INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament have filed a measure on Friday that will recognize traditional dance artist Hadja Sakinur-Ain Mugong Delasas for her contributions to the traditional dance of Tawi-Tawi named Sama Igal.
Parliament Resolution No. 490 was filed by Members of Parliament (MP) Amir Mawallil and Rasol Mitmug Jr., while MPs Laisa Alamia, Baintan Ampatuan, Don Mustapha Loong, Suharto Ambolodto and Rasul Ismael were the co-authors.
“The Bangsamoro Parliament recognizes the pivotal role of the Hadja Sakinu-Ain Mugong Delasas in the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Sama people, highlighting the Igal dance as a unique and shared legacy among various communities,” the resolution said.
The resolution added that the Igal dance is an important part of the culture of the Sama people, an ethnic group in Tawi-tawi.
“It expresses the ecstasy that accompanies the tauhid, that is, the manifestation of a divine being. The Igal dance is an important element that expresses the cultural identity of the Sama people, and it has inspired modern dance and contemporary art creations in the Philippines,” it added.
Delasas was one of the nine Filipino artists whom President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. conferred the title “Manlilikha ng Bayan,” in Proclamation 427 issued on Thursday.
“Her passion for culture and the arts has not only kept traditional dances alive in the younger generations but also inspired many to study and learn. For this, her contributions to the Bangsamoro culture and the arts have become immeasurable,” Mawallil said.
