Bangsamoro official demands apology for ‘misappropriation’ of culture in Sinulog

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – The head of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) issued a statement Saturday demanding a public apology from the contingent that presented Bangsamoro traditional dances depicted as Muslim in the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, an event dedicated to the Santo Nino.

BCPCH Commissioner Robert Alonto was referring to the contingent from Cebu Technological University (CTU), whose dancers were wearing hijabs and praising the Santo Nino in their performance during the opening of the famed festival on Friday.

“Unity and reconciliation cannot be achieved by cultural theft, misappropriation, or imposition but by acknowledging cultural diversity through mutual respect and tolerance,” Alonto said, adding they expect “the same reciprocal respect and tolerance from our Christian Filipino compatriots in this country.”

The CTU presentation drew flak on social media.

Jam Taha said CTU is “a school that needs schooling. This is a messed-up combo of a culture with a religious festivities.” [sic]

Ben Jan Novela Basilisco, who describes himself as a choreographer said that while he understood that the intent was to showcase the country’s different regions, the performance was really questionable.

“It’s really hurting, I wish they had asked about Bangsamoro traditions and culture,” Datu Xander B. Wampa said in mixed English and Filipino. “It’s disrespect for other religions, cultures and traditions.”

“As one of the Maranao

traditional leaders in our community, more specifically the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, we condemn this tragic event. Our identity as Maranao Muslims is deeply rooted in a legacy of history, tra