Kalilang sa Ranao Festival 2013

In collaboration and coordination with the Local Government Unit of Marawi under the able leadership of Mayor Fahad Salic, Marawi City Tourism Council headed by President Bailabi Sarah Jane U. Matba and the Department of Tourism – ARMM led by Regional Secretary Jehanne U. Mutin, the City of Marawi celebrated the Kalilang sa Ranao Festival on April 14, 2013 at the Marawi City Hall Quadrangle, Marawi City.
                  
DOT-ARMM Assistant Regional Secretary Bai Shalimar A. Candao, DEpED City Superintendent Dr. Mona Macatanong, and City Tourism Officer Mrs. Zenaida P. Banto were some of the distinguished guests that graced the occasion.  

Atty. Jamar M. Kulayan, Regional Secretary of the DepEd-ARMM served as the Guest Speaker of the said event, and the closing remarks was delivered by the DOT-ARMM Regional Secretary Sittie Jehanne U. Mutin-Mapupuno. Noted on the messages given and delivered by the distinguished guests, the said festival was very timely since we are entering the new government – the Bangsamoro Government. Thus, this implies that we are ready for the reform and innovation of a new government, and we are ready to showcase and promote the unique and diverse culture, traditions and different identities through festival celebrations, not only in the Islamic City of Marawi but of the entire Bangsamoro area in Mindanao.

Other highlights of the program was the festive Kakolintang Competition participated in by different groups from Marawi City, followed by the lively Moro Music Fest with the 103rd Philippine Army Brigade held at the City Hall Grounds, a Cultural Gallery at Banggolo, showcasing the internationally-renowned authentic Darangen Dolls dressed colorfully with the traditional Maranao costumes designed, created and owned by one of the Maranao’s pride, Dr. Sainuddin Moti.

The Kalilang sa Ranao Festival was said to be a success not only of the Islamic City of Marawi City, but of the entire Bangsamoro of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Ysnairin Sula/Cotabato City/2013)



Kalilang sa Ranao 2013 Guests and officials:  Hon. Mayor Fahad U. Salic, Former Mayor Mr. Omar "Solitario" Ali, DepEd-ARMM Secretary Atty. Jamar Kulayan, DOT-ARMM Secretary Hon. Jehanne U. Mutin, DOT-ARMM Asst. Regn'l. Shalimar A. Candao, RLA-ARMM Rep. Hon. Samirah Gutoc and others.







Kalilang sa Ranao marks 33rd anniversary of Marawi City

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 15 (PIA) -- The lone Islamic City in the country marked its 33rd founding anniversary Sunday with a cultural fest called Kalilang (celebration) sa Ranao.

Gongs and kulintang were resounded as residents wearing colourful Maranao garb and malongs marched to the City Hall Grounds to join the city government in celebrating the richness of Maranao culture and strong history of the city and its people.

Home to some 180,000 residents, Marawi is the melting pot of the 40 municipalities of Lanao del Sur. It has 96 barangays with Lake Lanao dominating its landscape.

It is considered as the center of religion, politics and commerce of the Maranaos or lake dwellers.

The city offers a unique and rich experience from the scenic sight of the mountain across the lake called by locals as “sleeping lady” down to the serene Lake Lanao, to the sound of azan at every nook and corner of the city at prayer times, to the sight of locals, and onward to the academic milieu of Mindanao State University.

Dansalan, the city’s original name, was explored by the Spaniards as early as 1940. In August 24, 1981, Maranao warriors led by Amai Pakpak routed and defeated the Spanish forces driving them back to Iligan Bay.

Dansalan was derived from the word ‘dansal’ which means destination point. It was proclaimed as a municipality under the Act of the Moro Province Legislative Council by the American colonial government.

It was given a charter as a city on August 14, 1940 and subsequently renamed to Marawi in June 16, 1956 through Congressional Amendment of the Charter sponsored by Senator Domocao Alonto.

Recognizing that 92 percent of their populations are Muslims, Marawi was declared as Islamic City on April 15, 1980. (APB/PIA10)