Lanao comes from the word ranao, meaning "lake." The province centers on the basin of Lake Lanao; thus, it is the land of the Maranaos, the "people of the lake." The Maranaos are among the most devout of Muslim tribes as well as the most artistic. Nowhere is this more evident than in the people's most natural way of life and the land's most attractive sites.
Speaking of attractive sites, Lanao del Sur has an array of sites that reflect the Maranao way of life and the Muslim culture. From museums to cultural villages, to natural sites, once can see a reflection and experience their culture-rich way of life.
Demographics
1. Population – 1,138,544 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 12,051.9 sq. km
3. Capital – Marawi City
4. Language/Dialect – Maranao, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
- Marawi City
Municipalities (39)
- Bacolod-Kalawi (Bacolod-Grande)
- Balabagan
- Balindong (Best Municipality)
- Bayang
- Binidayan
- Buadiposo-Buntong
- Bubong
- Bumbaran
- Butig
- Calanogas
- Ditsaan-Ramain
- Ganassi
- Kapai
- Kapatagan
- Lumba-Bayabao
- Lumbaca-Unayan
- Lumbatan
- Lumbayanague
- Madalum
- Madamba (Uya-an)
- Maguing
- Malabang
- Marantao
- Marogong
- Masiu
- Mulondo
- Pagayawan (Tatarikan)
- Pinantao
- Poona Bayabao (Gata)
- Pualas
- Saguiaran
- Sultan Dumalondong
- Picong (Sultan Gumander)
- Tagoloan II
- Tamparan
- Taraka
- Tubaran
- Tugaya
- Wao
Lake Lanao
The life of the Maranaos centers on Lake Lanao, the second
largest and deepest in the Philippines and one of the most breathtakingly
beautiful. The lake is surrounded with myths and legends.
Aga Khan Museum
This repository of Maranao and other Moro artifacts boasts
a huge collection of indigenous art and cultural materials.
Mindanao State University (MSU)
Founded in 1962, it serves as an educational institute and
a center of social and cultural integration.
Cultural
Aga Khan Museum
Location: Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Lanao del
Sur
Named in honor of King Aga Khan who contributed to the realization
of the museum. Historical development is banked on the large space
where cultural materials where conserved. It has a huge, collection
of indigenous art and recorded ethnic music tapes. It also highlights
the native folk dances from different regions of Mindanao, Sulu and
Palawan. The native tools and weapons used by the Muslims and different
artistic designs of houses are the main attractions of museum.
Cultural Town of Tugaya
Location: Tugaya, Lanao del Sur
It has a near-exclusive reputation for producing brassware, being
the only community in the province that produces excellent brassware.
Practically every family has a bellows in the area where the metals
are smelted. Using the cire perdule or lost wax technique, cannons
and gongs, betelnut boxes and rice pots are made.
Torogans & Sambitory Old Building
Location: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
The unique natural setting of the Maranaos in the city is best manifested
by the presence of the many large torogans, the Maranao houses, characterized
by an antique royal high roof with curved designs.
Historical
Moncado Colony
Location: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
It was named in honor of Dr. Hilario Camino Del Prado Moncado, who
is best known as the founder and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the
Filipino Crusaders World Army. He is a leader, an organizer, author
of books and lecturer of humanities, a delegate to the 1935 Constitutional
Convention and a candidate for President of the Philippines in 1941.
Man-made
Mindanao State University
Location: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
Mindanao State University was established on September 1, 1961. Formal
classes opened in June 1962. It has six autonomous campuses throughout
Mindanao.
Kilometer Zero Point Marker
Location: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
It is an important landmark in Lanao del Sur, from which all distances
in Mindanao are measured. This is similar to the measures of distances
in Manila which begin at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.
Natural
Lake Lanao
Location: Lanao del Sur
It is the largest lake in Mindanao, and the second largest lake in
the Philippines and counted as one of the 15 ancient lakes in the
world. It is also the deepest in the Philippines, at 2,300 feet above
sea level. The lake is home to 18 endemic species of freshwater fish
and supports a large number of waterfowl.
Agus River
Location: Marawi City - Linamon, Lanao del Sur
It is considered as the swiftest river in the country. Its famous
cataract is the Maria Cristina Falls, outlet of Lake Lanao to Illana
Bay. In Maranao mythology, Lake Lanao once threatened to drown the
people of Sebangan with its ever-rising waters. The Archangel Gabriel
is thought to have made the Agus river in order to drain the lake.
Bagang Beach
Location: Caloocan, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
The beach is filled with rocks and boulders that serve as benches,
and trees in the lakeside that provide shade. It is ideal for picnics,
and its clear water makes it a good place for boating and swimming.
Mt. Mupo (Sacred Mountain)
Location: Brgy. Papandayan and Guimba, Marawi City, Lanao
del Sur
It is proclaimed as one of the national park and protected area. The
forest area covers around 372.986 hectares. A variety of high value
timber trees such as narra, lawaan and tangile. It is known for its
untouched trees, beautiful and perfect cone.
Mt. Siningcaongan or Signal Hill
Location: Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
It is occupied as the home of the military camp of the battalion command
of the Philippine Army. This small mountain is facing the Provincial
Capitol of Lanao del Sur and the panoramic view of Lake Lanao .
Eidil Adha
Place: Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur,
Date: Two and a half months after the Eid’l Fitr
it is in commemoration of the Islam Revolution. It signifies the progressive
realization of Islamic principles and teachings among believers.
