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Questions & Answers
Why Lihal?
The title Lihal derives itself from the Tausug dialect which means “crescent moon” or “moon crescent,” but it is also a word for lectern or a bookrest that usually holds the Quran or other sacred texts. Moros consists of 13 ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines who follow Islam and carries culture that is close to precolonial Philippines. Due to past tensions between Moros and non-Moros, Moros are often misunderstood by those who know them only through past historical tensions. This project aims to improve the views of non-Moros on Moros by positioning them in the perspective of their lifestyle, livelihood, and how they still honor their heritage.
Why Bangsamoro?
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was formed in 2019, concluding the decades of conflict for their autonomy and rights. The Moros are indigenous people who practice Islam and were able to avoid Spanish colonization, preserving years and years of tradition, culture, and a strong identity. The formation of the region opened the doors for Moros to practice their autonomy and to reform their region from the decades of conflict they have encountered. Bangsamoro as a region is resilient and strong, and was never known to back down from what they believe in. Their pride in their identity is a showcase of their endruance and strong set of beliefs that eventually led them to the development of laws to pass their rights and receive autonomy.
Who are the Moros?
The Moros are 13 ethnolinguistic groups found in the region of Bangsamoro and across Mindanao. These are people who have been following Islam since the pre-colonial era. They have finally gained autonomy over the region last 2019. These 13 tribes are composed of the Maranao, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Yakan, Tausug, Sama, Sama di Laut, Jama Mapun, Kagan, Kolibugan, Sangil, Molbog, and Palawanon. They have their own renditions of weaving, food, and practices that are all similar in themes. It is worth noting that Lumad tribes are not considered Moros, despite Lumads being abundant in the Bangsamoro region, as they practice aninism and not Islam.
What is the Moro Perspective?
The Moro perspective is seeing history through the eyes of a Moro and not through the eyes of the majority, or non-Moros. The Moros have been treated differently by our colonizers, and by fellow Filipinos themselves throughout the centuries due to colonization. It has reached to a point where being Moro is believed to be different from being Filipino over the years. With the formation of BARMM in 2019, the external conlfict has now been conlcuded, but the birth of a newly formed region has it’s own share of internal conflicts as well. As Bangsamoro heals, so does the rest of the country. Understanding the Moro perspective is a step closer to help non-Moros understand that Bangsamoro is more than just its past.