In the beginning ... T'was an identity of who I am not, imposed by a colonizer envious of my independence, prestige and honor. I was his shadow, forsaken; an enemy thought vanquished, an Iberian nemesis reborn reminiscent of the African Moors. Through the sword and the cross, through words and the pulpit, through every scheme imaginable, I was always the antagonist. Over ages this name remains, reminder of our forebears' sacrifice - Life forsaken, blood spilled, in combat or alone.
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
My Bangsamoro 'State'
In the beginning ... T'was an identity of who I am not, imposed by a colonizer envious of my independence, prestige and honor. I was his shadow, forsaken; an enemy thought vanquished, an Iberian nemesis reborn reminiscent of the African Moors. Through the sword and the cross, through words and the pulpit, through every scheme imaginable, I was always the antagonist. Over ages this name remains, reminder of our forebears' sacrifice - Life forsaken, blood spilled, in combat or alone.
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
As the tide turns against colonialism, so added new meaning, new identity, an empowerment to a long neglected but proud race. Moro - one who fights for his right and land! 13 identities fused by one faith!
These days, a twist is at hand. Bangsamoro, not anymore an identity, not anymore an cultural grouping. The name has evolved from being a pariah into the mainstream consciousness, a political and legal jargon emerging out of the peace process. A apt recognition for an unconquered portion of this republic! There was much brouhaha when ARMM was born and to end as a failed experiment. 22 years of existence gone wrong? What is then our guarantee of this evolving political entity? Will it be just physical changing of the guards or a 'hijrah' from 'jahiliyah' to righteousness? I pray, because as a Moro this is what I do. But I am also reminded by my faith that change will not come unless we change what is in our heart.
In the end, I believe, Bangsamoro is a consciousness, a frame of mind. My body is my Bangsamoro. My family, my home is my Bangsamoro. My neighborhood is my Bangsamoro. What my mind thinks, my heart feels, my hands act on, they all reflect my Moro state. In this intangible world, my Bangsamoro will live forever, uncontrolled, undefined, free from the limitation of legal and political constructs, free from the ethnic and cultural stereotypes and prejudices. In this conscious realm, I can be creative, critical and reflective to my heart's content. In this state, I keep my hindsight about the past unobstructed, my present unhindered and my future infinite. Here lies the true esssence of my Bangsamoro state!
Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro
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transforming momentary highs
October 15 will be a historic day if we will proceed with deep conviction on what has been inked. The framework agreement signed in Malacanan Palace is just a roadmap. Thanks to the infomap, we now understand clearly the key steps leading to the new political entity. I am idealistic when it comes to what unites us all, I'm pragmatic when it comes to what can be done in order to keep the peace. It's like what our honorable ulama would often say, unite of the fundamentals and tolerate the branchial differences.
While peace is an altruistic value, it can be operationalize depending on how open and inclusive and drive the succeeding processes will be. I like the idea that the President mention about involvement of OTHER stakeholders, the voices unrepresented or underrepresented in the negotiating table. The interests and stakes is so much that we all have to be patient and persistent.
Most of us joined in the euphoria over the agreement. For us who've been affected by the second longest running conflict in the world know better what is the alternative to this agreement. We have spent so much time, effort and resources; lost lives and properties, and destroyed households and relationships; that we settle for a pragmatic approach. Did we reach the level of "war fatigue" that we will settle for anything as the critics would have it?
I am more concerned about platforms, where voices are heard, concensus are reached, and diversity tolerated. Here is where the openness, inclusitivity and representation operate. In the formation of a public policy, the leaders facilitate, the people speak. Let there be enough of these platforms for peoples and sectors to speak. So that at the end of the day, what is formed is ownership of what will become.
Public engagement is crucial. We can not leave an important process such as the transition to Bangsamoro to our leaders alone. The people, as sovereigns in a democracy need to articulate and chart our collective destiny.
As a son and a grandson, I long to see the idealism of our forebears enjoyed by us. As a husband and a father, I would like to enjoy them now with my family. We have suffered for long, we need some quick wins now. As a Moro and member of the larger society, I would like this to be the inheritance of the succeeding generations, a Bangsamoro better than what we have inherited and they can be proud of and respected by the whole world.
But I also understand that such will not come in a click. We can't also leave it to others to do it for us. Such will not come if Moros will start valuing personal, familial, clan and ethnic interests over the larger Moro altruism. Here's what is ironic, in the face of an outside enemy we are united, in the absence of it, we squabble like kids?! When we are powerless we raise the flag of jihad, then when we are in power we keep at bay and do our selfish things and raise it again when we are remove from power?!
What ails ARMM more that its structural and political flaws, will continue to haunt the next. Moving towards Bangsamoro is akin to the transition from lesser to greater jihad. We are reminded by our Prophet Muhammad (saw), the greater struggle is Jihad al-Nafs, the internal struggle. The ARMM experiment has enough lessons on missed transformation - As we govern ourselves as an institution, we failed to transform as a society and as individuals. This is the other half of the failed experiment.
While peace is an altruistic value, it can be operationalize depending on how open and inclusive and drive the succeeding processes will be. I like the idea that the President mention about involvement of OTHER stakeholders, the voices unrepresented or underrepresented in the negotiating table. The interests and stakes is so much that we all have to be patient and persistent.
Most of us joined in the euphoria over the agreement. For us who've been affected by the second longest running conflict in the world know better what is the alternative to this agreement. We have spent so much time, effort and resources; lost lives and properties, and destroyed households and relationships; that we settle for a pragmatic approach. Did we reach the level of "war fatigue" that we will settle for anything as the critics would have it?
I am more concerned about platforms, where voices are heard, concensus are reached, and diversity tolerated. Here is where the openness, inclusitivity and representation operate. In the formation of a public policy, the leaders facilitate, the people speak. Let there be enough of these platforms for peoples and sectors to speak. So that at the end of the day, what is formed is ownership of what will become.
Public engagement is crucial. We can not leave an important process such as the transition to Bangsamoro to our leaders alone. The people, as sovereigns in a democracy need to articulate and chart our collective destiny.
As a son and a grandson, I long to see the idealism of our forebears enjoyed by us. As a husband and a father, I would like to enjoy them now with my family. We have suffered for long, we need some quick wins now. As a Moro and member of the larger society, I would like this to be the inheritance of the succeeding generations, a Bangsamoro better than what we have inherited and they can be proud of and respected by the whole world.
But I also understand that such will not come in a click. We can't also leave it to others to do it for us. Such will not come if Moros will start valuing personal, familial, clan and ethnic interests over the larger Moro altruism. Here's what is ironic, in the face of an outside enemy we are united, in the absence of it, we squabble like kids?! When we are powerless we raise the flag of jihad, then when we are in power we keep at bay and do our selfish things and raise it again when we are remove from power?!
What ails ARMM more that its structural and political flaws, will continue to haunt the next. Moving towards Bangsamoro is akin to the transition from lesser to greater jihad. We are reminded by our Prophet Muhammad (saw), the greater struggle is Jihad al-Nafs, the internal struggle. The ARMM experiment has enough lessons on missed transformation - As we govern ourselves as an institution, we failed to transform as a society and as individuals. This is the other half of the failed experiment.
transforming momentary highs
October 15 will be a historic day if we will proceed with deep conviction on what has been inked. The framework agreement signed in Malacanan Palace is just a roadmap. Thanks to the infomap, we now understand clearly the key steps leading to the new political entity. I am idealistic when it comes to what unites us all, I'm pragmatic when it comes to what can be done in order to keep the peace. It's like what our honorable ulama would often say, unite of the fundamentals and tolerate the branchial differences.
While peace is an altruistic value, it can be operationalize depending on how open and inclusive and drive the succeeding processes will be. I like the idea that the President mention about involvement of OTHER stakeholders, the voices unrepresented or underrepresented in the negotiating table. The interests and stakes is so much that we all have to be patient and persistent.
Most of us joined in the euphoria over the agreement. For us who've been affected by the second longest running conflict in the world know better what is the alternative to this agreement. We have spent so much time, effort and resources; lost lives and properties, and destroyed households and relationships; that we settle for a pragmatic approach. Did we reach the level of "war fatigue" that we will settle for anything as the critics would have it?
I am more concerned about platforms, where voices are heard, concensus are reached, and diversity tolerated. Here is where the openness, inclusitivity and representation operate. In the formation of a public policy, the leaders facilitate, the people speak. Let there be enough of these platforms for peoples and sectors to speak. So that at the end of the day, what is formed is ownership of what will become.
Public engagement is crucial. We can not leave an important process such as the transition to Bangsamoro to our leaders alone. The people, as sovereigns in a democracy need to articulate and chart our collective destiny.
As a son and a grandson, I long to see the idealism of our forebears enjoyed by us. As a husband and a father, I would like to enjoy them now with my family. We have suffered for long, we need some quick wins now. As a Moro and member of the larger society, I would like this to be the inheritance of the succeeding generations, a Bangsamoro better than what we have inherited and they can be proud of and respected by the whole world.
But I also understand that such will not come in a click. We can't also leave it to others to do it for us. Such will not come if Moros will start valuing personal, familial, clan and ethnic interests over the larger Moro altruism. Here's what is ironic, in the face of an outside enemy we are united, in the absence of it, we squabble like kids?! When we are powerless we raise the flag of jihad, then when we are in power we keep at bay and do our selfish things and raise it again when we are remove from power?!
What ails ARMM more that its structural and political flaws, will continue to haunt the next. Moving towards Bangsamoro is akin to the transition from lesser to greater jihad. We are reminded by our Prophet Muhammad (saw), the greater struggle is Jihad al-Nafs, the internal struggle. The ARMM experiment has enough lessons on missed transformation - As we govern ourselves as an institution, we failed to transform as a society and as individuals. This is the other half of the failed experiment.
While peace is an altruistic value, it can be operationalize depending on how open and inclusive and drive the succeeding processes will be. I like the idea that the President mention about involvement of OTHER stakeholders, the voices unrepresented or underrepresented in the negotiating table. The interests and stakes is so much that we all have to be patient and persistent.
Most of us joined in the euphoria over the agreement. For us who've been affected by the second longest running conflict in the world know better what is the alternative to this agreement. We have spent so much time, effort and resources; lost lives and properties, and destroyed households and relationships; that we settle for a pragmatic approach. Did we reach the level of "war fatigue" that we will settle for anything as the critics would have it?
I am more concerned about platforms, where voices are heard, concensus are reached, and diversity tolerated. Here is where the openness, inclusitivity and representation operate. In the formation of a public policy, the leaders facilitate, the people speak. Let there be enough of these platforms for peoples and sectors to speak. So that at the end of the day, what is formed is ownership of what will become.
Public engagement is crucial. We can not leave an important process such as the transition to Bangsamoro to our leaders alone. The people, as sovereigns in a democracy need to articulate and chart our collective destiny.
As a son and a grandson, I long to see the idealism of our forebears enjoyed by us. As a husband and a father, I would like to enjoy them now with my family. We have suffered for long, we need some quick wins now. As a Moro and member of the larger society, I would like this to be the inheritance of the succeeding generations, a Bangsamoro better than what we have inherited and they can be proud of and respected by the whole world.
But I also understand that such will not come in a click. We can't also leave it to others to do it for us. Such will not come if Moros will start valuing personal, familial, clan and ethnic interests over the larger Moro altruism. Here's what is ironic, in the face of an outside enemy we are united, in the absence of it, we squabble like kids?! When we are powerless we raise the flag of jihad, then when we are in power we keep at bay and do our selfish things and raise it again when we are remove from power?!
What ails ARMM more that its structural and political flaws, will continue to haunt the next. Moving towards Bangsamoro is akin to the transition from lesser to greater jihad. We are reminded by our Prophet Muhammad (saw), the greater struggle is Jihad al-Nafs, the internal struggle. The ARMM experiment has enough lessons on missed transformation - As we govern ourselves as an institution, we failed to transform as a society and as individuals. This is the other half of the failed experiment.
A pioneering spirit
Nothing beats a pioneering spirit. And I say this with a zest! These past few weeks we've shown what a pioneering spirit and 'can do' attitude combine can do and overcome.
We pulled a celebration, a training program for new recruits and an orthography within a week and for the first time in the 22 years existence of the institution!
By Sunday, we heard the President announcing the Framework Agreement. While this foretell the beginning demise of our current institution, we are unselfishly happy to see a better replacement.
We pulled a celebration, a training program for new recruits and an orthography within a week and for the first time in the 22 years existence of the institution!
By Sunday, we heard the President announcing the Framework Agreement. While this foretell the beginning demise of our current institution, we are unselfishly happy to see a better replacement.
Tomorrow is another opportunity for Bangsamoro, either we seize it to make a positive difference in the lives of our people or spoil it again.
Tomorrow we will be administering to all school and district heads an examination that they should have taken before they were appointed to their current post. Better late than never? This time it will serve as a diagnostic.
Ya Allah, may public interest and public service dominate our mind, heart and action this time. Help us keep the spoilers from within and without, at bay.
Tomorrow we will be administering to all school and district heads an examination that they should have taken before they were appointed to their current post. Better late than never? This time it will serve as a diagnostic.
Ya Allah, may public interest and public service dominate our mind, heart and action this time. Help us keep the spoilers from within and without, at bay.
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