DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 January) – 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, traditions, and spirituality,” Mohammad C. Didato of Mulondo, Lanao del Sur said.
“Such misrepresentations not only offend the essence of our beliefs but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes that can lead to misconceptions and further divisions between the Muslim and Christian communities,” he said.
He, however, added that the incident can be “an opportunity for dialogue and education to bridge the gap between communities, ensuring that future cultural representations are approached with sensitivity and a commitment to unity.”
“It is my hope that this incident serves as a catalyst for positive change, bringing our communities together rather than driving them apart,” he concluded.
CTU, in a statement posted Saturday on the Facebook page of SunStar Cebu, expressed “our deepest and most sincere apologies for any offense or disrespect” caused by their presentation.
It said the university values and respects the rich cultural and religious diversity of their community, and that they “strive to celebrate all cultures with sensitivity and awareness.”
It assured a “significant lesson” has been learned and will work that “such mistakes are not repeated.” (H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)
