 |
| Lantong Pangcoga, Sonaya Ali Palao, Caironesa Hadji Jamel, and Anwar Azis participated in LIKHA 3 to showcase their carving and weaving skills. LIKHA is a gathering of skilled artisans and craftspeople from all over the country who want to promote Filipino craftsmanship. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office-Lanao del Sur) |
Seven artisans from Lanao del Sur, renowned for their Meranaw carving and weaving skills, displayed their creations at the third LIKHA event, highlighting the province's rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
Held at the Philippine International Convention Center from June 6 to 11, LIKHA gathered over 80 skilled artisans and craftspeople from across the country to connect them with potential markets and promote Filipino culture and craftsmanship.
Noraisah Lomodag, one of the featured Meranaw artists, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity. She described LIKHA as more than just an exhibition, but a platform to showcase the artistic works of various communities and fellow master artisans.
Lomodag also highlighted the chance to present embroidery and wood products from Tugaya. "Kaya, super thankful ako sa LIKHA organizer and also to MTIT-LDS (Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism-Lanao del Sur), and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, lalong-lalo na ang Culturaid for their support para makasama kami," she said.
(I am deeply grateful to the LIKHA organizer, MTIT LDS, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, particularly Culturaid, for their support in enabling us to participate in this event.)
Okir artist Anwar Azis emphasized the event's significance in promoting their crafts not only to the public but also to fellow artisans. Azis stressed that their creations are a source of pride, inherited from their parents, and intended for future generations in Tugaya.
"Malaking tulong ito upang maipagmalaki namin, hindi lamang sa ibang tao kundi pati sa kapwa artisan namin sa Tugaya na ang aming mga likha ay dapat ipagmalaki. Ang mga ito ay namana namin sa aming mga magulang at hangad namin na maipasa rin ito sa mga susunod na henerasyon sa Tugaya," he said.
(This is a big help for us to showcase, not only to other people but also to our fellow artisans in Tugaya, that our creations are something to be proud of. These are inherited from our parents, and we aim to pass them on to the next generation in Tugaya.)
Tugaya artisan Lantong Pangcoga is also thankful for the opportunity, noting that Tugaya artisans have yet to receive the recognition they deserve at the highest level, such as nominations for the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA).
"Bagaman kinikilala sa buong mundo ang aming mga produkto, hindi pa kami nabibigyan ng parangal," he expressed.
(Although our products are recognized worldwide, we have not yet received this award.)
As a result, Pangcoga urged Lanao del Sur's provincial government to advocate for a GAMABA program in the province.
Other artisans who participated in the exhibit included Caironesa Haji Jamel, Sonaya Ali Palao, Normala Amito, and Saadira Basmala.
.jpg) |
| Okir artist Anwar Azis showcased his woodcarving expertise, employing the intricate okir design, during the third edition of LIKHA, held at the Philippine International Convention Center from June 6 to 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office-Lanao del Sur). |
.jpg)
.jpg) |
| Balud weaver Sonaya Palao showcases the intricate Meranaw style of weaving during the third edition of LIKHA held at the Philippine International Convention Center from June 6 to 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office-Lanao del Sur) |
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur's tourism focal person, Ahmad Nour-al-dinn Tamano Jr., highlighted the province's diverse traditional crafts showcased at the exhibit. These included intricate Lakub, Balud textiles, woodcrafts, and brassware.
He also elaborated on the provincial government's commitment to supporting local artisans, such as the Meranaw Artisan Summit in 2022, an initiative specifically designed to profile and assist artist organizations and cooperatives. He stated that this profiling process directly facilitated the seven artisans' participation in LIKHA 3.
Tamano further emphasized the support provided by his office, the Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office to the local artisans. Accordingly, they collaborated with the MTIT to ensure the artisans' smooth travel to Manila and the safe transport of their tools and materials.
He also added that Provincial Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Alonto Adiong Jr. extended financial assistance to the participating artisans through allowances. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
No comments