith and intra-cultural diversity that have shaped the past of the Muslims in the Philippines at present, citing “While we engaged in Interfaith, we need also to work in Intra-faith (Dialogues).” Then she connected it to “History to Policy” where she stressed, “learn from the past as a way to move forward for the better Bangsamoro” further expressing that we are the product of social events of the past that are beyond our control, or Dejala (you are already there).

In the second session, Dr. Potre dubbed the Narratives of the Muslims in the Philippines: A Historicity as “A full semester in a four-hour lecture.” For this part of the Philippine Muslim history, we have witnessed both notable movements and tragic accounts that greatly contributed to the present Bangsamoro:

  • The stages of Spanish-Moro wars highlighting the Moro’s principality and inevitable resistance against Spanish subjugations; “If the national heroes became heroes because they fought for freedom, we should also be (considered) as heroes for not only defending but fighting till the Japanese time.”
  • The Moro problems, mainly the derogatory representation of the Spaniards of Moro identity. Dr. Potre cited, “The Moro-Moro stage play: only on stage that the Spaniards defeated the Moros.”
  • The discriminatory land laws against the Moros by the Spaniards, the introduction of land reforms that are derogatory to Muslims; the denial of royal titles by the Philippine government, and the Filipinization and Moro disbarment.
  • The Pre-Martial law tragedies: the Jabidah massacre and the Ilaga massacres/movements that triggered the Bangsamoro movements. What makes these atrocities worst, as Dr. Potre adhered, is the no regard from the government as well as the no actions and no recognition of the numbers of atrocities against Muslims; and
  • The Muslims in the Philippines at present, where she accounts the (a) the various responses of the Muslims to the abovementioned atrocities and (b) the establishments of Muslim communities in Metro-Manila in the 1970s. Historicity simply means separating facts from false narratives which includes the collective authentic works from our recent scholars. It answers the question of why the Muslims in the Philippines are being less regarded in policymaking.

Lastly, in the Chronicle of Muslims affairs in the Philippines, Dr. Potre explored the evolution of Muslim affairs, from the colonial period, American colonization, and the Philippine rule, highlighting, among others, the enactment of Presidential Decree 1083 (PD1083) also known as the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines. This, on the other hand, answers the question of what the challenges are and lapses of Muslims in running a government.

As a synopsis, Dr. Potre concluded that the present Bangsamoro government has a set of opportunities and challenges. Opportunities in a sense that we can still change and correct our previous shortcomings, and challenges in a way that we need to meet the BARMM’s vision of uplifting the Bangsamoro’s lives and governing ourselves through moral governance. She ends her lecture by saying “It is up to us if we make the difference” and “let’s continue courting the government… we are trying to help in nation-building while trying to make the government understand (our aspirations).”

“It is up to us if we make the difference” and “let’s continue courting the government… we are trying to help in nation-building while trying to make the government understand (our aspirations).”

Potre D. Dirampatan Diampuan, Ph.D.

The lecture was so timely, first, the BARMM celebrates its third founding anniversary anchored on the theme “Changing people’s lives: Transforming the Bangsamoro,” and second, the PRLS is currently in partnership with the Ministry of Local and Interior Government (MILG) on LGUs trend of the Supreme Courts’ Mandanas-Garcia ruling and devolution of LGUs functions.

Watch the recorded lecture on our youtube channel: https://youtu.be/ZRdDUVilqrY