But now, women are doing well in the handmade industry and showing off beautiful designs and new ideas.

The Barangay Pala-O-based Pabahandi Women’s Association is one of the 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) run by women that took part in the trade fair held March 3–7 at the Robinsons Place atrium by the Iligan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Incorporation (ICCIFI).

Since 2010, the women’s association has used abaca fiber to make things like bags, leis, wallets, and other things.

Adelaida Rico from the Pabahandi Women’s Association is glad to have the chance to show off their goods. From March 3–7, they earned P10,000 from the trade fair.

“Sa mga kababaihan dinhi sa Iligan City, ug unsa may livelihood nga inyong gihimo karon, padayon lang gyud. Busa hinay-hinay mu-income ra gyud ang mga kababaihan alang tabang sa atong laing-laing pamilya,” said Rico.

(To the women here in Iligan City, whatever livelihood you are pursuing now, just keep going. You will slowly earn income to help your families)

Fostering Maranao culture

Sohaila Pacalna of Marawi Souvenir Shop is proud to sell Maranao products that carry the stories of their vibrant culture and identity. She said that they continued the legacy of their ancestors to preserve their traditions and culture.

They sell baur (hand carved chests with okir motifs), brass jars, drums, gongs, tapestries, and landap (tubular woven cloth)  with langkit designs, among others. 

Pacalna thanked ICCIFI for inviting them again to sell their products. They sold P30,000 worth of products during the five-day trade fair.  

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila dahil kahit papaano na popromote ang aking product lalong-lalo na itong product namin sa Tugaya na pinaghirapan namin dahil hindi naming ito matitigil kasi ayaw naming mawala ang signatura naming pagka-Maranao,” she said. 

(I am grateful to them because my products are showcased, especially this product of ours in Tugaya that we worked hard for since we cannot stop it because we do not want to lose our Maranao signature.)

Pacalna said she is willing to teach her fellow women how to produce such products. She said that their business has helped empower the women in their communities as it provides livelihood opportunities for them. 

Women’s determination and resiliency

Reggie Punongbayan, the president of ICCIFI, praised the women entrepreneurs who kept their businesses going despite the problems caused by the pandemic for their determination, hard work, and strength. She also encouraged them not to give up since failure is a stepping stone to success.

“Kung kinsa gusto magstart ug business, dili jud mu-give up. Kining failure muhatag sa success. Because of failures, makalearn ta ug makahatag sa success sa atoa,” she said.

(Whoever wants to start a business must not give up. Failure will lead to success. Because of our failures, we can learn something that will help us attain success)

Punongbayan also highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations. She also reiterated their commitment to supporting MSMEs.

Handicrafts made by women show not only creativity but also grit and persistence because they are made from real materials. Truly, women’s empowerment is thriving, and their success stories prove that they can make a difference through crafts. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)

Author: Lou Ellen L. Antonio

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But more than just that, Davao Oriental also boasts its natural destinations of gorgeous beaches, heritage sites, islands, and a lot more. Combining a balance between chill laid-back and adventure-filled natural wonders, Davao Oriental is definitely a perfect weekend getaway destination! And below are some of the not-to-miss. Check this out!

HOW TO REACH DAVAO ORIENTAL

The City of Mati, the province’s capital, can be reached from Manila and Cebu by taking any of the daily scheduled airline flights to Davao City or any inter-island vessels that are regularly plying Manila/Cebu- Davao routes. From Davao City, a 3-hour private vehicle or a 4-hour public utility vehicle ride will bring you to Mati. Bus rate is Php 200-220.

DAVAO ORIENTAL’S A MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS

WELCOME PARK

This gateway of Davao Oriental in Barangay Pintatagan, Banaybanay is the entry point to the province and to the 14-stations of the “Way of the Cross” along 645 steps to culminate in a hilltop shrine of the Holy Cross. At the Park also are where local cafes and pasalubong centres are available.

Travel tip #1. This is a popular stopover for tourists and locals alike. So better travel early in the morning and reach here before the sun gets hot.

DARRPORT

This place is probably one of the most underrated attractions, although it is just a base point to major island adventures. It is located at Sitio Catmonan, Brgy. Macambol, Mati, Davao Oriental with a roughly 30-minute drive from the national highway. You can get a full panoramic view of Pujada Bay and Waniban Island on sight and take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air.

Travel Tip #2. Wear comfy shorts or any hiking outfits to keep you dry as you start going into the adventure.

TINIKARAN PEAK

You can experience the ultimate Ridge to Reef Adventure here. This trail is actually part of the UNESCO protected sanctuary of Mt. Hamuiguitan that will lead you to discover wonders you might have not seen before. Considered as a buffer zone, the communities around Tinikaran Peak are in full efforts to brand the area as a sustainable eco-tourism destination. You may contact Tinikaran Peak for booking arrangements and other tour packages.

PANDIL RIDGE

Located in Manay, Mati City, Pandil Ridge gives you an amazing view of Panongtongan Ridge. It will take roughly an hour to travel here from Mati, City, which can be accessed only via private vehicle since the road going there is well-paved. From the entry point, you will ride a habal-habal for 10 minutes and you will be welcomed with this view.

Travel Tip #3. Always bring your tumbler or water jug with you. It is life-saver.

DAHICAN BEACH

Situated in Mati, Dahican Beach is popular with surfers, skimboarders, and beach bums, as it offers a charming and unspoiled slice of paradise, with its powdery white sand and stunning crescent-shaped coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Dahican was also the top choice of the internet’s “Search for Next Boracay.”

Travel Tip #4. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Also, bring ziploc bags.

SUBANGAN MUSEUM

Subangan Museum is an interactive museum that tells everything you need to know about Davao Oriental. The name is derived from the term ‘Subang’ which means “east” and/or “a place where the sun rises”. One of the highlights of the museum is Davor, the largest whale skeleton in the country and ranked 7th in the world. The museum opens daily from Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM.

SLEEPING DINOSAUR VIEW DECK

DavOr trip without dropping by at this deck is definitely hard to miss. This deck has become a popular stopover for locals and visitors coming from Davao or Tagum. It’s just an island that is shaped like a sleeping dinosaur. Just be careful when taking a photo.

GASTRONOMIC TREATS IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

Davao Oriental is also a haven of tatak Pinoy food delicacies! The most famous and a must-try among them is the special Empanada. At Php 9 per piece, you can consume five at max for sure. And no worries for our families at home, you can buy a box of 15 pieces at Php 145, or 25 pieces at Php 235.

WHERE TO STAY IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

Davao Oriental Tourism Complex. Situated at Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Tourism Complex lies on a 5-hectare land (Formerly owned by Hans Menzi) that houses the Subangan Museum, Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Tourism Annex & Function Rooms, Subangan Dormitory, and the Governor’s Mansion.

Their Tourism Dormitory is now open for Public with the following rates:

• Deluxe Twin Bed (P2,000 w/Bfast & P1,750 w/o Bfast)
• Deluxe Double Twin Bed (P3,500 w/Bfast & P3,000 w/o Bfast)
• Dormitory (3 Beds: P800 | 4 Beds: P1,000)
• Function Room (For 50 pax: P3,000/day)

For Travel Bookings and Reservations, you may contact the Provincial Tourism Office of Davao Oriental at (087) 388-4013/ 09668854985 or email them at davaoorientaltourism@gmail.com. 

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The province of Lanao del Norte is accessible from the capital – Manila by air through Laguindingan, Ozamiz and Pagadian Airports; through sea by Iligan City and Ozamiz City ports. On the other hand, buses such as Rural Transit and Super 5 and other means of transportation are also regularly traveling back and forth from Cagayan de Oro passing through Iligan, the province of Lanao to the southern most part of Mindanao. It is also accessible from Cotabato via Marawi City or through Sultan Naga Dimaporo route.

How to get here

The province is bounded by Iligan, in the north, Lanao del Sur and the province of Bukidnon in the east, to the southwest are Illana Bay and the Celebes Sea; and Zamboanga del Sur and Panguil Bay to the west. The term Lanao is derived from a Maranao word “Ranao” which means a body of water, of which “Maranao” means “Lake Dweller.” The Maranaos are natives of the place, a Malay-Arabic descent occupying the lands around Lake Lanao, situated at the central part of Lanao del Sur. Lanao applies to the entire area before its division.

It has a total population of 1,010,563 individuals encompassing the estimated total number of 90, 092 households of which a majority or 69% are Christians and 31% are Maranao. Lanao province has a total land area of 382, 478.66 hectares or 3, 692 sq. kms. Forty percent of the total land area are plains that is why most of their populations are farmers and a considerable percent are fishermen. The municipality of Tubod is the present capital town of the province upon passing Republic Act No. 9724 separating the City of Iligan its former capital city from the 18 Legislative District of the province of Lanao del Norte to constitute the Lone Legislative District of the City of Iligan. At present, Lanao del Norte despite its colorful past is considered to be the frontier of peace in the northern Mindanao region. Why? Because even if the province is comprised of 22 municipalities (462 Barangays) namely: Bacolod, Balo-i, Baroy, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Lala, Linamon, Magsaysay, Maigo, Matungao, Munai, Nunungan, Pantao Ragat, Pantar, Poona Piagapo, Salvador, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo (Karomatan), Tagoloan, Tangkal and Tubod with diverse culture and religion, still peace and unity prevails.

The province is known from its breath-taking caves and waterfalls such as Sta. Cruz Falls, Cathedral Falls and the famous Tinago Falls, located in the municipality of Linamon (also claimed by Iligan as it is in the boundary between the city and the municipality of Linamon). However, Lanao del Norte is more than that. Here are some of the best tourist sites you shouldn’t miss when in Lanao.

Where to go

Pikalawag Beach

This underrated beach is considered by locals as a vibrant place for relaxation. It is located in the municipality of Sultan Naga Dimaporo with fine sand and rich underwater resources. Locals mostly visit this beach enjoying fun activities like boat riding “sakayan,” and also their latest amenities – the inflatable waterpark.

La Libertad Lake

It is located in the municipality of Kapatagan, a 20 minute drive from the town proper. The lake is small, but its clean and properly managed. Several fun activities such as a boat ride around the lake, swan pedal boating, aqua-cycling, kayaking and many more. Locals come and visit this place during special occasions, like birthdays, family picnics, and fishing. Make sure to wear life jacket if you decides to swim or whenever engaging the lakes amenities.

Cathedral Falls

It is named after the marvelous rock formation surrounding the falls resembling like a cathedral. What’s good thing about Cathedral Falls is its accessibility. Unlike before, you can not get near the falls during rainy days, because of floods as visitors needs to cross the stream to see its beauty. Now, new paved road has been opened which go directly to its view-deck allowing tourist to marvel its beauty rain or shine.

Provincial Ceramic Center

Mineral resources both metallic and non-metallic are known to be found in some municipalities. Clay is abundant in the municipalities of Baroy and Tubod allowing their Provincial Ceramic Center to enjoy an unlimited supply. If you love and enjoy learning how to make pots, this good place for you.

 Dapit-alim

Located in Tubod/Kolambugan, nestled in 51/2 hectares of land with 243 steps going up overlooking the blue waters of Panguil Bay and fronting the majestic Mt. Malindang. It is a place for retreat, a center for prayer, reconciliation and holistic healing, a healing of our relations to God, His other creations and our fellows.

Pagayawan Falls

Locals refers it as “mini waterfalls” located at Pagayawan, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, but upon getting near to the view-deck and gazing the falls itself, it is actually and literally breath-taking! The falls is a tributary falls cascading into a bed of volcanic rocks which is a potential source of power.

 Kauswagan Boardwalk

Just like any boardwalks, the place is much enjoyed early in the morning and late afternoon. The best thing about these hours are the sunset and sunrise which is just soothing and relaxing both mentally and physically.

Where to Eat

Soy Cafe and Diner

A road-trip adventure in Lanao del Norte will not be complete without trying their local flavors. This modern Filipino cafe is a homegrown of the town of Lala. Time is a luxury, so we do not have time to stay longer, so we decided to taste their best sellers only. Their version of baby back ribs is surely a run away.

Andrew’s Pizza

This homegrown pizza house in Tubod, Lanao del Norte is surprisingly very good. They have established new branches in Maranding and now in Iligan City. Whenever you are nearby just drop by at their address at Dela Cruz Bldg., Cabili Ave.

Campilan Bakery and Barbecue

This ancient bakery, yes ancient but gold, because they have been in the food industry business since 1960’s and up to the present, they are still using their traditional brick oven, locally known as pugon when baking their best sellers such as ensaymada.

Festivals

The province of Lanao del Norte is home to several exciting and colorful festivals, showcasing its population’s diverse ethnic background, their rich and authentic culture and arts. These festivals serves as their expressions of thanksgiving for bountiful blessings.

Kinhason Festival of Bacolod, featuring the abundance of fish and various seashells which has been institutionalized as a yearly affair in conjunction with the annual town fiesta in honor of their patron saint Sto. Nino and Local Tourism Month held every 16th of January.

Nangkaan Festival of Maigo, featuring the abundant produce of their town which is Nangka or Jackfruit, celebrated together with the Maigo Charter Day.

Alimangohan Festival of Lala, inspired from their town’s abundant produce of alimango or crabs.

Hugyaw sa Kadagatan of Kauswagan, the locals thanksgiving to the Gods for a bountiful harvest in the sea celebrated along with their town fiesta and Foundation Day on the 25th day of April.

Niyogan Festival of Magsaysay, first celebrated in the year 1997 of which the main objective of the festivity are to promote the potentials of Magsaysay in coconut production, promote and develop the coconut industry for tourism, establish the municipalities identity from that of other municipalities and to promote peace and unity in spite of cultural diversities.

Lechonan Festival of Baroy, featuring the roasted pigs participated by its 23 barangays of which each of them fashionably dressed their roasted pig and carried while they march through the way during their parade, winners are chosen by the way its presented, dressed and most specially the taste.

Sagayan Festival of the Province, is celebrated in honor of Datu Bantugan the legendary hero of the Darangen, a Maranao Epic, in his quest to rescue his sister abducted by another ruler of another kingdom of which in the end the two warring groups were pacific and reconciled.

Kahumayan Festival of Kapatagan, a tribute to the rice farmers, who are undoubtedly the most important part of the province’s if not the country’s food security highlighting the importance of rice and the engagement and participation of individuals and organizations in the attainment of the celebrations goal which is to improve production and access to rice.

Sagingan Festival of Tubod, being the primary agricultural town of the province of which 80% of their total land area are dedicated to agriculture and primarily banana as its crop, the festival is conceptualized highlighting the presentation of the different varieties of banana.

Bangsamoro Basic Law | What is it for Lanao del Norte?

The plebiscite actually determines the fate of 6 towns namely; Tagoloan, Balo-i, Pantar, Munai, Tangcal, and Nunungan who initially agreed to be included in the embattled Bangsamoro Basic Law during the plebiscite in 2001. With BBL the present Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao will be demolished and the new BBL now Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which was passed into law and signed by President Duterte which will establish a new autonomous region. BBL is the result of the long and tedious peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front whom at the same time responsible for the creation of ARMM in the year 1996 under the leadership of Nur Misuari.

The province is not actually against the BOL. It is actually campaigning against the inclusion of the aforementioned 6 municipalities. It is grounded on five valid (bloggers’ viewpoint) reasons:

1. First, the province as we can see is already enjoying a constant peace. This is evident on how the towns in this province prosper all throughout the years. The people of Lanao del Norte want to send this message that regardless of religion each one of them are united even felt stronger when they are working together.
2. Secondly, the province argued that BBL does not provide or there is no provision that provides the creation of new local government unit.
3. The aforementioned towns historically serves as the buffer-zone for the people dwelling in the low lands. Historically, people who have bad intentions who wants to penetrate to the more populated towns in the valleys of the province requires them to pass through these town in question. With the control of these towns resides on the province of Lanao del Norte it was easier for them to quell the bad elements.
4. The province’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) will diminish. We all know that the access and distribution of this funds is calculated based on land area and number of populations. With 6 towns separating from the province this would mean that a considerable land area and number of population will be taken away which means a lower IRA for the province.
5. The people of Lanao del Norte can not allow its parts to be removed. Like a human body, each municipalities are considered as its parts. For centuries, it functions well and is dependent on each other. It would be hard to take them apart, crippling through menacing consequences.

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, the final say lay to the hands of the people of Lanao del Norte. It is no wonder that this single vote requires them to evaluate the pros and cons of their decisions thoroughly. Given the present order, it would be prudent that before these six towns should be included with the new autonomous region by virtue of BOL. If these towns really wanted to be included after the plebiscite, why not give enough time (transition period of 5 to 10 years) to the present ARMM to be demolished and establish itself first as the new autonomous region by virtue of BOL. When time proves that this new order is actually working soundly, then that is the time we start the process of inclusion of the aforementioned territories. However this should only applies to the towns who really voted yes for the inclusion during the plebiscite. We should not haste to decide of including the six towns of a new system that would threaten the existing peace and order of the province.

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The organizers of this year’s Inaul Festival made sure that people visiting Maguindao will have an unforgettable and momentous experience. This is evident in the activities line up. We were greeted with cheerful and smiling faces of Maguindanaon wearing their colorful “malong”  their traditional attire made from inaul  “hand woven fabric/cloth” during the Festival Parade in our first day on February 8 and followed by four other key events scheduled for that day such as the Kapaginaul Competition (Inaul Weaving Contest), Drum and Lyre Exhibition, Palamata Nu Maguindanao Talent Competition (Mutya ng Maguindanao) and Siakol Band to call it a night. It was brief, but an astounding introduction to the festival!

A Maguindanao adventure will not be complete without a tour to the famous grand mosques of which the province is known. We have a side tour at the famous Pink Mosque situated in the Municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Malingon Mosque after a sumptuous breakfast at iTravel Cafe, were enormous lake fish referred by the locals as “taruk” and “aluwan” served along with fried tilapia and other mouth watering Maguindanaon delicacies such as bulua and tapong. The aluwan were served grilled while the taruk were cooked in a traditional way usually adding turmeric and palapa a famous local appetizer which is added to a dish to give spicy flavor.  After the tour, we dropped by at the inauguration of the newest state-of-the-art halal dressed chicken factory.  CHICKEEN Corporation Hatchery Plant which is built by some local investors with support from some Malaysian counterparts. The inauguration was graced by no other than the Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

We arrived at the Women’s Center where we are staying at past one o’clock and I was in awe gazing upon a Maguindanaon traditional sport competition called “sipa sa manggis” happening just outside the center. It is an individual sport having a minimum of two and maximum of 5 players interchangeably hitting the ball (manggis) by kicking which aims to hit the hanging balls more or less 10ft. from the ground. Each hanging balls has a corresponding prize set by the organizers. The hanging balls placed in the sides are usually with lower values than the ball placed at the center. Locals say, that long ago sipa sa manggis is sometimes performed in conquest of love (to settle quarrel in matters of love); that is to determine who should take the woman between two Maguindanaon males that desire the same woman – the winner takes the woman. Sipa as a sport is common to Filipinos; however, this form is unique to Maguindanaon and other Muslim tribes like Maranao in the southern part of the country.

After lunch, we proceeded to the town’s gymnasium where we witness another showcasing of Maguindanaon tradition called Sagayan. It is a local term referring to their war dance which has been part of their merry-making during special occasions such as weddings among royal Maguindanaon clans, as this is a dance of nobility, gallantry and honor. The movement of the dancers depicts the bravery and ferocity of the Maguindanaon warriors. Each dancer wear colorful costume called saya, a headgear called kapasiti adorned with palumpong  and carries a weapon called kampilan and a beaded shield called klung  which creates distinct sound that distracts the enemies attention and focus. The event was concluded were Municipality of Parang emerged victorious out of ten participating municipalities.

A break for an hour or two gave ample time for us to prepare for our next event for that day – the Gala Night hosted by the province of ARMM. The organizers have gathered renowned ethnic dancers across the region to perform dances and showcase talents of the people of the region. A dinner was served while feasting our eye with dances performed by graceful dance performers (dancers who performed around the world) was unforgettable. The night ends with a terrific performance with the Ex Battalion performing live outside the Trade Expo.

Our Maguindanao experience was one of the most memorable and remarkable travels around the country since I started blogging. It was in this endeavor that I was struck by a line  that I overheard in one of the discourses,  “A Moro child’s dream, IS NOT different with a Christian child’s dream.”

Truly Maguindanao is #MagandaNow! Happy Inaul Festival 2018 Maguindanao!

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