ARMM kicks off 2018 Pakaradjaan

BPI-ARMM
March 27, 2018

Cotabato City: Officials and employees kicked off the year-long celebration of the 29th founding anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (ARMM) dubbed the 2018 Pakaradjaan on Monday, March 26, at the region's seat in Cotabato City.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the celebration highlights the gains of good governance in the region and the diversity of heritage of the Bangsamoro people.

"The year-long commemoration of the ARMM’s history features events and activities showcasing the diversity of the region’s cultures and traditions, connected by its people’s shared passion for peace and justice in the region," he said.

The Pakaradjaan 2018 bears the theme “The ARMM Legacy: Exemplifying Good Governance in the Bangsamoro.”

The lineup of events and activities include the following:

· Launching and Ribbon Cutting of ARMM Villages

April 16

· Ramadhan Trade Fair

May 15 - June 15

· Food Festival

July 23

· MasterChef Competition

August 24

· ARMM Debate Competition

September 21-23

· Lanao del Sur Cultural Night

October 17

· Tawi-Tawi Cultural Night

October 24

· Sulu Cultural Night

October 31

· Sheikh Makhdum Celebration

November 7

· Basilan Cultural Night

November 14

· Sayaw Street Dance Competition

November 19

· Maguindanao Cultural Night

November 21

· Moro Film Festival

December 4-7

· Sports Peace Festival

November 7-December 9

· Shariff Kabunsuan

· Closing Program and Awards Night

· Fluvial Float Competition

December 19

"Hindi na lamang tayo “Muslim Mindanao” kundi Bangsamoro. Moro tayo: mulat sa magkakaugnay nating kasaysayan; patuloy na kumikilala sa magkakarugtong nating kinabukasan," Hataman said.

Hataman, together with the different ARMM officials, led the banging of the gong which signaled the opening of the 29th ARMM Anniversary celebration. 

Similar ceremonies were also held earlier in the five component provinces of the region, which were attended by thousands of employees and residents.

The regional government will again put up five mock cultural villages representing the provinces of the ARMM inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City, which will be opened to the general public inside. 

The cultural villages would feature the traditions, heritage, products, the people and the arts of communities in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Each village will be headed by a chieftain. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Kahal Kedtal will serve as the Maguindanao Chieftain; Agrarian Reform Secretary Dayang Carlsum Jumaide as Tawi-Tawi Chieftain; Education Secretary Rasol Mitmug as Lanao del Sur Chieftain; Executive Secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia as Basilan Chieftain; and Public Works and Highways Secretary Don Mustapha Loong as Sulu Chieftain. (Bureau of Public Information)