MARAWI City ― Commonly found in this City and other areas in Lanao del Sur, torogan (place for sleeping) is an ancestral house of the elite members of the Maranao tribe.
Torogan manifests the okir decoration or the geometric and flowing plant-based designs and folk motifs of Maranaos.
A torogan will soon rise in the City with the collaborative efforts of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), National Housing Authority, and local government of Marawi.
Conveying appreciation for the structure
Sultan Nasser Disomangcop Sampaco, chairman of Marawi Sultanate League Inc. expressed his appreciation on behalf of his fellow traditional leaders.
“Sa ngalan po ng Marawi Sultanate League na binubuo ng 11 royal houses, ako po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa hanay ng National Housing Authority, local government ng Marawi at lalung-lalong na sa Task Force Bangon Marawi sa pamumuno ni Sec. Eduardo del Rosario, sa kanilang lubus-lubusang pagsisikap upang maitayo ang sagradong gusali na ito na tinatawag na torogan,” said Sampaco.
Sampaco shared that the League has long sought for the structure to be constructed again as this old house was replaced with modern designs.
City Mayor Majul Gandamra said the torogan is a big help in the community.
“(On) behalf of the people of Marawi City and Marawi Sultanate League, I would like to convey our sincerest thanks to Sec. Eduardo del Rosario for this opportunity for us to witness the establishment of very important structures such as torogan,” he said.
“Ito ay napakaimportante para sa aming Maranao. While we are rehabilitating the infrastructures of ruined Marawi, ay napaka equally important din ang pagsasaayos sa nito,” he added.
Symbolizing leadership and respect
Sampaco also shared that torogan does not only symbolize the Maranao culture but is also a sacred home of traditional leaders where conversations are made to discuss heavy and just decisions that are in line with the Maranao constitution.
“Dito rin nireresolba ang mga problema at inaayos ang mga gusot o rido ng aming nasasakupan,” he said.
TFBM Chairman Sec. Eduardo del Rosario also cited the significance of the project.
“This project for me is very important because ang traditional leaders in any community must be preserved and respected. Kailangan ipagpatuloy natin yan because when everything fails, the traditional leaders will come forward to provide stability in any organization,” he said.
Situated in Barangay Sagonsongan, the torogan will serve as an office for the traditional leaders of the City.
“The Sultanate League will now have a legal, legitimate, and beautiful office,” he happily shared.
Del Rosario also emphasized that the torogan embodies the symbol of leadership and (respect) among the sultans which he said will continue forever.
“Ipagpapatuloy ito ng future generation because if we will lose the authority and (respect), the customs and tradition of Maranao will be in vain and it will fall,” he added.
Gandamra also affirmed that traditional leaders play a big role in the community.
“Ang sultanate, marami silang responsibility…iyong pag-aayos ng hindi pagkakaintindihan, sila po ay isa sa frontliners in terms of settling disputes among Maranao,” he said.
The torogan to be constructed has a lot area of 2,000 square meters (sqm). It features a gathering hall, receiving areas, preparation area, service area, kitchen, and comfort rooms. (PIA-10)
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