Lanao del Sur’s village exhibit highlights ‘Lanao Rising’

COTABATO CITY– At the heart of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) here is a microcosm of its five provinces. The exhibit, highlighting cultural villages representing Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, is part of the 29thanniversary of the regional government.Dubbed Pakaradjaan 2018, it strengthens the ARMM’s advocacy to spread awareness on the rich historical legacy of the region, including diverse cultures that have been thriving even before the establishment of the Philippine republic.ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman views the cultural villages’ exhibit as vital since some policy makers do not have a deep understanding of the Moro history. To a certain extent, that leads to lack of appreciation on where the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is coming from.One of the highlights of the exhibit is that of the province of Lanao del Sur, home to Maranaos. Lanao’s village façade, decorated with colorful paintings of the Sarimanok – a mythical bird of the Maranao, is a sight one will surely not miss.‘Lanao Rising’, the village’s slogan, traces its roots to a popular advocacy that conveys an important messageand the province will rise from the catastrophe of the Marawi siege, said Lanao del Sur village chieftain Rasol Mitmug, Jr., also the secretary of the ARMM’s Department of Education.Upon entering, the village reveals a replica of theTorogan, a traditional Maranao house that speaks of one’s status back in the early days. It is decorated with intricately carvedpanolong, a house ornament that resembles a butterfly wing, as well as other interesting Maranao creations.A model of Plaza Cabili is the centerpiece in the village. The plaza, a historically significant part of Marawi, was destroyed in last year’s siege. The reason why it was included in the village exhibit is to commemorate its memories of being a landmark and a venue for grand events in the past such as rallies, campaigns, and concerts, said Sec. Mitmug.The view from the window in the village structure is a miniature of the largest lake in Mindanaoand Lake Lanao, which is connected to the Agus River system that provides up to a third of the island’s total power requirement.To complete the experience in the exhibit, a functioningpadian,or market, is built inside the village where visitors can find traditional Maranao delicacies, or buy souvenirs such aslandapand wooden artifacts and brassware designed with okir. It should be noted thatthe Maranaos are known all over the country as excellent entrepreneurs. Nagingopportunitydin angLanao villagepara sa mga nagbebenta ngartifactsna gawa saLanaopara makilala ang kanilang produkto, said Sec. Mitmug. Pinag-uusapan din dito kung paano mapre-preserveyungtraditional performances, food, artisan skills, atsports, he added.The village holds cultural performances every night to showcase Lanao’s performing arts. Sec. Mitmug said his team would bring home theToroganreplica to Lanao and turn it into a people’s museum in the future. (Bureau of Public Information)