ARMM celebrates 20th anniversary

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) kicks off today the five-day celebration of its 20th founding anniversary spearheaded by the Office of the Regional Governor, Regional Sports Coordinating Office (RSCO-ARMM) and Bureau on Cultural Heritage (BCH-ARMM) held here.

ARMM was first created on August 1, 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734, also known as “Organic Act for the ARMM” in pursuance with a constitutional mandate to provide for an autonomous area in Muslim Mindanao. Of the areas where the plebiscites were held, only Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi voted favorably for inclusion in the new autonomous region. The region was officially inaugurated on November 6, 1990 here, which was designated as its provisional capital.

In 2001, a new law, Republic Act No. 9054, was passed for the expansion of the ARMM to include the areas which initially rejected inclusion and the provinces which were carved from them. Only Marawi City and Basilan with the exception of Isabela City opted to be integrated in the region.

Themed “Tulay ng Kapayapaan – Pagkakaisa at Kaunlaran Tungo sa Larangan ng Palakasan, Yamang Kultura ng ating Rehiyon, Pangalagaan, Linangin at Ipagmalaki,” various sports activities and cultural shows are lined up aimed to strengthen the mind and body skills beneficial for the effective public service of officials and employees of the ARMM. Sports activities include basketball, volleyball, table tennis, dart, bowling, lawn tennis, chess and scrabble.

RSCO officer-in-charge Ibrahim Biruar Jr. stressed, “Let us extend our heartfelt thanks to the unrelenting support of Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan who calls for the celebration of ARMM and the entire Bangsamoro people.”

In his recent State of the Region Address (SORA), Governor Ampatuan is optimistic that the Autonomous Regional Government will continue to live up to the interest of the Bangsamoro people and will effort to cater the pressing needs of its people.
Highlight of the opening salvo are the performances of BCH-trained Angat-Kultura Class from Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Maguindanaon Band and Kalatong Musical Class which composed of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs).

Moreover, BCH-ARMM Executive Director Bai Badria Kamaong-Andamen emphasized the vital role of culture in the development of ARMM.

“The unique culture as well as the exceptional tradition of the people in the region made ARMM unique in its own way. Nevertheless of diverse tribes of Moro and Lumad people, unity is evident. This event will further acquaint the people and will continue to strengthen camaraderie especially in the ranks of ARMM officials and employees,” Andamen said.

Governor Ampatuan, in his message read by Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, while commends the support and active participation of secretaries, heads of offices and employees, vows to reinforce programs and activities that would further brace the significance of culture and sports to man’s well-being.
ARMM is presently composed of five provinces and one city namely Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Marawi City.