COTABATO CITY(January 29) — From the thud of basketballs on hardwood courts to the rhythmic kicks of Sipa sa Manggis, the 7th Bangsamoro Foundation Day (BFD) brought communities together in a celebration of both athleticism and cultural heritage.
Participants from all provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) joined a series of sporting events from January 12 to 25, culminating in a showcase of modern and traditional games that reflected the region’s unity and rich heritage.
Organized by the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) under Chairperson Arsalan Diamaoden, the BFD sports activities featured provincial delegations and representatives from ministries, offices, and agencies across BARMM. The events aimed to promote regional participation while highlighting traditional Bangsamoro games alongside contemporary sports.
“Reaching our 7th anniversary is a milestone. This is not a program intended for a specific tribe—it is for all Bangsamoro. It is a celebration of our shared joy in commemorating the collective gains of the Bangsamoro,” Diamaoden said.
He emphasized that sports in the region are more than competition. “It is about protecting our culture and heritage,” he said, noting that traditional games like Sipa sa Manggis help preserve local identity for younger generations.
The week-long celebration kicked off with basketball competitions among provincial teams, setting the tone for a blend of competitive and recreational events. Among the highlights was the inaugural Bangsamoro MTB Enduro Challenge, which drew around 150 riders from across the region and was held in partnership with the office of Deputy Speaker Atty. Sha-Elijah Dumama-Alba and One Trail Enthusiast.
Running events also drew strong participation, with nearly 400 runners joining the 7-kilometer fun run through Cotabato City streets on January 25. Competitive runners also competed in the BFD Run, with top finishers earning cash prizes, trophies, and slots in the upcoming MILO Marathon in Davao.
Regional participation was further highlighted in the Kaalalai sa Sports Badminton Tournament, a two-day event that brought together players from various provinces, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Cultural preservation was showcased through Sipa sa Manggis, a traditional Bangsamoro game demonstrated and played openly at the Bangsamoro Government Center. Alas Manzor Panarigan, a member of the Pusaka team who participated in the event, said traditional games are vital for passing on heritage to the youth.
“When we play Sipa sa Manggis, we pass on our culture to the younger generation. I hope traditional sports like this continue to be demonstrated not only during special occasions but also in regular sports events,” he said.
The BSC pledged to continue inclusive sports programs that balance athletic excellence with cultural preservation across all provinces, ensuring that future generations of Bangsamoro youth grow up connected to both their heritage and their communities.
