TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The people in the province celebrated their rich cultural heritage through the Sagayan Festival as part of the annual Tourism Day’s weeklong celebration of the 65th Araw ng Lanao del Norte.
In the Darangen epic, Datu Bantugan, a hero from the kingdom of Bumbaran, sets out on a mission to find his younger sister, Arcata Lawanen, who was kidnapped by Ayonan Dimasangkay from the kingdom of Sagorongan-a-Ragat. The war dance, known as sagayan, unfolds during the fierce battle to free his sister from captivity. Despite the initial conflict, the story ultimately resolves with peace and reconciliation between the two kingdoms.
Gov. Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza-Dimaporo highlighted the festival’s importance, noting it goes beyond colorful costumes to celebrate Lanao del Norte’s rich cultural heritage and shared identity.
“The Sagayan Festival is more than just a display of vibrant costumes; it is also a testament to our rich cultural heritage and our shared identity as people of Lanao del Norte. This festival embodies the bravery, strength, and unity of our ancestors—traits that continue to define us today,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of collective effort and teamwork in achieving significant accomplishments for their province, and encouraged the people to reflect on their progress and shared identity during the celebration.
Cultural unity and progress
Department of Tourism (DOT) Usec. Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar expressed her joy at witnessing the harmony between Muslims and Christians in Lanao del Norte.
“Festivals such as this play an incredibly important role in the Philippine tourism landscape. What sets us apart from other destinations is the way we make our people the heart and center of what our tourists would travel far and wide for,” she said.
She was also amazed at how participants from across Lanao del Norte showcased stories of bravery and resilience through their vibrant costumes and rhythmic dances.
Moreover, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, expressed gratitude to the people of Lanao del Norte. He urged unity among the residents and local government units, down to the barangay level, to support the province’s progress.
“Ako’y taos-pusong nagpapasalamat para sa ating kaunlaran na magtulungan ang mga Muslim at Kristiyano dito sa Lanao del Norte upang suportahan ang mga programa ng ating gobernador,” he said.
(I am thankful for our progress where Muslims and Christians here in Lanao del Norte collaborate to support the programs of our governor.)
Bringing the Maranao Darangen epic to life
In the Sagayan Festival, six high schools from different towns in the province showcased their rhythmic dance presentations, intricate costumes, and music, bringing to life the Maranao Darangen epic.
The Liangan National High School in Bacolod town emerged as the grand champion, winning the P500,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, Teofila C. Quibranza National High School in Tubod town secured the 1st runner-up spot and won the P300,000 cash prize, while Lala Proper Integrated School took the 2nd runner-up spot and won P100,000.
Gilbert Christian Vicoy, 17, a participant from Teofila C. Quibranza National High School, shared that it was his first time to join the festival because he wanted to learn about the colorful culture of Maranaos.
“First of all, pasalamatan nako ang Ginoo kay gipili mi sa council nga kami nga school ang mu-represent sa Tubod. Pasalamat pud ko sa trainor namo, sa tourism, sa school, ug sa akong family,” he said.
(First of all, I want to thank God for choosing our school to represent Tubod. I also want to thank our trainer, the tourism office, the school, and, of course, my family.)
He also hoped for sustainable peace and progress in Lanao del Norte, calling for unity and support for cultural events.
Meanwhile, Merry Chris Empasis from Linamon National High School portrayed Arcata Lawanen in the festival. She participated to showcase her talents in cultural performances beyond hip-hop dance. Her dream is to become a flight attendant, and she hoped for continued progress and peace in Lanao del Norte.
On the other hand, Jhon Rodolf Ulpinda from Placida Mequiabas National High School in Kapatagan town portrayed Datu Dimasangcay in the festival. He shared that joining in the festival helped him appreciate Maranao culture and the importance of discipline and patience.
“I want to prove myself nga makaya nako and to boost my confidence. Aside from that, mapatunayan nako sa ilaha na mas naa pa ko makaya dili lang para sa among school but sa municipality sa Kapatagan,” he said.
(I want to show that I am capable and boost my confidence. Aside from that, I want to prove to them that I can do more, not just for our school but also for the municipality of Kapatagan.)
Moreover, Daluma Menarico from Pantar National High School, who had previously participated in the festival in 2018 as a fan dancer, was unexpectedly cast as Arcata Lawanen in this year’s Sagayan Festival. She was amazed and grateful that they fulfilled her dream role and highlighted the true essence of Maranao culture through their performance.
“As a princess, I’ve learned that I am a woman and a precious jewel, not just a stone. Ako ay mahalaga at mahal dahil ako’y isang prinsesa ng kulturang ito,” she said.
(As a princess, I’ve learned that I am valuable and cherished because I am a princess of this culture.)
She said that, despite being Maranao, portraying the role of Arcata Lawanen helped her learn the deeper meanings behind Maranao traditions and inspired her to promote Maranao culture. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
