MARAWI CITY – Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. aims to strengthen the tourism industry in the province of Lanao del Sur and the promotion of the colorful Maranao culture.

Adiong said Maranaos, one of the 13 or so Muslim tribes, have been able to keep abreast with the spirit of Islam while at the same time enjoy the richness of their culture.

“We are aware and proud of our heritage and that’s why we are able to preserve our values and traditions,” said Adiong.

Lanao del Sur is one of the component provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), along with Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

“Our artistic finesse abounds in every side of this picturesque countryside of rolling hills and lush farming villages that surround Lake Lanao, known to be the deepest lake in the country. Go to Dayawan, a town in the shores of Lake Lanao where you can glimpse the beauty of the lake closely and the preserved Torogan (Maranao Royalty House) built a century ago,” said Adiong.

Not just the Moro-inspired “architectural wonders” will meet the visitors’ eyes, he said, but almost every village boasts of their artistic brass wares that tells of their superior craftsmanship passed-on from generation to generation.

“We are also admired for our weaving and metal and wood crafts. The design and motifs of our aesthetic ‘okir’ (wood carving) are embossed on their brass wares and other ornaments that made it one of the finest endemic artworks in the country,” he said.