MARAWI City — Seven Meranaw artisans and cultural practitioners will receive ₱50,000 each under Lanao del Sur’s Outstanding Master Artisan of Ranaw (OMAR) Awards, recognizing their work in keeping traditional crafts and performing arts alive.
The awardees were honored during the Ladiyawan sa Ranaw 2026 ceremony on Oct. 21 in Marawi City. Each received a trophy, ₱50,000 in cash and a token from the provincial government.
The honorees represent traditional skills ranging from bamboo craftsmanship and brassmaking to woodcarving, weaving and performing arts.
They are Omelcair Domangcag, a bamboo lakub artist from Marantao; Gafar P. Deca, a brassmaker from Tugaya; and Mohammad Hadji Taha, a woodcarver from Tugaya.
Also recognized were Maranao Sipa Culture of the Philippines (MASCUPHIL) for its promotion of Kasipa sa Ranaw; Aminah Barazar, a riyara mat weaver from Buadipuso, Buntong; Rohanah T. Sarip, a langkit weaver from Pualas; and Sonaya Palao, a balud weaver from Bacolod-Kalawi.
Keeping traditions alive
Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” R. Adiong said the awards aim to preserve Meranaw culture by recognizing practitioners who continue to pass on traditional knowledge and skills.
“Mayroon na tayong OMAR Awards para sa ating mga master artisan. Ang goal naman ay ma-preserve yung kultura ng mga Meranaw,” Adiong said.
He warned that advances in technology could cause traditional craft-making methods and cultural practices to be forgotten.
Adiong said the provincial government was working to institutionalize support for the awardees through ordinances and the provincial Tourism Code. The measures aim to ensure that assistance for cultural practitioners continues beyond the terms of current officials.
The awards were presented under the theme “Gawii o Ladiyawan sa Ranaw” during the annual cultural celebration. (With a report from Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)
