The MOA envisions undertaking the writing of Bangsamoro History to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history of the Bangsamoro people, including the non-Moro indigenous communities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The BCPCH, established by the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 13, will provide funding and direction for the project, ensuring that the historical narrative is comprehensive, inclusive, and free from discrimination. MSU-Maguindanao, leveraging its research expertise and academic resources, will conduct research, documentation, and publication of the Bangsamoro History. This seeks to produce an accurate and authoritative account of Bangsamoro history that promotes understanding and appreciation of the region’s cultural legacy.

Chancellor Limbona accentuated the significance of this partnership in strengthening the initiatives of the university. “This will also help us ensure that the authentic narratives, as Sir Salem has mentioned before, are given a platform in the instruction of every faculty member. Hopefully, this will also be available to other regions as well, not just the Bangsamoro, because it is important to share. We do have a diverse culture and a very rich cultural background, and we want to share this to the world,” concluded.

Dr. Lingasa conveyed that the MOA represents a shared mission to document and preserve the rich and diverse history of the Bangsamoro people. Also, he affirmed their commitment to ensuring that the historical narrative produced will be comprehensive, inclusive, and accurate by combining their resources and expertise. He concluded by expressing confidence that, together, they will ensure that Bangsamoro history is preserved with integrity and passed on with pride.

Aaron-Jeff D. Usman, Community Affairs Officer V of BCPCH, outlined that the primary result of these efforts is inscribed in Republic Act 11054, which states that the BCPCH, among all cultural agencies, has the primary role and mandate in writing the Bangsamoro history from the perspective of the Bangsamoro people. This clarifies the importance of nurturing and strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, especially those pool of experts and excellence. The goal is to develop a system of writing historical perspectives and incorporate this into the mainstream. This responsibility includes endorsing the outputs of the Bangsamoro history writing to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, which will then transmit it to the Department of Education for inclusion in the curriculum. Overall, they are hopeful that this partnership will enhance the capacities of both MSU-Maguindanao and BCPCH, making it a mutually beneficial engagement for all involved.

Prof. Norhana P. Maguid, the Director for Center of Cultural Affairs (CCA), concluded that this marks the first step toward realizing the vision of the University to upgrade the Center for Cultural Affairs to the Institute for Mindanao Cultural Heritage. As stated by the Chancellor, they will be dedicated and committed to the memorandum, including both the Agreement and the Understanding, to fulfill the vision of both agencies.