A high-ranking official from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly in the preparation of the popular Moro rice dish, pastil, which has recently gained popularity nationwide.
Pastil, a beloved meal known for its affordability and simplicity, consists of steamed rice topped with shredded meat, traditionally chicken, beef, or fish. It is also a halal dish, adhering to Islamic dietary laws, which forbid the use of pork.
BARMM spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun, speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, highlighted the cultural and historical significance of pastil to the Bangsamoro people, particularly the Maguindanaoan community. “Pastil is very important culturally and historically for the Bangsamoro,” he noted.
While Pendatun expressed his appreciation for pastil’s increasing popularity beyond Muslim Mindanao, he urged people to be cautious about cultural appropriation. The concern arose after reports surfaced about some businesses offering a “reinvented” version of pastil using pork, an ingredient prohibited in Islam.
“It’s culturally insensitive when pork is used in pastil,” Pendatun explained, underlining the dish’s roots in Islamic dietary norms. Pork is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam due to its religious teachings on cleanliness and purity, and as such, the inclusion of pork in a traditionally halal dish like pastil is seen as a violation of these sacred customs.
Pendatun stressed that while non-Muslims are free to innovate with food, they should avoid calling the dish pastil if it does not meet the halal requirements. “You can call it ‘pork binalot’ instead,” he suggested, encouraging respect for the original dish’s cultural and religious context.
This reminder underscores the importance of understanding and respecting cultural traditions, especially in food, which is often deeply intertwined with history, identity, and religious beliefs. In an increasingly interconnected world, sensitivity and respect for cultural practices, like the proper preparation of pastil, can promote mutual understanding and inclusivity.
