ARMM celebrates its 27th year

• Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/armm-celebrates-its-27th-year/
• Sunday, November 13, 2016

By Ayunan G. Gunting

NOVEMBER is special month for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as it celebrates its anniversary.

Now on its 27th year, “Pagkaradjaan sa ARMM” marks its establishment as a Moro region with an independent administration under the national government.

Pagkaradjaan means “celebration” in Moro tribes’ dialects.

The Moro region consists of the five Muslim-populated provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Its elective chief executive is Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman. His wife Party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin of Anak-Mindanao is proud of her husband’s achievements.

The monthlong festivities will be held at the ORG Compound and Shariff Kabungsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in Cotabato City, ARMM’s seat of government. These events highlight the Moro’s search for peace, as well as culture.

It is customary to kick off the celebration with rites at the 634-year-old Shiek Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. Makhdum was a preacher from Malaysia who intorduced Islam in the Philippines in the 14th century. As the oldest, religious historical landmark in the Philippines, it is now a museum which is being preserved as a heritage building.

Pagkaradjaan also includes summits with government agencies and private sector and a workshop on literacy. Film festivals featuring the work of young independent filmmakers that tell the stories of the Moros will be held in various venues.

The different Moro tribes, like Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Teduray and Yakan, will offer their culinaryspecialties.

In December the Muslim music, dance and costumes will be showcased in nightly cultural programs by the different tribes and a men’s basketball and volleyball tournament.