LANAO HERITAGE. Traditional dancers perform during the 60th Araw ng Lanao del Norte festivities on Tuesday (July 2, 2019). The week-long celebration from June 27 to July 4 featured different events that highlighted the unique blend of Christian and Muslim heritage of Lanao del Norte, as well as its diverse tourism offerings. (Photo by Ercel Maandig)
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The undivided Lanao province split into two 60 years ago Thursday (July 4), and Lanao del Norte pulled all the stops during the culminating festivities by showcasing cultural performances.
The week-long celebration from June 27 to July 4 featured different events that highlighted the unique blend of Christian and Muslim heritage of Lanao del Norte, as well as its diverse tourism offerings.
Among the highlights included the agri-aqua fair at Agora complex here, the Lanorte Man and Lanorte Girl triathlon, the Miss Sagayan festival competition, as well as the contents of festivals among the province's 22 towns.
During the culminating event Thursday, Gov. Imelda Dimaporo expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming support of local government officials and other sectors who work hand-in-hand for the success of various activities undertaken during the whole celebration."
More than anything else, Dimaporo said the 60th-anniversary celebration reflects the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians in the province.
She said the celebration also afforded the province the opportunity to promote its tourism sites and festivals, such as the Tinago waterfalls in Linamon in Bacolod towns.
The Department of Tourism said it has accredited a total of nine festivals in the province. These are the Alimango Festival in the town of Lala; Sagingan Festival of Tubod; Hugyaw sa Kadagatan Festival of the coastal town of Kauswagan; Sarimanok Festival of Kulambogan; Hudyaka sa Lubi Festival of Linamon; Nangkaan Festival of Maigo; Kinhason Festival of Bacolod town; Kahumayan Festival of Kapatagan; and the Tulingan Festival of Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
The nine festivals interpreted through street dances were part of the performances during the culminating event, where the town of Lala took the PHP500,000 prize.
Lanao was divided into two provinces 1959 through Republic Act No. 2228. (PNA)
