Bill seeks to install English-Arabic signage in BARMM

COTABATO CITY - Bangsamoro lawmakers have recently introduced a bill requiring public and private institutions and establishments to display signage in both English and Arabic to bridge language barriers and create a more inclusive environment.

The BTA Bill No. 176, or the Signage Official Language Act, aims to ensure that vital information is accessible to all residents and visitors in the region.

Recognizing the significance of Arabic as a widely spoken language throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, the bill emphasizes its historical and cultural relevance within the Bangsamoro region.

Under the bill, signage will be required to feature both English and Arabic written together, side-by-side, or with English on top and Arabic at the bottom.

According to the bill, the Ministry of Public Works will compile a comprehensive list of appropriate and lawful signage, as well as other devices and instruments.

These signs refer to any form of written announcement that are installed, posted, hung, painted, or otherwise displayed in public places. The purpose of these graphic displays is to convey information to the general audience.

Arabic has deep roots in the region, dating back to the arrival of Muslim missionaries in 1380. Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, an Arab missionary, played a pivotal role in introducing and propagating the Islamic religion in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, and neighboring islands.

Its script is written from right to left, making it distinct from the usual left-to-right direction of English and other widely spoken languages.

The bill was jointly proposed by several Members of Parliament, including Suharto Esmael, Abdullah Hashim, Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, Matarul Estino, Eddie Ali, Said Sheik, Abdulwahab Pak, Abdullah Gayak, and Ibrahim Ali.

The lawmakers believe that the installation of bilingual signage will promote linguistic harmony and ensure that both English-speaking and Arabic-speaking individuals can access and understand important information.

To finance the implementation of the legislation, the necessary funds will be allocated from the General Appropriation Act of the Bangsamoro.  (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)