SAGUIARAN, LANAO DEL SUR — This municipality officially opened its week-long Araw ng Saguiaran 2026 celebration on Thursday, June 25, under the theme, “Saguiaran 2026: Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Tomorrow,” bringing together government officials, community leaders, and residents in a festive tribute to the municipality’s heritage, culture, and progress.
The celebration commenced with a Grand Cultural Parade, where participants marched through the municipality, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride for the opening program.
In his welcome message, Municipal Mayor Jalalodin M.L. Angin shared the importance of honoring Saguiaran’s history while pursuing sustainable development and inclusive progress for its people.
“As we celebrate our rich history and the legacy left by our forefathers, we also look toward a brighter, more progressive future for our constituents,” Mayor Angin said. “Our unity is our strength, and together, we will continue shaping a municipality we can all be proud of.”
The opening program led by Mayor Angin together with Vice-Mayor Rohaisa Salic Balang-Angin, was attended by provincial officials led by Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., who delivered the keynote address, and Vice-Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Rakiin Adiong, who conveyed his message of support. The provincial leaders congratulated the local government and the people of Saguiaran for preserving their cultural heritage while pursuing initiatives that promote economic growth and social development.
Also present were Bangsamoro Government Coalition (BGC) nominees Miko Adiong, Alexander “Boyet” Alonto, and Jamil Faisal Adiong, signifying continued support for the municipality’s development initiatives.
Following the program, officials and guests gathered for the traditional Pagana Meranaw, a communal feast symbolizing unity and hospitality. The festivities continued throughout the afternoon with tourism exhibits, cultural performances, and concluded with a fireworks display that illuminated the municipality on the first evening of the celebration.
The week-long celebration features activities highlighting various sectors of the community. June 25 is observed as Cultural Day, showcasing the Grand Cultural Parade, cultural booth displays, traditional Pagana, crafts and food bazaars, cultural presentations, and Barangay Night. June 26, designated as Youthful Day, features a Children’s Congress, the Indak Kabataan Street Dance Competition, the Rawaten a Kangodaan video contest, the “Trash to Treasure” youth invention showcase, a magic show, parlor games, and a DRRM Youth Volunteer Session.
June 27 is celebrated as Islamic Unity Day, with Qur’an recitation, messages from Ulama representatives, and the 55th Municipal Qur’an Reading. June 28 is dedicated to the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), featuring literary competitions, cultural presentations, an awarding ceremony, and other educational activities. June 29 is LGU Day, highlighting fellowship through sports, parlor games, musical performances, and the LGU Departmental Pickleball Tournament. The celebration concludes on June 30 with the Inter-Barangay Pickleball Tournament.
The annual celebration also presents Saguiaran’s rich historical identity. The municipality traces its name to the native Meranaw word “Saguirian,” meaning “hunting ground,” referring to the area where early settlers hunted wild animals amid its once-forested landscape. During the American colonial period, the name gradually evolved into its present form, Saguiaran.
Strategically located about five kilometers north of Marawi City, Saguiaran has emerged as an important center for governance, education, and infrastructure development. The municipality is home to key government offices, including the Municipal Hall, Police Station, and Bureau of Fire Protection. Barangay Pawak also hosts the Agus II Hydroelectric Power Plant, a major National Power Corporation facility with a generating capacity of 120 megawatts. (Analisa P. Española)
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