Marawi City celebrates cultural heritage with Langkit Exhibit

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The City Government of Marawi, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), Airspeed Philippines, and product designer Chris Gomez, unveiled the Langkit Exhibit 2024 at the School of Living Traditions in Rizal Park on August 14 as part of the 84th Marawi City Charter Day celebration.

The exhibit showcased the intricate art of langkit weaving, a traditional craft passed down through generations in Marawi. By highlighting the beauty and complexity of langkit products, the exhibit aimed to revitalize Meranaw culture and promote sustainable livelihoods for local weavers.

Mayor Majul U. Gandamra said the exhibit is significant in preserving and promoting langkit weaving as a vital part of Marawi’s cultural heritage. Building on the success of the first Langkit Weaving Competition, the city is committed to transforming this traditional craft into a thriving industry.

Under the guidance of product designer Chris Gomez, local weavers have created innovative and contemporary langkit products. These products will be marketed both domestically and internationally, with Airspeed Philippines providing logistical support and online sales channels. Additionally, ISON Towers Philippines is improving internet connectivity to facilitate these efforts.

Sittie Ayena H. Caye, History Researcher II at the BCPCH – Lanao del Sur, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Commissioner Robert M. Alonto. In her speech, she highlighted the cultural importance of langkit weaving, tracing its historical development and emphasizing the need to preserve this tradition while adapting it to modern design trends.

The city government of Marawi unveiled a Langkit Exhibit 2024 at the School of Living Traditions in Rizal Park. This exhibit, part of the 84th Marawi City Charter Day, features the products and creativity of local weavers. (Photo by APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

The Langkit Exhibit 2024 will run until August 16, offering the public a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and heritage of langkit weaving.

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Langkit Festival marks Marawi’s 84th Charter Day celebration

 

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The city government of Marawi officially opened its weeklong celebration for the 84th Charter Day on Monday, August 12, under the theme “Marawi Rising: From Challenges to Triumphs.” The event aims to showcase the unity of the Meranaw people and the progress made in the city’s development amidst various trials.

The celebration’s opening also introduced the Langkit Festival, an annual event designed to highlight Meranaw cultural heritage through the langkit, a band of woven Meranaw fabric.

“Langkit Festival is a celebration of our traditional weaving and craftsmanship. We are showcasing what our weavers are doing. It is very significant to launch this Langkit Festival so that later on, it will be part of our programs for every celebration of the founding anniversary of Marawi City,” said City Mayor Majul U. Gandamra.

Gandamra described the event as an opportunity to celebrate Marawi’s heritage while working towards a promising future. He emphasized that Marawi’s future is about more than just economic development or infrastructure; it’s about creating a community where all members feel valued and empowered. “It is about fostering innovation while staying grounded in our cultural values,” he said.

Inspired by Weaving Contest Success

City Tourism Officer Princess Tarhata Pacasum-Mangotara explained that the Langkit Festival stemmed from the success of the Langkit Weaving Contest (Kambatalo sa Kapangawl) held during last year’s 83rd Marawi Charter Day. She said the weavers indicated it was the first time in their 60 years of weaving that a local government unit had organized such an event or competition for them.

“Langkit strongly represents the Meranaw culture, and we are very lucky that the city is home to a lot of langkit weavers,” Mangotara said.

She noted that the mayor focused on developing a sustainable program to support the craft and the weavers and to promote it widely.

“By celebrating this intricate tapestry Meranaws call our own, we can help preserve and widely promote our distinct culture, thereby giving our dear local weavers more opportunities to earn better, as we include them in the city’s socio-economic goals,” she added.

Lineup of Cultural and Community Events

In addition to these initiatives, the City Council through resolutions, has encouraged Marawi residents to wear traditional attire or items with langkit accents every Wednesday and declared August as the city’s annual Langkit Festival month.

Gandamra invites everyone to participate in the weeklong celebration’s activities, including the Langkit Exhibit and Artwar on August 14, which features weavers and young artists. Other events include the Dulang Competition to highlight Meranaw culinary heritage, the Sportsfest, and Fun Run from August 13-16 to promote sportsmanship and wellness among the youth, and the Government Services Exhibit from August 13-16 to provide information and one-stop access to essential services.

Key highlights of the week are the unveiling of four historical markers on August 18 and the State of the City Address on August 19. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Marawi City kicked off its 84th Charter Day celebration showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit. The weeklong festivities dubbed "Langkit Festival" highlight Marawi's resilience and unity, reflecting its historical significance and the unwavering pride of the Maranao people. (Photo by DCC/PIA-10)

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