Uncovering the Rich Culture and Natural Beauty of Lanao del Sur

written by: THE WANDERING NOMAD – YUSOPH

IN a tale of legend that created the Lake Lanao -- the very source of identity of the Meranaws -- God commands Diabarail “go right away to the Seven-Regions-Beneath-the Earth and to the Seven-Regions-in-theSky and gather all the angels, remove Mantapoli and transfer it to the center of the earth.” This legend is foreign to most people just as much as Meranaw, “people of the lake,” is foreign to you. Perhaps what has registered is the Marawi Siege, which left the city in ruins in 2017. This event in this part of the country not only exacerbated negative perception about the people and the area, but also degenerated its potentials for growth and for it to connect with the rest of the world.

More than the siege, there are more to Lake Lanao’s people, its beauty, and its promising offer to become a key destination in the South. But who really are the Meranaws?

Meranaws resides in the southern part of the Philippines in the province of Lanao del Sur. Majority live a modest life and are known for their metalcrafts, architecture, epic literature, and distinctive cuisine. Palapa, dodol, special tapay, tiyatag, and piyaren a badak are just a few of the delicacies that can be found only in the province and will satiate every gastronomist-wanderer.

Their unique Okir, meticulously carved to various ornaments, decors, and armories, symbolizes Meranaw artistry. Their sophisticated and beautifully handwoven langkit is incorporated to both traditional attires like landap and modern clothing with different elements of okir motifs. The Aga Khan Museum holds a rich collection of Meranaw culture and traditions, while the musical instruments torogan, lamin, and kulintang tell a thousand stories of their past, present, and even future.

The province is also blessed with richness in terms of natural resources. Its capital city, Marawi, with a population of 1,195,518, is a bustling city known for its architectural charms and vibrant cultures with numerous masjeds (mosques) and cultural sites. The city sits atop a mountain more than 2,300 feet above sea level. It’s not surprising that some call Marawi the summer capital of the south.

The area is home to various unspoiled and unchartered beautiful destinations that will interest different types of visitors. Lake Lanao is one of the 15 “ancient lakes” in the world, spanning 131 square miles, and is the second largest lake in the Philippines. It retains its ultra-oligotrophic and pristine quality and is home to various species.

Nearby Mount Makaturing and Mount Ragang are stratovolcanoes that only countable adventurers have been able to traverse. Mount Ragang, also called Piyapayungan and Blue Mountain by locals, is the highest point in Lanao with an elevation of more than 9,000 feet above sea level. Its majestic view from afar portrays a princess in her sleep -- no wonder locals call it “the sleeping lady.”

Despite its rich culture and natural resources, the full potential of Lanao del Sur province remains to be tapped. The regional and provincial government have been relentless in their efforts to strengthen peace and put in place necessary facilities, infrastructures, and business incentives, to boost investment from the private sector, and get the province connected with the rest of the world. Meanwhile. Lake Lanao and the Meranaws invite the world to come in and see their beloved home as a legend come to life.