CITY OF MARAWI, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—February 11 marked a great day for the preservation of culture throughout the Islamic city. public consultation.

The consultation addressed Marawi City Schools Division (MCSD) proposals on wearing the malong, a wrap-around tubular garment, every Wednesday and the 10-day break during the last ten days of Ramadhan for staff and teachers under the MCSD.

It was led by the MCSD in partnership with the City Council to seek feedback, recommendations and stakeholder support for the institutionalization of the two proposals.

“We want everyone in the City Schools Division to be engaged, co-owners and co-adopters of the changes we wanted to make for a better Marawi. -sama tayo [It’s not just us in the Division who will enjoy it, whatever we will be facing, we will be together]“said School Division Superintendent (SDS) Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto.

Among the concerns expressed during the consultation was the synchronization of the days on which to wear the malong since some schools already put it in place but only during Mondays or during flag-raising ceremonies.

Others suggested that the wearing of the malong should only be limited to civil servants and non-teaching staff, as it could lead to disruption in the classroom, especially since some teachers are not used to wearing a malong. such clothing. This, however, has been addressed by the SDS pointing out that the wearing of the malong in no way hinders the delivery of education as it will even manifest how teachers strive to enrich the Meranaw culture.

She also pointed out that civil servants and non-teaching staff are confined within the Division, which defeats the purpose of motivating young learners to love and appreciate their own culture.

Responding to the concern of non-Meranaws wearing the garment, SDS said such an act will not affect their identity but rather show their respect for the Meranaw culture.

Meanwhile, city councilor Abdani Alonto said he was pleased with the proposals, noting that the city government supports initiatives that preserve local culture.

It has been affirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Local Government citing such support as a benefit to city government in the good local governance seal in which local government units are assessed in areas of governance that include tourism, culture and the arts. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)