Dulang Festival: Keeping the Meranao cuisine alive

Have you ever experienced Meranaos hospitality and their unique cuisine?

Meranaos are known for being hospitable and their warm hospitality is best reflected in a prestige feast called ‘Pagana Meranao’ where guests are entertained with traditional dance performances and treated to an extravagant banquet that features Meranao cuisine.

The cuisine is showcased in a native food arrangement called ‘Dulang.’ The arrangement contains traditional cuisine placed on brass food trays called ‘tabak.’ The food trays are covered with a Meranao tray cloths called ‘ampas’ and decorated heavily, following the traditional Meranao aesthetic, and with accents of gold or silver which symbolizes prestige and nobility.

Dulang is often served during special occasions such as dialaga (engagement),  kawing (wedding), graduations, kapapakaradiyaan (merrymaking), enthronements, religious festivity like Eid’ul Fitr and Eid’ul Adha, and even homecomings of people who had gone to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.

The city government of Marawi highlighted this tradition during its 76th Charter Day Anniversary which focused on enriching Meranao culture through a Dulang Festival.

The cultural celebration, which aims to cherish Meranao culture, was participated by the 96 barangays of the city, public and private schools, government agencies, and civil society organization, among others.

The city government of Marawi highlighted this tradition during its 76th Charter Day Anniversary which focused on enriching Meranao culture through a Dulang Festival.

The cultural celebration, which aims to cherish Meranao culture, was participated by the 96 barangays of the city, public and private schools, government agencies, and civil society organization, among others.

In his keynote message, City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra underscored the importance the celebration to enrich Meranao culture and traditions.

He said the strong ties among Meranaos which are showcased during cultural celebrations also help in building a peaceful community.

The Dulang Festival featured the most beautiful, best-tasting and artistically-arranged Meranao cuisine in Marawi.

It contains dishes with unique blend of flavors and spices such as kuning (yellow rice), piyaparan (carp, mudfish, chicken, shrimp meat with coconut shavings), desserts like dodol(sticky rice in coconut milk) and browa (muffins), among others.

The Dulang is not complete without the Palapa, a Meranao condiment made of shallots, ginger, and chili peppers simmered in coconut oil. (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521474013443/dulang-festival-keeping-the-meranao-cuisine-alive#sthash.IwjQL5pC.dpu

76th Marawi City Charter Day showcases Meranao culture

Thousand residents in their colourful Meranao regalia came out to flock the streets of Marawi City, September 14 morning, to join the parade in celebration of the city’s 76th charter day anniversary.

All the 96 barangays in Marawi, public and privates schools, fraternities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, joined the colorful parade. 

The parade assembled in Barangay Marinaut at 7:00 a.m. and culminated in City Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a Dulang Festival that exhibited the exotic flavors and extravagant colors of Meranao cuisine. 

Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul Gandamra thanked everyone in attendance especially Marawi City and Provincial officials and dignitaries, including Provincial Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. who showed unity with Marawi City during the parade in behalf of Governor Soraya Alonto Adiong and the whole provincial government.

Sultan of Bacolod Atty. Nashrollah B. Conding, City Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Marawi City Division Superintendent Pharida Sansarona, and Former National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Bae Omera Dianalan Lucman also graced the event.

“Your presence here today indicates only one thing -- that you are with me in my quest to reform and bring back the old glory and beauty of Marawi City,” said mayor Gandamra.

He also underscored the importance of remembering the glorious history of Marawi City for it gives a sense of pride and a vision of what everyone wants for his family and the community as a whole.

Marawi was formerly called Dansalan. It became a charter city on August 19, 1940 but inaugurated only on September 30, 1950 due to the Second World War. Its granting of a charter was sponsored by Senator Tomas Cabili. On June 16, 1956, Senator Domocao Alonto passed an amendment to the charter renaming the city from Dansalan to Marawi in memory of the Confederation of Marawi.

Finally, on April 15, 1980, Marawi City was renamed Islamic City of Marawi under a City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition of the fact that 92 percent of the population of the city were Meranaos who are Muslims.

Marawi City is celebrating its charter day anniversary a month late due to transition concerns.

 “We cannot afford to not celebrate because this occasion is foreshadowing our dreams of making this city a better place for us and future generations to come,” said mayor Gandamra.

With the theme “Enriching Meranao Culture: A Clean and Peaceful Marawi City,” the week-long celebration will also feature Quran reading contest, presentation of different Meranao cultural entertainment, office beautification competition, inter-barangay cleanliness and beautification contest, concert and fireworks display.

The celebration will culminate on September 17. (SAMD/APB/PIA-10)

Lanao Sur conducts Health Day, launches Nutrition Month

Marawi City (9 July) -- In pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, designating the month of July as Nutrition Month, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) jointly spearheaded the launching of the 35th Nutrition Month celebration in the province. 

Anchored on the theme, "Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan," this year's Nutrition Month celebration focuses on the importance of a healthy diet that would result to a healthy lifestyle. 

A Hataw exercises held at the provincial capitol grounds kicked-off the launching. The Hataw, headed by Department of Health – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) Secretary Tahir B. Sulaik, Provincial Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr., and First Lady Raifa Adiong, was participated in by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), medical students as well as employees and staff of IPHO. 

The launching was highlighted by a ceremonial distribution of PhilHealth IDs and awarding of certificates to 15 BHWs in recognition of their contribution in the delivery of health services in the province. 

The 15 BHWs, who have been in service for more than 5 years, have attended trainings conducted by DOH and continuously active in the delivery of health services for the past years, came from the municipalities of Wao, Kapatagan, Malabang, Calanogas, Marantao, Ramain, Balindong, Maguing, Masui, and Poona Bayabao. 

Meanwhile, DOH-ARMM Secretary Tahir B. Sulaik lauded the Provincial Governor in his effort in delivering quality health services to his people citing the Governor's genuine interest in the development of the province and its people. 

He said the leadership recognizes the importance of health which is a very basic ingredient in achieving development. 

The Secretary also emphasized the role of communities in the development process stressing that the active participation of the communities as well as synergizing national and local efforts will lead to achieve a greater impact. 

Another highlight of the celebration was the opening of Nutrition booth where nutritional foods were displayed as well as other health booths that catered blood typing, blood pressure screening, glucose or sugar screening and body mass. Optical, dental, and medical examination was also conducted during the celebration. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)

Lanao Sur Gov urges constituents to support moral renewal program

Marawi City (9 July) -- Provincial Governor of Lanao del Sur Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr. urged his constituents to support his moral revival efforts to attain permanent and long lasting peace in the province. 

The Governor made the statement during the recently concluded golden anniversary celebration of the province stressing the importance of people's cooperation in achieving peace. 

"I implore my constituents and fellow leaders to support our moral revival program because no amount of moral recovery efforts can change Lanao del Sur without the cooperation of its people. I cannot do it alone," he stressed. 

He also made assurance of his sincerity and dedication toward the end emphasizing that it is his unwritten but enforceable covenant to the Maranao community and the people of Lanao del Sur.

Many antagonist, Adiong said, consider this move illusive, but for me with extra effort and patience we will achieve this goal in no time. 

"As long as I have the opportunity of leading my people, rest assured of my sincerity and dedication on this moral revolution that we are fighting for today," he added.

Moreover, the Provincial Governor proudly cited that during the past two years of his administration, he has successfully met his 7-point agenda on productive infrastructure, economic development, youth-related programs, commitment on environmental issues, transparency in all government actions, promotion of tourism and cultivation of a culture of peace. 

The struggle for peace and development was a tough one but I stood firm in overcoming the hard realities and transformed them into fruitful ones, he further said.

I have made the Provincial Capitol a catalyst of change and rest assured that under my leadership, we will lead the way for a better and more progressive Lanao del Sur, he added.

The adoption of moral renewal program is in response to President Arroyo's Administrative Order 255 directing heads of government agencies to implement moral renewal and values formation program. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)

DPWH official keynotes moral revival summit, calls for teamwork

Marawi City (6 July) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr has called on all the people of Lanao del Sur to work together to achieve peace and prosperity. 

The Secretary sounded the call at the end of the two-day Moral Revival Workshop-Summit held recently at the Provincial Capitol Gym, this city. 

Jointly spearheaded by the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, the workshop-summit was aimed at reviving morals in governance, education and economics. 

Ebdane said the summit which focused on moral renewal was timely because it anchored the need to get back to basics in order to pave way for peace and development. 

"It is indeed timely that you have chosen this special occasion to come together in search for answers to key questions about vision, principles and action because I believe that action is the best manifestation of one's conviction and moral stand," he said. 

He pointed out that what the people need to push forward their march were unity of vision and action as well as a solid commitment to pursue their vision together. 

Community action, he said, is the key element. A community that is aware of threats and opportunities and is committed to working together for prosperity, development, and better life will be in the best position to win and will win. 

"If the community is one in vision and action there is nothing that cannot be solved and there is little that cannot be achieved because a community united in vision will be able to achieve whatever they set their minds to," Ebdane further said. 

 

The Public Works Secretary, meanwhile, cited how the DPWH is helping in the progress and development of communities emphasizing the crucial role of roads and bridges in the communities. 

"The road is the bridge to the future, it is hope, it is opportunity, it is a better life and this hope, this opportunity, this better life is what the DPWH has worked on for the last 111 years," he stressed. 

"I have seen how dreams of progress and prosperity for communities and families have been made more real through the bridges and roads that open up possibilities for trade, education, health services and great technology and rest assured that the men and women of DPWH will continue to fulfill our pledge of service to build our country through public work facilities," he added. 

Ebdane also revealed that under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Mindanao has been given a big chunk of public works investments. Under the SONA projects, Mindanao has 9 major infra projects supervised by the DPWH worth Php19.9-Billion to address the lack of roads and road networks that hinder development activities. 

He further disclosed that in this year's pump priming program alone, about Php15-Billion has been allocated for maintenance and constructions of roads, bridges, flood control and other public works in Mindanao. 

The DPWH Secretary also announced that the implementation of the improvement and rehabilitation of the Lake Lanao Circumferential road will soon start. (Apipa P Bagumbaran /PIA)

Lanao Sur turns 50; moral revival summit marks celebration

Marawi City (6 July) -- United in the effort to promote moral renewal in governance, education, and economics, more than 1000 people representing the various sectors of Lanao del Sur as well as members of the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP) turned up at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium for the Workshop-Summit on Moral Revival. 

Inspired by the theme "Morality: The Cornerstone of Nation Building", the two-day activity was a collaborative effort of the ULP, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). 

This is in response to President Arroyo's Administrative Order 255 directing heads of various departments to lead moral renewal by adopting and implementing a Moral Renewal Program. 

AO 255 also contained the enlisting the participation of religious, civil society and civic groups through consultations, program development, promotion and implementation of their moral renewal program.

Moral renewal refers to values formation and ethical behavior for government officers and employees as well as strengthening of people's values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption. Such Filipino values include Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan and Maka-Kalikasan. 

"The issue on moral recovery is a sensitive one but we chose to pursue it because it is the key to building a people and building a nation," Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong Jr. stressed. 

The Provincial Governor said the activity will perk-up the consciousness of people in Lanao del Sur especially the provincial government to continue its transparency, responsiveness, competence and commitment in the delivery of services to the public.

"It will instill in them God-centered, character-focused, nationalistic and environment friendly ideas which is in line with President Arroyo's directive to promote the values of Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan and Maka-Kalikasan," he added. 

In his message, OPAPP Secretary Avelino Razon Jr. said the moral revival initiative which complements the peace building program of OPAPP will help in achieving a lasting in Mindanao.

"The summit will bring our Muslim brothers and sisters even closer to the teachings of Islam and deepen their appreciation of the true essence of being a Muslim because Islam is not only a religion of rituals rather it is a code of ethics and conduct for the social person," he said. 

Meanwhile, Archbishop Fernando Capalla said the summit touched on the essential component of human factor for development which is the moral law.

The moral law, he said, is rooted in the divine law without which there can be no genuine progress, development and peace. 

Among those who also graced the occasion were Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), who presented a lecture on Morals in Governance; Former Department of Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) Secretary Prof. Salipada S. Tamano, who presented a lecture on Morals in Education, and Dr. Abdullah H. Ali Monib Al-Kuzbari of Ma'had Jamiatul Waqf, who presented a lecture on Morals in Economics. 

Office of the Ombudsman – Mindanao Director Cora Arancon also honored the event while no less than the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. keynoted the second day of the summit. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA)

Pangandaman reiterates gov't support for peace, development of Lanao Sur

Marawi City (3 July) -- "The national government will support all efforts for the development of the province, and I can assure, the best is yet to come." 

Thus, the statement of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman during a People's Congress held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

The Congress was hosted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur as part of their 50th founding anniversary celebration and participated in by non-government organizations and people's organizations in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. 

In his message, he reiterated the support of the national government in pushing for peace and development in Mindanao. 

He said the decision of the Supreme Court on the illegality of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) will not eliminate the government's resolve to move forward while stressing the significant role of people's participation in finding solutions to the decade-long Mindanao problem. 

"We must look for ways to resolve the conflict in Mindanao and we need the participation of all sectors of the society," he pointed out. 

The government, he said, will be conducting workshops and seminars involving the different sectors of the society on how it can strategize and be able to come-up with a solution to the conflict in Mindanao. 

"We are on the right track on the right time and we need to join hands so that we can come-up with a comprehensive solution for a lasting peace here in Mindanao particularly in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)," he stressed. 

The Agrarian Reform Secretary also presented an overview of the implementation of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the Arroyo's administration. 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he said, has ordered national government agencies to implement the CLEEP to mitigate the impact of global financial crisis.

Pangandaman is designated by President Arroyo as CLEEP steward for ARMM whose task is to ensure the proper implementation of the program. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran / PIA)

Lanao Sur dad commends teachers' dedication for quality education

Marawi City (1 July) -- Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Adiong Jr. lauded Lanao del Sur teachers for their passion and dedication in providing quality education to Muslim school children in the province. 

In a festive ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol grounds dubbed as the Department of Education (DepEd) Day, the Governor expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation of DepEd to his administration. 

He also underscored the importance of education in preparing for a successful future.

"The source of prosperity has never been merely how ably we accumulate wealth, but how well we educate our people," he stressed. 

Education, he said, is no longer a pathway to opportunity and success rather it is a prerequisite for success. 

The DepEd Day is part of the golden anniversary celebration of the province. A cultural parade followed by an investiture ceremony marked the occasion. 

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus as Datu a Ladiawan recognizing him as a model and ideal man in the field of education.

Secretary Lapus meanwhile expressed appreciation for the confidence and trust in conferring him the title saying he has accepted it with great honor and responsibility and promised to continue his best to be worthy of it. 

The ceremonial installation was initiated by the five Schools Divisions of Lanao del Sur including Marawi City and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA)

Madrasah education preserves Muslim cultural heritage, says Lapus

Marawi City (1 July) -- "In terms of education, one of the most significant contributions of the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Muslim population was the institutionalization and mainstreaming of Madrasah education as a component of the national system of education." 

Thus the statement of Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus during the DepEd Day in celebration of the Lanao del Sur 50th founding anniversary. 

He said mainstreaming Madrasah education in the system of basic education will give Muslim schoolchildren an education that is culturally-sensitive. 

According to him, Madrasah Education prescribed two types of curriculum, the Enriched Curriculum for Public Elementary Schools and the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris. 

The Enriched Curriculum, Lapus said, has been implemented in all DepEd regions nationwide and is known as the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program. 

"Subjects in the ALIVE program are taught by asatidz or Muslim teachers who underwent a 23-day training program," he added. 

"While the ALIVE Program is integral to their education, we also recognize the need for them to learn the standard subjects taught in public schools such as Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino, and Makabayan," Lapus noted. 

Lapus further said that the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris, on the other hand, integrates basic subjects with their religious subjects such as Qur'an, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Seerah and Hadith. It was approved in 2004 aimed to put in place an educational system that is appropriate for the Muslim population. 

The Education Secretary stressed that through this curriculum, the Filipino national identity is promoted even as the Muslim cultural heritage is preserved. 

He also pointed out that aside from the lessons regularly taught in Madaris, Muslim schoolchildren will adopt the standard curriculum to give them equal chance in employment opportunities. 

"To encourage Muslim educators to adopt the Standard Curriculum, DepEd extends assistance to private madaris and Muslim schools in Mindanao that will integrate basic subjects in the ALIVE Program," Lapus said. 

He disclosed that some 37 private Madaris qualified for the financial assistance, 27 of which came from DepEd-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which includes Marawi City and Lanao del Sur I and II Divisions. 

"The financial assistance benefits 3,834 pupils at P5,000 each," Lapus added. (Apipa P Bagumbaran / PIA)