Growing up in Lanao del Sur, particularly in Marawi City, means being immersed in a world of exquisite and spicy cuisine, where flavors from various provinces like piyaparan ah manok, pisawawan ah badak, and beef randang blend to create unique and innovative tastes that reflect the region's rich cultural diversity. This fusion of traditions extends beyond food to the Maranaos' cherished royal dances, such as the kasingkil or singkil, where women gracefully step in and out of clashing bamboo poles, producing a rhythm deeply familiar to the Meranaws. Complementing this is the kasagayan, a ritual dance performed by men that showcases their preparation for battle through sword movements, captivating audiences with its dynamic storytelling that the children, including myself, of Marawi are so enamored with and see ourselves in the future performing it in front of our folks, with all the colorful outfits and intricate accessories.

 Spending my childhood in Lanao del Sur, I have realized how Meranaws perceive their identity. They identify themselves with things that closely hits home, the malongs, kadurog, sarimanok, okir, morits in a madrasah, Lake Lanao, and every tradition that they once have. The Meranaws are people who deeply cherish and treasure their culture and tradition that it became a part of them that they carry everywhere they go. An example of which is my Ama, who lived in Bukidnon in his 80s to 97. He would always tell us stories of his experience here in Lanao, with grief and joy in his voice, on how he would fish in the Lake Lanao and bring it home for his meal for the day and watching people perform kulintang and hear a high-pitched song with the sweetest voice singing Mamayog Akn, and also how lively and full-of-life they celebrate the Ramadahan every year. But none of that can be seen or experienced at a different place.

So when the Marawi Siege happened in 2017 that has forcibly displaced 98 percent of the city's population, along with residents from nearby municipalities, who were driven to leave due to severe food shortages and the collapse of local economies, the Meranaws  have lost a huge part of their identity. The victims, the Internally Displaced People (IDPs), have lost their homes, loved-ones, and livelihood, and eventually their identity in the Siege. They are forced to live at temporary shelters, but it does not seem like it's temporary considering that seven years have already passed and their situation stayed the same. The area of the temporary shelters is so vast that it was reclassified by Barangays and Divisions, an example of these are the Boganga Lakeview Shelter, Sagonsongan Area 6A, and Bakwit Village. None of which they once had can be seen in sight. There are no kasingkil, kasagayan, Lake Lanao, Madrasah, and some of the fine Meranaw Cuisine like the beef randang in these temporary shelters as they have and currently are facing difficulties like potential eviction, paying rent and bills, no livelihood, and food shortage. 

For years, they have attempted to bring back the colors of the lives they once had by making their own cooperatives and livelihood programmes, but to no significant changes. They are forced to make Madrasah in these shelters for their children to learn Islam, however the difficulties such as lack of resources, Ustads, and a proper place is terminating its success. 

Identity plays a significant role in everyone’s life, but it holds particular importance for the Meranaws, whose rich history is deeply rooted in their vibrant culture and traditions. Now, the idea of the IDPs returning home is still not in sight even after all levels of  government’s effort made to address the IDPs needs and resolve their situation and eventually the IDPs come home. An extensive area of ground zero is still unfixed, with all the rubbles and bullet holes in the residential houses.

 In April 2022, Congress enacted a law to provide compensation for those affected by the conflict, addressing the loss of life and property they endured. Despite financial challenges, the process persisted, and by mid-2023, the local government had started offering free legal assistance to accelerate the application process. However, some IDPs are left with nothing at all after their homes are bombed to the ground  like the IDP leader, Insanoray Amerol-Macapaar, whose return and compensation is still not possible.

For a long time, the IDPs have been crying to go home, to regain their identity, and to reclaim the lives they once knew in Marawi, where they feel the most of themselves. The longing to return to the familiar sight of Lake Lanao, sounds of kulintang and kambayoka, and essence of their homeland is a sentiment reflected across generations of Meranaws who now feel displaced not only physically but also spiritually. The Meranaws are called the People of the Lake due to their reliance on Lake Lanao for their livelihood and culture, however can they still be called it without the source of their identity?

Let their cry to "go home" not just be a plea but a rallying call for everyone to act and ensure that the colors of Marawi and the identity of its people are restored in all their glory.

References:

https://fillmorecountyjournal.com/journal-writing-project-a-glimpse-of-maranao-culture/#:~:text=Polygamy%20is%20one%20of%20the,who%20used%20to%20adapt%20polygamy.

 https://www.pinasmuna.com/2013/03/introduction-to-maranao-cuisine.html

https://www.unhcr.org/ph/marawi-crisis

https://www.rappler.com/voices/new-school/plea-kabangsa-maranao-vote-truly-care-marawi-internally-displaced-persons/

https://balayph.net/news-events/178-idps-from-marawi-demands-immediate-return-to-their-homes

https://www.internal-displacement.org/spotlights/The-Philippines-Six-years-after-conflict-progress-and-challenges-for-IDPs/