BCPCH-Tawi-Tawi

10/08/2026

BCPCH Tawi-Tawi is honored to welcome the Tourist Police Unit in Tawi-Tawi, led by Chief PMAJ AL KENNETH E CAYANGA, on their courtesy visit. Looking forward to stronger partnerships and a stronger commitment to protecting Tawi-Tawi’s heritage. 🤝

05/08/2026

The participation of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) in the inaugural **Community of Local Affiliates Studying the Past (CLASP)** continued on its second day with an immersive heritage walk through the UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

More than a tour of historic landmarks, the activity allowed BCPCH delegates to observe how a historic city can be preserved while remaining a living, functioning urban community.

The participants walked through George Town's historic commercial and civic districts, beginning along Beach Street and proceeding to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower and Fort Cornwallis. At the fort, participants viewed exhibits on Penang's history and observed ongoing conservation and restoration work at the historic site.

The walk continued past the City Hall and Town Hall, and through streets where mosques, temples, historic houses, commercial establishments, public spaces, street art, local food, and contemporary businesses coexist. These layers illustrate why the heritage of George Town extends beyond individual monuments and buildings. Its streets, communities, religious traditions, livelihoods, and everyday cultural practices collectively contribute to the character of the historic city.

For BCPCH, the experience offered valuable lessons for its ongoing work in **heritage documentation and conservation, cultural mapping, policy formulation, historic site development, and community engagement**. George Town demonstrated that preserving heritage is not simply about protecting old structures. It also requires finding ways for historic places to remain meaningful and useful to the communities that live around them.

The experience likewise highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in heritage preservation. George Town's development as a heritage city reflects the combined efforts of government, heritage organizations, professionals, local communities, property owners, and civil society. For BCPCH, this reinforces the importance of engaging communities and other stakeholders as active partners in safeguarding Bangsamoro heritage.

In the afternoon, the two-day CLASP gathering concluded with a plenary discussion on sustaining the network and transforming the exchanges into concrete regional collaborations.

Participants and organizers agreed to develop collaborative studies on themes such as the successes and challenges of heritage initiatives in Southeast Asia, the role of heritage organizations in policy formulation, heritage laws across the region, and different approaches to heritage preservation.

BCPCH, represented by Tawi-Tawi Commissioner **Elmasia Madjilon** and Senior History Researcher **Esnaira Salem**, signified its interest in participating in the working groups on **heritage best practices and heritage policy making**. The outputs of these collaborations are expected to be shared and discussed in the succeeding CLASP gathering.

The inaugural CLASP therefore provided BCPCH not only an opportunity to share the Bangsamoro experience with fellow heritage practitioners, but also to learn from the experiences of institutions and communities across Southeast Asia.

As a relatively young institution entrusted with safeguarding the diverse cultural heritage of the Bangsamoro, BCPCH brings home from George Town valuable lessons that can inform and strengthen its continuing programs and policies—while also opening opportunities for sustained collaboration with heritage institutions across the region.

03/08/2026

The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), represented by Tawi-Tawi Commissioner Elmasia Madjilon and Senior History Researcher Esnaira Salem, is participating in the inaugural assembly of Community of Local Affiliates Studying the Past (CLASP) in the historic UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

CLASP is an initiative of the Southeast Asia Research and Exchange Program (SEASREP) that brings together representatives of local heritage institutions, museums, cultural organizations, researchers, and heritage practitioners from across Southeast Asia. The gathering aims to strengthen regional networks, encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and foster future collaborations in heritage conservation, historical research, and public engagement.

The opening day featured two major activities: a panel discussion and a collaborative workshop. During the morning session, selected panelists shared the challenges and opportunities encountered by their respective institutions in preserving and promoting local history and heritage. In the open forum, Dr. Maris Diokno emphasized that the participants themselves are the CLASP community and that the success of the network depends on how its members nurture collaboration beyond the assembly.

In the afternoon, participants were divided into smaller groups to discuss the common challenges faced by their institutions, the strategies they have adopted to address them, and the ways regional cooperation can further strengthen heritage initiatives across Southeast Asia.

Assigned to different workshop groups, Commissioner Madjilon and Ms. Salem shared the Commission’s ongoing initiatives in preserving and promoting Bangsamoro cultural heritage. They highlighted BCPCH’s work in policy formulation, cultural mapping, the School of Living Traditions, the writing of Bangsamoro history, the documentation and conservation of heritage sites, archival development, and museum management.

The first day concluded with meaningful exchanges, valuable insights, and new connections among heritage practitioners across the region, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in safeguarding Southeast Asia’s diverse cultural heritage.

30/06/2026

23/06/2026

𝑩𝑪𝑷𝑪𝑯 𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊-𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊 𝑫𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒖𝒍, 𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊-𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊

Every place has a story to tell, and in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, these stories are deeply connected to the history, identity, and cultural heritage of its people.

In line with this, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office, conducted 𝙄𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 in Simunul as part of its continuing efforts to record, recognize, and help preserve places of historical and cultural significance.

The activity was led by History Researcher II Armelina M. Rizal and Community Affairs Officer II Jaro Ajik. Through the assistance and coordination of the Local Government Unit of Simunul, under the leadership of Mayor Mohammad Yusof "Madi" Tidal and Vice Mayor Wasilah T. Abdurahman, the team successfully documented three significant heritage sites: Camp Sophia, the Tomb of Sultan Ombra Amilbangsa, and the Tomb of Daing Labuddin.

BCPCH Tawi-Tawi, under the leadership of Commissioner Elmasia L. Madjilon, extends its sincerest gratitude to the LGU of Simunul, particularly Municipal Councilors Ahman Idris and Fatima Fayruz Manzur, Municipal Administrator Nagumo Salapuddin, Executive Secretary to the Office of the Mayor Hji. Abraham Dalagan, and the personnel of the Simunul Municipal Tourism Office for their valuable support and warm hospitality during the conduct of the activity.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the historical landmarks and cultural identity of Tawi-Tawi for the benefit of present and future generations.

16/06/2026

𝑩𝑪𝑷𝑪𝑯 𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊-𝑻𝒂𝒘𝒊 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈

The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Tawi-Tawi, organized a five-day training on cultural mapping on June 8-12, 2026, at MSU TCTO Dormitel Conference Room, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. This training aimed to strengthen local abilities to identify, document, and protect the province's rich cultural heritage.

The training was attended by Municipal Tourism Officers from the different municipalities of Tawi-Tawi, representatives from the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism Office headed by Mr. Pershing M. Taiyab, Ms. Arlene N. Sevilla of the Tawi-Tawi Alliance of Civil Society Organizations, and partners from the academe, particularly Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO).

The activity primarily aimed to capacitate Municipal Tourism Officers with comprehensive knowledge of cultural mapping principles, guidelines, and approaches in documenting cultural properties within their respective municipalities. As local officials responsible for tourism development, cultural promotion, and heritage projects, Municipal Tourism Officers play an essential role in protecting and promoting their communities' rich cultural heritage. This training was not just about building skills. It also supported the mandate of Republic Act No. 11961, which enhances conservation and protection of Philippine cultural heritage through cultural mapping and better education on cultural heritage. The law requires local government units to conduct comprehensive cultural mapping and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to document cultural resources.

During the opening program, Commissioner Elmasia Madjilon highlighted the significance of the undertaking by describing cultural mapping as both a scientific process and an act of collective remembrance. She emphasized that cultural mapping serves as "the compass that will guide us in navigating this wealth," referring to the province's diverse cultural resources. While it systematically identifies, documents, and inventories both tangible and intangible heritage, she reminded participants that its true purpose goes beyond documentation. It is a powerful affirmation of identity and continuity that declares: "This is who we are. This is where we came from. This is what we must protect."

Complementing this message, Mr. Pershing M. Taiyab expressed his support for the initiative and highlighted the value of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring that cultural heritage remains an integral component of sustainable tourism development and community empowerment.

The technical sessions were led by Mr. Glenn Francis C. Lanticse of BCPCH-BARMM. He discussed the concepts, principles, and methodologies of cultural mapping. His presentations provided practical insights into identifying, documenting, and classifying local cultural properties. Meanwhile, Mr. Noor Mohammad D. Saada highlighted the roles of Local Culture and Arts Councils (LCAC) and Local Culture and Arts Offices (LCAO) in meeting the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). He emphasized the importance of cultural governance and accountability in maintaining heritage initiatives.

Over the five-day training, participants engaged actively in lectures, workshops, group discussions, and hands-on exercises to deepen their understanding of cultural mapping. The training concluded with fieldwork, where they applied the concepts and techniques learned through real cultural mapping activities. This practical experience allowed them to document and verify cultural resources in real-world contexts, boosting their technical skills and confidence to lead similar projects in their municipalities.

Through this effort, BCPCH Tawi-Tawi and its partners helped ensure that municipalities of the province are equipped to fulfill this important legal responsibility while building a stronger foundation for heritage conservation and culture-based governance. By empowering local implementers with the appropriate knowledge and skills, the initiative contributes to the establishment of a sustainable and community-based framework for cultural heritage conservation and management in Tawi-Tawi.

16/06/2026

𝐁𝐂𝐏𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢-𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office conducted a five-day School of Living Traditions: Skills Training on Indigenous Weaving on June 2 - 6, 2026, in Tabawan, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

The opening program was attended by the participants, cultural masters, Local Government Unit (LGU) of South Ubian through its Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Mr. Omarjan Jahuran, and other administrative staff. The training provided learning opportunities to twenty-five (25) participants, most of whom were first-time weavers, under the guidance of two (2) cultural masters, Ms. Farida J. Akiluddin and Sitti Oysha Asaram.

The cultural masters demonstrated the proper preparation of weaving materials and explained the functions of the tools used in the weaving process before the participants were allowed to perform the tasks themselves. This practical approach allowed the participants to begin the actual process of weaving with confidence and understanding. They learned and practiced basic skills needed in the craft, such as basic weaving techniques such as hand placement, tension control, and pattern matching. The succeeding days focused on strengthening the participants' weaving skills through practical application and guided instruction. Traditional patterns and motifs were introduced, along with discussions on their meanings and cultural significance within the local context. Particular emphasis was given to the basic pattern known as 𝐾𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎 , a beginner-friendly design that served as the participants' initial weaving pattern. Inspired by this pattern, and through the initiative of IPMR Omarjan Jahuran, the participants adopted 𝐾𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎 (𝐾𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑈𝑠𝑎ℎ𝑎 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑎 𝑇𝑒𝑝𝑜 𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑠) as the name of their association, which was formally launched during the culmination program of the training.

The five-day School of Living Traditions: Skills Training on Indigenous Weaving successfully provided a meaningful platform for the transmission of indigenous knowledge from cultural masters to the younger generation. Beyond developing technical competencies, the program fostered cultural pride, strengthened community participation, and reinforced the collective responsibility of preserving Tawi-Tawi's rich weaving traditions. Through initiatives such as this, indigenous heritage continues to thrive as a living tradition—shaping identity, ensuring cultural continuity, and inspiring future custodians of culture.

BCPCH Tawi-Tawi, under the leadership of Commissioner Elmasia L. Madjilon, extends its sincerest gratitude to the Local Government Unit of South Ubian for its invaluable support and assistance in the successful implementation of the School of Living Traditions: Skills Training on Indigenous Weaving.

16/06/2026

Happy Birthday, Commissioner Elmasia Madjilon! 💚🎉

Today, we celebrate not only your birthday but also your leadership, dedication, and service to the people and communities you continue to uplift. May the year ahead bring you good health, happiness, and many more meaningful accomplishments.

With our warmest wishes,

greetings from your BCPCH Tawi-Tawi Family

25/05/2026

EID'L ADHA MUBARAK 🌙

Wishing everyone a peaceful and meaningful celebration filled with gratitude, kindness, unity, and blessings. May this special occasion bring joy to every home and inspire hope, compassion, and generosity in our hearts.

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters! ✨🌙

15/05/2026

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 (𝐁𝐂𝐏𝐂𝐇) – 𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢-𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 “𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲” 𝐨𝐫 “𝐈𝐠𝐚𝐥” 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐨, 𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢-𝐓𝐚𝐰𝐢.

BCPCH reiterates its commitment to the preservation, protection, and respectful portrayal of the cultural heritage and performing traditions of the Bangsamoro peoples.