1st Lanao del Sur Inter-LGU Culinary Festival: A gastronomic feast showcasing Maranao cuisines

Known for its colorful culture and traditions, the Province of Lanao del Sur is also a thriving hub for gastronomic delights.

This was showcased in the Inter-LGU Culinary Festival, a cooking demonstration competition flaunting the rich and diverse flavors of Maranao dishes. It was organized by the Provincial Tourism Office as one of the highlights of the 64th founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr. said the festival was designed to promote "Maranao culture-preneurship" by showcasing the vibrant Maranao culture and at the same time spotlighting the talent of local cooks and chefs.

18 LGUs, 54 cooks

Eighteen local government units (LGUs) across the province participated in the culinary festival. These are the municipalities of Balabagan, Balindong, Binidayan, Buadipuso-Buntong, Bubong, Kapai, Kapatagan, Lumba Bayabao, Lumbatan, Madalum, Marantao, Masiu, Piagapo, Pualas, Saguiaran, Sultan Dumalondong, Taraka, and Tugaya.

Each local government unit (LGU) has three contestants tasked with preparing an appetizer, soup, main course, dessert, and drinks.

Their dishes were judged according to taste, presentation, and cultural significance by international halal chefs Mayumi Pascua and Ismael Abaya, together with Farm and Grill Restaurant owner and chef Ansary Benito Cali.

The raw ingredients were provided by the provincial government through a farmer’s market established at the venue, where cooks can buy the ingredients they need. Most of the fresh ingredients were locally sourced from farmers and fisherfolks in the province.

Beef randang and chicken piyaparan

Among the many Maranao dishes, beef randang and chicken piyaparan shined the most at the culinary festival.

"'Yung main course namin is beef randang. 'Yung beef randang kasi is parang kultura at tradition na yan ng mga Maranao. Lahat ng handaan, mga events natin tulad ng Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, kahit na may kambing ay nandiyan pa rin yung beef [Our main course is beef randang. The beef randang is like the culture and tradition of the Maranao people. All our feasts, events like Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, even if there is a goat, the beef is still there]," said Farhana Lomudag from Tugaya town.

She said it was her first time joining a culinary competition. She and her teammates were nervous but excited at the same time, as they would be able to showcase their Maranao dishes at the culinary event.

Farhana shared that if the provincial government holds the same competition next year, they will participate again as they find their first experience memorable and meaningful.

"The main dish [we prepared] is a whole chicken, which we called "Matarintis a manok." The term "matarintis" means perfect or whole package. Since the trend nowadays is fried chicken and in our culture the way of cooking the chicken is piyaparan (with shredded coconut), so we decided to combine them together," said Majar Mariga from Sultan Dumalondong.

Mariga said the names of their dishes were also coined from the main ingredients, such as the appetizer Parezan," which is a combination of pareya (bitter gourd) and puzan (small salted fish).

Hadja Aliah Dimalna from the municipality of Marantao, who cooked chicken piyaparan, said she also enjoyed the experience. "Sumali kami for fun. Sinubukan lang namin and okay naman 'yung experience. If may ganitong event next year, InshaAllah sasali kami [We joined for fun. We just tried it and the experience was okay. If there is another event like this next year, in God’s will, we will still join]," she added.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Tourism Officer was surprised to witness a fusion of traditional and modern ways of cooking Maranao dishes.

"Nakakagulat na nag-evolve na rin ‘yung mga cuisines natin. For example, yung biyaring dish na nakasanayan nating raw (ang pag-serve).This time, dito ginawa nilang fried [It was really surprising to see that our cuisines have also evolved. For example, the biyaring dish that we usually serve raw, they have fried the ingredients]," Tamano stated.

With this development, Tamano said the citizens can hope for another culinary event at next year's founding anniversary of the province, targeting promising cooks from the different schools in the province as participants.

For the first culinary event, the cooks from the municipality of Balabagan were hailed as the champions, while the first and second runners-up were bestowed on the municipalities of Bubong and Marantao, respectively.

The champion received a P50,000 cash prize, while the first and second runners-up got P30,000 and P15,000, respectively. Other participants received a consolation prize of P5,000 each. Aside from the cash prize, all participants were also given P5,000 to defray their transportation costs. (APB/PIA-10)

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Lanao del Sur ECLIP cmte to benchmark CDO's halfway house mgmt

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) committee is planning to conduct a benchmarking visit to Cagayan de Oro City to learn best practices in ECLIP implementation, especially on the establishment of a halfway house.

This is one of the agreements of the committee members during its action planning meeting, Monday, July 31, to fully assist former violent extremists (FVEs) in their transition towards a productive civilian life.

Accordingly, there is a need to adopt a holistic approach to addressing the needs of FVEs to ensure the sustainability of the interventions extended to them.

Administrative Order No. 25, series of 2020, provided that the government should pursue a genuine reintegration of former rebels, Militia ng Bayan, and FVEs who have expressed the desire to return to the folds of the law.

The returnees will then undergo systematic assessment and processing in a civilian-managed facility or the so-called halfway house. Immediate interventions and other assistance specifically tailored to their needs will also be delivered to them.

After the benchmarking, the committee will set the crafting of the halfway house manual of operation. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao Sur strengthens peacebuilding efforts, reorganizes ECLIP cmte to aid FVEs

As part of its continuous effort to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in the province, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur organized the Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) committee to facilitate the accessibility of government assistance to former violent extremists (FVEs) and ensure they will become productive citizens of their communities.

The selected ECLIP committee members convened Monday, July 31, to review the provision of the Executive Order for the organization of the committee and discuss pressing concerns that must be collectively addressed by the group.

The provincial E-CLIP committee is chaired by Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr. with 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Jr. as the co-chair. The members are Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Information Office, and Provincial Peace and Development Office.

Also included as members are representatives from BARMM regional agencies, national line agencies, and CSOs, namely, Ministry of Interior and Local Government-Lanao del Sur, Ministry of Social Services and Development, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos in Lanao Area, Philippine Information Agency-Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur People's Council, Provincial Muslim Women Council, Maranao People Development Center Inc., Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH).

Several activities to strengthen the implementation of ECLIP in the province were also tackled. These include cascading activities on the implementing guidelines for the provision of DILG-administered package assistance as well as the proper handling of the program phases and process, the required documents, and the mechanism for security and monitoring of the rebel returnees. 

The target participants for these cascading sessions are municipal local government units (LGUs), barangay LGUs, the security sector, concerned government agencies, civil society organizations, and the religious sector.

Another agreement was to craft a proposal for a benchmarking activity in Cagayan de Oro City concerning the operation of a halfway house and crafting its manual of operation. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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BOMBIT program carries on move for good governance, acclaims 10 outstanding LDS villages

The province of Lanao del Sur has displayed an even more intensified dedication to advance good governance among all local officials, including at the barangay level.

This, as it keeps implementing its program named Building Opportunities for a Meaningful Bangsamoro Inclusive Town (BOMBIT).

Under this initiative, the provincial government made sure to acclaim deserving barangays for showcasing the true meaning of public service and emerging as exemplary and top-performing.

For this year, ten villages were conferred with the BOMBIT Program and awarded P1.5 million worth of infrastructure projects which were based on their needs.

Among the achievers were Brgy. Bantayao in Lumbaya Bayabao town which was promised with the construction of a child care center, Brgy. Botod in Maguing town would soon have a one-classroom school building, Brgy. Bubong in Saguiaran town would have a senior citizen building, Brgy. Cawayan Kalaw in Marantao town is set to have a water system and Brgy. Kasayanan in Kapai town would build an open gymnasium in the future.

On the other hand,  Brgy. Lumbac in Pagayawan town would have its water system, Brgy. Manila Group in Wao town would welcome a renovation of its public market, Brgy. Moriatao Loks A Datu in Taraka town and Brgy. Rantian in Ditsa-an Ramain town both would have their renovation and expansion of barangay halls and Brgy. Tambo in Madamba town would construct a multi-purpose building.

Each awardee was handed over the building plans for their public infrastructure projects, including affidavits of undertaking and project billboard details.

Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said this year was the second time they initiated the awarding with already 20 barangays awarded since its inception.

He also said that next year, they plan to give recognition to 15 more villages, and in the following year, they would add more grantees until all barangays would be hailed, and understand the purpose of the program which is to advocate good governance and accountability for their public funds.

“[We have] 1,158 [barangays]. Ang dami ng barangays ng Lanao del Sur. Ngayon, kung hahayaan lang natin sila na ganyan lang ang kalagayan ng barangay natin, walang pagbabagong mangyayari kaya naisipan kong gawin ito at bigyan sila ng mga papremyo para maengganyo sila,” said Adiong.

([We have] 1,158 [barangays]. There are so many barangays in Lanao del Sur. Now, if we will just let the situation of the barangays be as is, no changes will be seen. That is why, I thought of doing this and giving them prizes so that they will be encouraged.)

The provincial governor said the BOMBIT program has an organized team tasked to conduct a surprise visit in all barangays in this province.

He added that they intended to drop by unnoticed to personally witness the unmasked treatment of barangay officials to their constituents, if they work well in their barangay halls under their mandate, and if their documents were compliant with the guidelines of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

As the BOMBIT Program carries on, Adiong assured to appropriately merit villages, especially that they would be more delighted to recognize more localities that stood out due to their good governance.

“Huwag kayong mabahala basta ang provincial government, kung magiging maayos ang mga barangay ninyo, titignan namin kung qualified kayo dito sa BOMBIT Program at mas matutuwa kami kung maging 50% ang bibigyan natin ng program na ito,” he said.

(Do not worry for the provincial government, as long as your barangay will be okay, we will see if you are qualified for this BOMBIT Program and we will be happier if this program can give an award to 50% of the barangays.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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10 LDS villages proud BOMBIT program awardees

Officials from the ten barangays in the province of Lanao del Sur were proud to be hailed as recipients of the Building Opportunities for Meaningful Bangsamoro Inclusive Towns (BOMBIT) Award.

The ten barangay local government units received their award in a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Complex, July 26.

Edris Sumagayan, Punong Barangay Kasayanan Proper in the municipality of Kapai, is thankful for the BOMBIT program which earned him a barangay project for the construction of an open gymnasium.

"Ating pinapasalamatan ang ating mga mayor sa kanilang pagsuporta sa atin. Sa aming Mayor sa Kapai maraming salamat. Lalo na ang ating Provincial Governor dahil sa kanyang walang humpay na pagbibigay [ng supporta] sa ating mga barangay dito sa Lanao del Sur," he said.

(We thank our mayors for their support. To our Mayor in Kapai, thank you very much. Thank you also to our Provincial Governor because he supports the barangays here in Lanao del Sur.)

Esmail Casim, Punong Barangay of Lumbac in Pagayawan town was glad to have been a part of the program and for his barangay to be chosen as one of the awardees. He is hopeful that the BOMBIT Award will become an inspiration and motivation to other barangays to strive for excellent public service.

He said the award is also a reminder for him and his constituents in his barangay to always work on continuous improvement.

The projects received by the other eight barangay awardees are the construction of a child care center for Brgy. Bantayao Poblacion in Lumba Bayabao town; one classroom school building for Brgy. Botod in Maguing town; construction of senior citizen building for Brgy. Bubong in Saguiaran town; construction of water system for Brgy. Cawayan Kalaw in Marantao town; construction of public market for Brgy. Manila Group in Wao town; construction of a multi-purpose building for Brgy. Tambo in Madamba; renovation and expansion of barangay hall for Brgys. Moriatao Lokus a Datu in Taraka and Brgy. Rantian in Ditsaan-Ramain.

The 10 outstanding barangays also received the building plan of their chosen project, as well as affidavits of undertaking, and project billboard details during the awarding ceremony. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Raheemah co-op develops web, mobile app to trade more Maranao products

Aiming to expand the marketing of products locally made by Maranaos in this city and Lanao del Sur province, the Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative launched the web and mobile application of its Raheemah Economic Hub and Development Center that would display various items bearing the Maranao culture. 

With the continuing support of Save the Children Philippines under its livelihood and the learning Marawi program in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and Pacific, the cooperative unveiled the website www.raheemaheconomichub.ph, including the application named Raheemah Economic Hub which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android users, and app store for iOS users.

Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative Chairperson Sittie Aishah Baicon Cayongcat Nuska said the Raheemah Economic Hub and Development Center was primarily established to have a physical store for their local artisans and other social entrepreneurs, especially women and youth. 

However, knowing the new normal now, she saw the need to reach those interested purchasers of their products who cannot personally come to the city. 

Nuska is positive that with the mobile app, they could enjoy a nationwide and global extent. 

“This application will be the answer to the need to be able to market the local products of the people of Marawi,” she said. 

Nuska also detailed that there are at least 36 social entrepreneurs who posted their products in their mobile application and that they would still try to connect with other organizations to help them showcase their products. 

Some interesting commodities ready to be purchased from their app were by-products of handicrafts, langkit, halal seasonings, and Maranao delicacies made by youths in this city, such as chocolates called Kakaw Meranaw, cassava crackers, and chili sauce. 

Moreover, Nuska also bared that one of the highlights of the launch of their web and mobile app was the trade fair and peace walk wherein they conveyed to the people of Iligan City and other places that aside from the quality products they have and could offer, the Islamic city where they came from had the intrinsic culture that represented their identity while the colorful fabric they displayed showed that just like other cultures and people in the Philippines, they, too, are as beautiful as other dwellers of the country. 

“So far, the sales have been very good, especially when the community here [in Iligan City] somehow understands the purpose of advocacy, that we are not just selling products but also telling stories about how we support communities in Marawi and Lanao del Sur,” she said.

Looking back on the achievements of her organizations, Nuska expressed her gratitude to their partners, including Save the Children Philippines, Task Force Bangon Marawi, and the Department of Trade and Industry, for looking up to her organization for what it could render for women and children in Lanao del Sur province and Marawi City for them to believe in their potential, and rebuild their lives and livelihood. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Relief Int’l leads LDS women’s engagement in peacebuilding

Non-government organization (NGO) Relief International is now firmly promoting the involvement of women in Lanao del Sur province in activities geared towards peacebuilding.

In the fulfillment of this goal, the organization alongside the provincial government launched phase three of the project dubbed Women Engaged in Responsive Solutions to Conflicts and Violence in Mindanao (WE RESOLVE). 

Accordingly, this shall be co-implemented by another NGO, Balay Mindanao, with the German embassy as the funder, pledging to pour €1.4 million for its one-year duration wherein eight municipalities and 40 barangays in this province and Maguindanao are targeted to benefit.

Particular places covered by the project will be Marawi City, and the towns of Tubaran, Pagayawan, and Marantao.

Relief International WE RESOLVE Project Manager Lisa Dioneda-Moalong expounded that they invested in this province as a support to the civilization of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

She mentioned that for this year, they would focus on extending aid to women to enhance their participation in local conflict resolution. 

Moalong further explained that they partnered with Balay Mindanao as this organization is known as well for facilitating peace processes between armed groups and local government units, and has previously pushed for the establishment of peace coalitions, especially in the provinces of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. 

For the WE RESOLVE Project, she bared that their ally organization would lead the capacitating and formation of women’s associations in covered barangays. 

“They have tools and modules called operation discourse, and then they will help us form peace movements,” said Moalong.

Relief International Africa-Asia Regional Director Mark Atterton, on the other hand, stressed that it would be a privilege to be able to partner with the provincial government here, its communities, and local people as they implement the WE RESOLVE Project. 

He stated that this effort would be their dedication to future generations, especially for women, as they would specifically acknowledge the significant role of women, and what they can and do and must try for peacebuilding. 

Apart from Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces, Atterton shared that they also initiate programs in countries like Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. 

He recalled that his international organization was founded in response to the earthquake in Iran, and after this, they have already been committed as an organization to address situations around the world. 

Atterton conveyed that the existence of his group and the mission they carry would always matter to him as they work with their brothers and sisters from all over the world to help those affected by wars and conflicts and advocate that peacebuilding transcends all dynamics and is an essential foundation for longer-term development.

“We are very much about the communities. We are very much about the people. That could be from the youngest to the oldest. It works across religions and cultures. We are committed to the areas we have been working for longer-term development,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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"WE RESOLVE" project beneficiaries share experiences

With the launching of the third phase of Relief International's Women Engaged in Responsive Solutions to Conflicts and Violence in Mindanao (WE RESOLVE) project, its beneficiaries shared the benefits they obtained in the past two phases of the project.

Basak Malutlut Punong Barangay Norhaya Langco Indol-Grande said members of the women's association in her barangay which is a beneficiary of Relief International's WE RESOLVE project. She said most of these women are widows. As such, she also expressed her sincere gratitude to Relief International and its partner agencies for the help they extended to the said women's association.

"Labis po kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga tulong na galing po sa pamahalaan. Sa BARMM, Province of Lanao del Sur, LGU Marawi and all the NGOs, especially the Relief International sa kanilang tulong at suporta sa aming baranggay," she said.

(We are very grateful for the help from the government. To BARMM, Province of Lanao del Sur, LGU Marawi, and all the NGOs, especially Relief International for their help and support in our barangay)

She added that they will preserve and continue the aid provided by Relief International for the development and progress not only to their barangay but also the entire Lanao del Sur.

Norjanah Macadatar, president of Sagurompong ko Masa Women's Organization, said she and her late mother established their organization because of their goal to expand the knowledge of women in their community not only on their religion but also on their condition and situation in the community.

With that, she was very grateful to Relief International and its partner agency Balay Mindanao as they made it easier for them to achieve their goal for their organization.

"Dumating ang Relief-International katuwang ang Balay Mindanao upang kami ay tulungan sa lalong ikabubuti ng aming komunidad. May mga dinaanan kaming trainings and seminars upang ipaliwanag saamin kung gaano kahalaga ang papel ng mga kababaihan sa isang komunidad," she said.

(Relief-International came together with Balay Mindanao to help us in the betterment of our community. We went through trainings and seminars to explain to us how important the role of women in a community is. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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LDS photo exhibit, forum feature cultural heritage sites, env’t advocacy

 

The provincial government of Lanao del Sur ensured anew that its cultural heritage sites and movement for the environment were made known to the public by organizing a week-long photo exhibition and seminar appropriate for such a cause. 

As the one-month celebration of the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Sur continues, the Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO) led the showcasing of snapshots of some bird species inhabiting the province and Meranaw historical sites erected up to this day.

On the other hand, seminar sessions were also spearheaded for 50 students from different colleges of the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus to tackle environmental awareness, relevant intervention and initiatives, initial survey of historical sites in the province, and re-examining the Spanish-Moro wars. 

During the duration of their event, the PTCAO was delighted that visitors flocked to their photo exhibition while many students showed interest in their seminars. It is also positive that the province's tourism office, known to be in the infancy stage, would be promoted and boosted, considering that showcasing their culture and traditions is a big factor in its advancement. 

Residents of the province are encouraged to treasure their community as this is abundant in culture, which defines their existence. (CRG/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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100 women in LDS conflict areas get livelihood opportunities from BARMM solon

As part of the drive to aid vulnerable members of communities impacted by undesirable circumstances, the Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos led the ceremonial turnover of P50,000-worth of livelihood package assistance to 100 women in Lanao del Sur province who have been facing the drastic consequences of previous armed conflict. 

Apart from the financial favor, skills training of the beneficiaries’ choice was also initiated through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism (MTIT).

Such an effort was pushed through the Bangsamoro solon’s Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) in 2022 under her legislative agenda called Empowered Constituencies, which aimed to serve as an instrument in delivering help and rendering services to her fellow locals, especially those in the marginalized communities.

In her relayed message, Ramos stated that it was one of the Bangsamoro government’s moves to curb poverty in the region as they all continue to realize what is mandated of them as public servants. 

She stressed that this was also part of fulfilling their duties as legislators, considering that they are bound to craft laws and policies which institutionalize mechanisms and uplift the living conditions of their Bangsamoro constituents through programs, projects, and services that are genuinely reflective and responsive to their necessities.  

“This livelihood program is one of those programs designed to address specific needs that are relevant and needed by the Bangsamoro communities with the hope of promoting employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities,” said Ramos.

Following the successful materialization of their undertaking, the MP conveyed her gratitude to their partners, such as the Bangsamoro government, MTIT, and radio stations, for dedicating some efforts to provide livelihood aid and apt training to 100 women in this province. 

With this unified determination, Ramos hopes to capacitate and equip their beneficiaries with the necessary skills and hone their talents to become competitive and productive Bangsamoro skill-oriented learners and entrepreneurs. 

“May this serve as your stepping stone towards improving yourselves, developing your strengths, and growing your potential. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon at oportunidad ito sa inyong hakbang upang umunlad at mapalago and inyong kabuhayan (May this serve as an inspiration and opportunity in your journey to improve and boost your livelihood),” said Ramos to the recipients.

Meanwhile, MTIT-Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Mohammad Aquil Mamainte reminded the recipients that the government could not provide all the demands of its covered communities due to limited resources. 

That is why he said that if any support is given, the beneficiaries should treasure it to pay back the sponsor.

“At the end of the day, this is also self-sustaining. Ito ay para na rin makahelp tayo sa community. Tulungan natin ang ating mga sarili dahil iyon na rin ang tulong natin sa gobyerno (This is also to help the community. Let us help ourselves because that will also be our help to the government),” said Mamainte. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Tugaya town works out preservation of culture thru mapping

The municipality of Tugaya in the province of Lanao del Sur has set a zealous determination of preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage to foster the identity of its community and the entire populace of Maranaos. 

This, as the local government unit (LGU) of the mentioned town in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) and Office of Former Member of Parliament and now Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph led the community validation and presentation of the recently completed cultural mapping which aimed to recognize the significant contributions of the Maranao artisans, particularly in Tugaya town, in the hopes of cultivating their legacy and making it known to the future generations.

Tugaya Cultural Mapping Project Head Walid Pangcoga explained that this attempt involves documenting and visualizing various cultural resources, including tangible and intangible elements, to picture diversity in their place. 

He recalled that on May 24, 2018, they made their first move by launching Culturaid, Inc., another initiative with the same goal of fostering their culture.

From then on, they underwent three phases: research, writing, and editing. These ensured that the collected and collated information were true and factual before presenting their output for validation, publishing, and launching their completed book.

“Naconsolidate na after a series of field interviews and research, and ang mga cultural mappers natin ay nagkaroon din ng series of meetings and editing. Ngayon naman, ivavalidate ng community kung ang naisulat o nadocument natin ay may mali or tama or kulang pa ba,” he said.

(It is already consolidated after a series of field interviews and research, and our cultural mappers have also had a series of meetings and editing. Now, the community will validate if what we have written or documented is wrong or true or if there is something lacking.)

Pangcoga is confident that with their undertaking, they could encourage more citizens to recognize and appreciate their cultural heritage while heartening their own people to enhance their cultural tourism and economic development, plan and safeguard their heritage, and facilitate intercultural dialogue and understanding.

He was also looking forward to them being a tool for social mobilization, community empowerment, and revitalization of marginalized or endangered cultural practices, especially since they intend to be recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their cultural heritage. 

Pangcoga stressed that they could only fulfill this when their artisans could enjoy some limelight where they would showcase their distinctive skills.

“Hindi lang sana tularan kung hindi at least marecognize sila [artisans] on their contributions kasi the tourism haven ng Lanao del Sur ay itong products and textiles na gawa sa Tugaya. If ever man na mawala na ang mga artisan, at least we have written and documented the cultural tradition and heritage of Tugaya,” said Pangcoga. 

(We should not just emulate but also recognize them [artisans] for their contributions because the tourism haven of Lanao del Sur is these products and textiles made in Tugaya. If ever the artisans will be extinct, at least we have written and documented the cultural tradition and heritage of Tugaya.

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