BARMM- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Cotabato but still known as North Cotabato, is a landlocked province in the Philippines.
While the province itself is geographically located in the Mindanao region of SOCSARGEN, some of
its barangays are under the jurisdiction of the nearby Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The inclusion
of BAR is voted by ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the plebiscite. From ARMM the city
became the government center of the new region, the BARMM or the Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao. Cotabato City had witnessed more history than any other places in
Mindanao. It is nestled at the heart of Maguindanao but politically independent from the province.
Historically, dates in 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary landed along the
banks of the Rio Grandede Mindanao and introduced Islam religion which dominated in the place of
Mindanao. The city was a vast swamp and rainforest landscape where numerous ethnolinguistic
groups lived.

Here, vernacular architecture was developed during this era, which included the architectural
techniques. Obviously, there were some tourist spots showcasing the beauty and proudly-built
infrastructures. Count the churches, mosques and any other remarkable buildings. The Grand Mosque
of Cotabato City is the rising star and prestigious mosque in the city. Undoubtedly also known as
Sultan Hadji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, named after the Sultan of Brunei who reportedly helped fund
its construction. The walls of the Grand Mosque are painted white and cream along with its minarets
while the domes are pretty in yellow. Additionally, it is the largest mosque not just in Mindanao, but
in the Philippines.

While landmarks could be most common travel guide, the native delicacies are pride in
Minadanao. Some flavors of the road and the most popular on highways while travelling, is the
“Baye-baye”. It is made of a coconut water, grated scraped young coconut meat, sugar and toasted
pinipig (pounded rice grains). These delicacies are usually wrapped in banana leaves and some of it
are wrapped in red Japanesse paper. Aside from “Baye-baye”, the vendors also carry sugar-coated
peanuts on their kalalaw or winnowing baskets. But there is also a delicacy that more tourist loved.
The “Tinagtag”, made of ground rice and sugar, mixed with small water. The glutinous mixture is
poured over a coconut shell drilled with small holes and attached to a wooden stick held with a rope
and tied to a pole and folded like tacos.

As mentioned above, Shriff Kabunsuan played a major role in the lives of the natives. So they
named the festival after him; the Annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival in Cotabato City. The highlight
of the four-day celebration is the Guinakit Fluvial Parade, which allow the people to witness the re-
enactment of the arrival of Mr. Kabunsuan. Colorful vessels symbolizes royalty among Muslim tribes
in Mindanao.
 The importance of this spots, delicacies and festive occasions are advantages of their cultural
endowments, which helps positioning their premier tourist destinations on top. It will help to make the
saleable spots and experiences more attractive. And a good manifestation to maintain and preserve
culture. And for me, these things are appealing to the tourists taste because of the features, attractions
and contributions it made in their place and in the Philippines.