ILIGAN CITY — The 16 Royal Houses of Lanao marked a significant cultural milestone on Saturday as they formally enthroned Sultan Monadato Mangadang, the group’s chairman, as the Sultan Paramount of Minsupala during a ceremony at Cheradil Suites on March 28.
The 16 Royal Houses of Lanao conferred the title, which represents the Sultanates of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan, through Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, during their Lanao Sultanates Grand Congress. Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Mark Cristeo Roa Gimenez officiated the enthronement.
In his acceptance speech, Mangadang expressed gratitude and humility, saying the title represents responsibility rather than privilege.
“I stand before you not just as a leader, but as a servant of our people,” he said. “This is not just a title to hold—it is a duty to live every day.”
Mangadang underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity amid modern challenges, noting that traditions, customs and the Sultanate institution remain central to the identity of the Moro people.
“Our traditions are not just stories—they are lessons. Our customs are not just practices—they are responsibilities,” he added.
He also called for unity between traditional leaders and government institutions to help build peaceful and progressive communities.
Strengthening the role of Sultanates
Mangadang highlighted the continuing relevance of the Sultanate in contemporary governance, particularly in grassroots conflict resolution and community leadership.
He said the 16 Royal Houses of Lanao remain active in supporting local government units, especially in addressing rido or clan conflicts and helping maintain peace and order in remote communities.
Mangadang also reiterated the Sultanates’ support for the national government and said the group had issued a manifesto of support for the current administration.
BRIDGING TRADITION AND GOVERNANCE. The 16 Royal Houses of Lanao formally crowned Sultan Monadato Mangadang as Sultan Paramount of Minsupala during an Iligan City ceremony. This event underscored the urgent need to reinstate the Lanao Advisory Council, a move intended to foster stronger cooperation between traditional authorities and the government.
At the same time, he renewed calls for the revival of Executive Order No. 602, which established the Lanao Advisory Council.
Issued in 2007, the executive order created a council composed of representatives from the 16 Royal Sultanates of Lanao to serve as advisers to the national government on issues affecting their communities.
The government created the council to facilitate conflict resolution, specifically clan rido, and to assist agencies in implementing development programs within traditional communities.
Mangadang said restoring the council would provide a formal platform for traditional leaders to participate in governance and peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao.
“The government recognizes the importance of our participation through ExecutiveOrder No. 602, also known as the Lanao Advisory Council,” he said.
“Through this, the 16 Royal Sultanates manifest their willingness to contribute to development and promote peace in our communities.”
Balancing tradition and law
On cultural practices such as marriage, Mangadang clarified that while Islamic tradition allows marriage upon reaching maturity, Philippine law sets the minimum legal age at 18.
He also noted that the Sultanate does not have legal authority to officiate marriages unless accredited by the National Commission on Muslim Affairs.
Government officials and leaders from various Sultanates attended the ceremony. Representing the national government, Gimenez emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage for younger generations.
“It shows that culture and tradition are still alive. These practices should be preserved and passed on,” he said.
Former Sultan Kudarat governor Datu Suharto Teng Mangudadatu also stressed the continuing role of traditional leaders in maintaining peace and resolving disputes in local communities, particularly in far-flung areas where cultural authority remains strong.
“The Sultan and the Datu are still the ones who settle many community problems because of the bloodline and the respect attached to it—not only politically but also as a family,” Mangudadatu said.
During the event, leaders of the 16 Royal Houses of Lanao reiterated their unified support for the national government and renewed their call for the reinstatement of Executive Order No. 602.
They said the advisory council would strengthen collaboration between traditional leaders and government institutions in governance, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The enthronement, themed “Preserving heritage, embracing progress: The role of the Sultanates in the modern world,” highlighted the continuing role of the Sultanates as cultural stewards and partners in promoting peace, unity and development in Mindanao.
Mangudadatu presided over the induction of the 16 Royal Houses of Lanao officers, followed by Gimenez, who formally enthroned Mangadang as Sultan Paramount of Minsupala.
