MARAWI, Philippines – At Kilometer Zero in Marawi City, which marks the point of origin for Mindanao’s roads, a new symbol of the city’s recovery now stands.
The Tales of Ranaw Tourism Hub in Barangay Saber’s People’s Park embodies the Marawi people’s drive and determination to reclaim their city’s narrative.
Touted as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the hub was officially handed over to the local government by the Bangsamoro’s Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) on Thursday, January 23, as the predominantly Muslim region marked its anniversary.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) celebrated its 6th anniversary with a week-long series of events. Established in 2019 following a landmark peace agreement, the anniversary highlighted the region’s progress toward autonomy and its efforts to improve the lives of its people.
“We stand on a foundation of resilience, culture, and hope,” said Bangsamoro Trade, Investments, and Tourism Minister Abuamri Taddik. “This hub is a living monument to the past and a beacon of hope for the future. The Tales of Marawi initiative showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Maranaos, preserving our history while fostering economic recovery.”
Curated by renowned art critic Marian Roces-Pastor with local tourism and cultural officials, the hub offers a vivid journey through the history of the Meranaw people.
“There is no peace without moving away from narratives of victimhood. Endurance itself is the basis of peace. And it has to be an honor. And you can see that in the seven years since the siege, how Marawi is springing back to life,” Pastor-Roces said.
The museum houses collections of pictures, artistry, skill, and resilience.
A lakub, a carved bamboo container, and an antique tobacco container, once taken as souvenirs by American soldiers in the 1900s, have been returned and are now displayed in the new museum as symbols of Meranaw heritage.
Ancient langkit (traditional woven textiles), carefully carved panolong (wooden beams found in royal houses or torogan), and antique brasswares are displayed alongside contemporary pieces. Some of the brasswares are crafted from bullet casings collected after the 2017 Marawi siege, transforming instruments of war into symbols of hope and renewal.
Dubbed as “Brassworks in War and Peace,” a gador (vessel) cast by artist Gafar Panumpong Deca of Bubong, Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, symbolizes the enduring tradition of their craft, persisting through war and peace.
Tugaya town is known for their brass-casting tradition and other Meranaw artifacts.
The museum also features a digital exhibit that documents the Marawi siege, showing images and stories of resilience during the Duterte administration.
The Marawi siege began in 2017 when militants linked to ISIS seized parts of Marawi City, leading to a five-month battle with government forces. The conflict led to widespread destruction, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and resulted in significant casualties.
“The Tales of Ranao Hub, while reminding us of the scourge of war, also narrates the story of survival, resilience, and patience of the Meranaw people. It is our own Hiroshima Shrine,” said Robert Maulana Alonto, commissioner of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH).
Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Adiong emphasized the province’s efforts to rebuild, revive, and sustain Marawi’s economic recovery.
Culinary feast
Marawi is also experiencing a culinary revival along with the cultural offerings of the Tales of Ranaw.
The Soti Food District on Heaven Road boasts stunning views of Lake Lanao and Iligan Bay, serving everything from Meranaw delicacies to international dishes and drinks.
With its cool, foggy hilltop setting, the food district offers a refreshing escape for locals and visitors. For many displaced vendors, it is a fresh start.
Sittie Sakinur-il Cayongcat, who lost her livelihood during the siege, said she was grateful to MTIT-BARMM and the trade department for their support in helping her rebuild.
“I never lost hope,” Cayongcat said. “I applied for programs, attended training, and thankfully, I was chosen. Now, I have my own stall, and I hope to help other IDPs (internally displaced persons) like me.”
Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, MTIT director general, said the government provided subsidies for those wanting to enter the food business, and urged people in Marawi to support them.
She said the food district, which started with 15 stalls and has grown to 55, was established to show the collaborative efforts of the Marawi community.
“We want people to understand that they are not just buying a cup of coffee or brownies. They are actually helping families recover from the Marawi siege,” Sinarimbo said.
Elian Macala, founder of Bangon Marawi Business of Commerce and Industry, said survivors of the Marawi siege were prioritized to help improve their lives.
As Marawi rebuilds, the Tales of Ranaw Tourism Hub and Soti Food District show how culture, community, and culinary arts can help revitalize a devastated city and its people, Sinarimbo said. – Rappler.com