© IJARW | ISSN (O) - 2582-1008
February 2025 | Vol. 6 Issue. 8
www.ijarw.com
IJARW2413 International Journal of All Research Writings 8
AWARENESS AND PROMOTION OF BANGSAMORO CULTURAL
DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE RESOURCES: KEY DRIVERS OF
LIBRARY USERS’ SATISFACTION
Aliah B. Datuamala
1
, Annabelle P. Acedera
2
Lourdes College Inc., Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Public libraries play an important role in promoting cultural heritage, community awareness, and
information access. This descriptive-correlational study examines the implications of awareness and
promotional activities of the Bangsamoro Library and Archives (BLA) on library users' satisfaction.
Data from 50 participants comprising students, professionals, and community members, analyzed
through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal high awareness of Bangsamoro
cultural heritage resources, driven by BLA’s promotional initiatives in terms of library orientation,
media campaigns, and exhibitions and displays. These activities effectively foster cultural appreciation
and engagement, with a strong positive correlation between awareness and satisfaction. The study
underscores the importance of promotional strategies in bridging gaps between heritage awareness
and user satisfaction. Recommendations include enhancing strategies, leveraging innovative
technologies, and fostering collaborations to strengthen BLA’s role in cultural heritage advocacy. By
addressing the research gap, this research contributes to sustainable cultural development and
supports SDG 4—ensuring inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning for all.
Keyword: Cultural heritage awareness, public libraries, Bangsamoro Library and Archives, library user
satisfaction, cultural heritage promotional activities, cultural documentary heritage resources
1. INTRODUCTION
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (BARMM) is widely known for its
vibrant traditions, customs, and narratives that
stand for its unique identity. It embodies the
collective memory, traditions, and identity of the
tribes living in its diverse community, making
preserving cultural heritage imperative. Cultural
documentary heritage resources are vital
components that connect communities to their
past, fostering a sense of identity and pride.
Awareness and promotion of these resources act
as a bridge, linking communities like Bangsamoro
to their roots and promoting a deeper
understanding of their heritage. They cultivate a
sense of belonging and facilitate community
engagement and preservation efforts.
Central to safeguarding the unique identity of the
Bangsamoro nation is the Bangsamoro Library
and Archives (BLA), the only regional library in
the Philippines. The BLA serves as the repository
of information resources on cultural documentary
heritage in the region and has the essential role of
preserving and disseminating knowledge, as well
as serving sufficient library resources and services
to meet the information needs of the Bangsamoro
people. The Bangsamoro Administrative Code
supports this, otherwise known as Bangsamoro
Autonomy Act No. 13, Section 25.9, Title III, Book
IV, which mandates the BLA to collect, maintain,
and preserve regional vital documents and laws,
including cultural resources that reflect the
identity of the Bangsamoro people.
In today's fast-paced digital age, some may
question the relevance and importance of the
BLA’s role in preserving and providing access to
these resources. According to Okerulu (2002),
libraries are an essential part of nation's cultural,
social and educational system, serving to in
disseminate and preserve knowledge and culture,
in doing so, libraries can play a significant role in
advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4
also in bridging the past and the present while
shaping the future. This collective effort
underscores the significance of libraries in
safeguarding cultural documentary heritage and