MARAWI CITY – Lanao del Sur will pay homage to visionaries who paved the way for the province to prosper and the vibrant culture of the Maranaos during the month-long celebration of its 64th founding anniversary that started on Tuesday, July 4. Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. emphasized that this year's celebration involves a reflection on the past and the preservation of its unique culture, heritage, tradition, resources, and its people that lead to the current stature of the province. "Today more than ever, we shall feel a sense of pride and awareness of what and who we are, most especially for overcoming the most challenging narratives of our history, the 2017 Marawi Siege, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the episodes of insurgencies in our local communities," said Adiong on opening day of the month-long celebration on Tuesday before his constituents at the provincial gymnasium. Adiong added that this year's celebration also embraces the image the  people of the province display. The governor was referring to the unity which he said could bring the synergy and utmost capability of the people. He stressed that only through this unity that the province would achieve its dreams. Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, who graced the opening ceremony, cited in his message to the people of the province the similarities between Indonesia and Lanao del Sur. Widjojo stressed that Lake Lanao here and Indonesia's Lake Toba both hold the same physical beauty and offered a relaxing ambiance. He also shared that he is enjoying his stay in the Philippines, especially since the culture here is not different from his very own country. Widjojo echoed Adiong’s belief that it is only right to take care of the culture and natural resources of Lanao del Sur as this is also what is desired by Allah. The Indonesian official congratulated the people of Lanao del Sur on the occasion of their founding anniversary with the theme “Pakaradiya-an o Sarimanok,” a legendary beautiful bird that is the symbol of Maranao people. "I truly wish that the people of the Maranaos would be prosperous, blessed with abundance of good fortune and peace as well as harmonious life as is the meaning of Sarimanok in the years ahead," said Widjojo. Sarimanok is a mythical bird closely associated with the Maranao people. It is from the “darangen” epic, a mythical bird with extraordinary powers. “It embodies a spirit of Maranao people to overcome challenges as we faced for the past several years, we’re still encountering the challenges of the rehabilitation as a result of the Marawi siege as well as the pandemic,” said Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong. "As we embark on the Pakaradiya-an o Sarimanok, let us celebrate not only our past accomplishments but also the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Let our festivities serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people-a spirit that has weathered storms, embraced change, and emerged stronger, resilient, and hopeful," added Rep. Adiong. To make the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Sur opening ceremony merrier, the provincial government gave away raffle prizes consisting of branded kitchen appliances, 55 to 65-inch TV sets, split-type air conditioners, high-end laptops, iPad/tablets, mobile phones, and brand-new motorcycles to the program attendees. Eight local chief executives who were selected thru a raffle draw were also awarded special projects, including the construction of a training center in their respective municipalities: Molundo, Balabagan, Buadipuso Buntong, Balindong, Saguiaran, Sultan Sumalondong, Wao, and Madalum.