COTABATO CITY – At the heart of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is a microcosm of its five provinces and through an exhibit here – as part of its 29th anniversary – it highlights cultural villages representing Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Dubbed as “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. And 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 message: The province will rise from the catastrophe of the Marawi siege, said Lanao del Sur village chieftain Rasol Mitmug, Jr., also the ARMM’s Secretary of the Department of Education.
Upon entering, the village reveals a replica of the Torogan, a traditional Maranao house that speaks of one’s status back in the early days. It is decorated with intricately carved panolong, 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 park, 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 Secretary Mitmug.
The view from the window in the village structure is a miniature of the largest lake in Mindanao: 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 functioning padian, or market, is built inside the village where visitors can find traditional Maranao delicacies, or buy souvenirs such as landap and wooden artefacts and brassware designed with okir. It should be noted that the Maranaos are known all over the country as excellent entrepreneurs.
“Naging opportunity din ang Lanao village para sa mga nagbebenta ng artifacts na gawa sa Lanao para makilala ang kanilang produkto,” said Secretary Mitmug. “Pinag-uusapan din dito kung paano mapre-preserve yung traditional performances, food, artisan skills, at sports,” he added.
The village holds cultural performances every night to showcase Lanao’s performing arts. Secretary Mitmug said his team would bring home the Torogan replica to Lanao and turn it into a people’s museum in the future. (Bureau of Public Information)
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