MARAWI City — Lanao del Sur capped its month-long 67th Founding Anniversary with its first-ever Pakaradiyaan, or Sarimanok Festival, on July 30, celebrating Meranaw culture while encouraging younger generations to preserve their heritage.
The festival featured seven contingents from across the province, with Masiricampo Abantas Memorial National High School of Wao emerging as the overall standout. The school won major awards for choreography, musicality, and attire.
Steve Patrick Fernandez, founding artistic director of the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) and one of the festival judges, said the winning contingent stood out for reflecting the province's Tri-People identity by showcasing the cultures of the Meranaw, Higaonon, and settler communities.
"The Sarimanok is the legendary bird of the Meranaw," Fernandez told Mindanao Gold Star Daily in a phone interview on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Based on results released by Project Lupad and the Provincial Tourism Office and Information, Angoyao National High School of Marawi City finished first runner-up, followed by Lomabao Memorial National High School as second runner-up. Ragayan National High School and Poona Bayabao National High School also placed among the top performers.
Meanwhile, Lanao Agricultural College of Lumbatan received the Most Disciplined Contingent award.
Provincial officials, led by Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Vice Governor Khalid Adiong, military and police officials, attended the event.
In a statement from the Provincial Tourism Office, Adiong urged Meranaws to continue protecting their cultural heritage and encouraged young people to embrace their identity.
"Traditional narratives like this can be more meaningful for future generations," the governor said.
Fernandez said the judging panel also included former MSU Darangan artistic director Judy Naga Lastimosa, cultural heritage worker Argi Ryan Asaria of Koronadal, MSU Sining Kambayoka artistic director Pepito Sumayan, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Commissioner Bae Baicon Cayongcat-Nuska.
The inaugural festival highlighted the Sarimanok—one of the most recognized symbols of Meranaw culture—as Lanao del Sur seeks to strengthen cultural pride and pass its traditions on to future generations.
(By Ritchel Umel, Correspondent)
