CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), through the Tales of Marawi initiative, launched a three-day Okir Art Exhibit, which features an array of artworks inspired by the “okir” pattern, including paintings, “baor” (wooden box/storage chest), clothing, and accessories, at SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro City on April 16.

Ruhollah Alonto, project manager of Tales of Marawi, emphasized the Okir Art Exhibit's crucial role in nurturing community engagement and promoting dialogue on cultural appreciation. He said individuals can have the opportunity to deepen their connection to the cultural significance embedded within each workpiece as they immerse themselves in the intricate designs and motifs of the okir.

Alonto further emphasized that the significance of the okir transcends mere cultural appreciation; it serves as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development, particularly benefiting Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

"By promoting Marawi and Lanao del Sur as cultural tourism destinations, we leverage the exhibit to attract visitors and raise awareness of the unique artistic traditions and the history and philosophy behind every okir artwork. In doing so, we not only bolster the local economy, but we also contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the aftermath of conflict," he said.

Alonto also emphasized the Okir Art Exhibit's vital role in the comprehensive recovery of Marawi City. The community gains resilience, unity, and a renewed identity by incorporating cultural expressions like okir into the recovery efforts. "Through art, we find healing. Through culture, we find strength," he added.

MTIT Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the need to re-establish and reinforce the intangible yet crucial cultural connections that anchor the community to its land in every effort to rebuild and reconstruct the buildings and structures in Marawi City.

"Our history and heritage may not take the form of steel and concrete, but they form the foundations of our people’s strength and identity," she said.

MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik conveyed that the Okir Art Exhibit represents a vibrant celebration of Meranaw culture and resilience. He reiterated the importance of providing a platform for Meranaw artists like Edris Tamano and Saadira Basmala to showcase their exceptional talents. 

Taddik expressed hope that through their work, the broader world would come to appreciate and embrace the distinctiveness of this cherished artistic tradition, further enriching the global cultural landscape.

Salem Y. Lingasa, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, provided further insight into the Okir Art exhibit's significance within the context of the Chief Minister's 12-point priority agenda. Lingasa highlighted how initiatives like this align with efforts to mainstream culture, heritage, and identity, fostering greater appreciation and valuation of Meranaw cultural heritage.

He said the three-day exhibit vividly showcases the talents and skills of Meranaw artists and artisans, underscoring their profound contribution. This, he said, serves as a testament to the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of the region.

The exhibit, running until April 18, features okir art lectures, weaving demonstrations, and live cultural performances. Attendees will enjoy performances by the Sining Kambayoka Ensemble of Mindanao State University, bringing to life the timeless tales of Princess Arkat A Lawanen from the Darangen Epic.

Okir is the word for rectilinear and curvilinear plant-based designs and folk motifs. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)