Celebrating the old and the new in Pantao Ragat

MANILA, Philippines - The 50th founding anniversary celebration of Pantao Ragat, a municipality in Lanao del Norte with over 23,000 residents, demonstrated how the combination of the old and the new could be turned into something special.

Pantao Ragat Mayor Bae Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud has been carving a reputation of giving importance to Maranao culture, and it was once again proven during Pantao Ragat’s golden anniversary celebration recently.

The festival proved to be true celebration of Moro and Mindanao ancestry as it showcased the sights, colors and sounds of the Maranao culture.

While paying respect to its old traditions, the Maranaos also ushered in during the celebration a new beginning as the festival coincided with the enthronement of Vice Mayor Sultan Nabil Lantud’s son, Mohammad Daud Nabil “Ayran” Dimaporo Lantud, as the new sultan of Cabasagan.

The turnover ceremonies was filled with pride and affection among the Lantud clan as after 21 years, Vice Mayor  Lantud turned over his throne to Ayran.

Present in the festivities were all the 28 Sultanates of Lanao, Princess Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman, Mayor Uloy Dimaporo, Mayor Ali Sumandar, Hadja Emilda Dimaporo and Hadja Omaimah Diamaporo. —Ayo Gunting