3 – 5 February 2026 | 4th Floor Event Center | SM CDO DOWNTOWN
The 2nd Okir Art Exhibit showcasing the History and Culture of the Meranaws of Lanao opens today at the Event Hall, 4th Level of SM Downtown in Cagayan de Oro City.
The 3-day exhibit runs from February 3-5, 2026 under the auspices of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, through the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office (PTCAO), and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural History of Lanao del Sur (BCPCH-Lanao del Sur).
According to the official invitation from the office of Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor DR. MAMINTAL ALONTO ADIONG, JR., the Okir Art Exhibit reflects the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur’s commitment to cultural preservation, artistic expression, and community resilience. This exhibit provides a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the rich heritage of the Meranaw people through the intricate and culturally significant Okir art form.
By supporting this initiative, the program seeks to promote cultural diversity, strengthen community connections, and provide a platform for local artists to express their creativity in the mainstream market.
The three day event will feature the following events and activities: Art Exhibition, Cultural Performances, Artists/Artisans’ Demonstrations, Lectures, Partnership Building / Networking and a press conference.
The featured Meranaw Artists are bannered by Edris D. Tamano, an Okir artist, architect, and cultural advocate whose works highlights the significance and intricacies of Meranaw Okir design; He has been nominated for the Order of National Artists of the Philippines (Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining), the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals for significant contributions to Philippine arts, by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage-Lanao del Sur (BCPCH) for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Maranao okir motifs in visual arts;
Master Artisan Lantong Pangcoga from Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, masterfully skilled in the carving of traditional Meranaw Okir art forms such as the Baur, Gador, Okir, and Panulong. He has been nominated for the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award, the highest state honor given to a Filipino in recognition of their outstanding work as a traditional folk artist, also by the BCPCH-Lanao del Sur;
Omelcair G. Domangcag, a traditional Lakub (a Meranaw traditional cylindrical bamboo container primarily used to store tobacco leaves or betel quid (nganga) master maker and member of the Bakayawan Lakub Producers;
Hanifah Lalia Amelo, a weaver and member of the Raheemah Peace Weavers Cooperative, masterfully skilled in weaving langkit with traditional okir patterns that is fast gaining popularity with modern ethnic fashion designs. Langkit is a traditional Meranaw, intricately handwoven/embroidered multi-colored fabric strip primarily used to adorn and connect panels on the malong landap (tube skirt), it features traditional okir (geometric/floral) designs, created using a backstrap loom, representing deep cultural significance.;
Pendocina Omar, a Meranaw traditional beader masterfully skilled in hand-sewing beads and sequins such as Mamandiyang, Ampas, and Payong o Diyakatan. She is also a member of the Raheemah Peace Weavers Cooperative;
Asnaida Amelo, also a Meranaw traditional weaver and member of the Raheemah Peace Weavers Cooperative who specializes in Landap Weaving, a prestigious type of malong traditionally worn by Sultans and the elite;
Danny Arumpac, master miniature wood carver of Meranaw forms such as torogans, panolong (house beams), baor, gador and debakan; and not the least,
Walad Serad Solaiman, a freelance visual artist whose works are informed by Meranaw culture and incorporate Okir inspired elements, reflecting themes of identity, tradition, and community.
The Okir Art Exhibit presents itself as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lanao del Sur, featuring the intricate and traditional Okir art form; empower local artists by providing them with a prominent venue to display their Okir artworks, foster a sense of pride and recognition within the community; facilitate community engagement through the Okir Art Exhibit, encourage dialogue, appreciation, and understanding of the cultural significance of Okir art among residents and visitors; promote Lanao del Sur as a cultural tourism destination by leveraging the Okir Art Exhibit to attract visitors and raise awareness of the unique artistic traditions embedded in Okir; and not the least, contribute to the holistic growth of Lanao del Sur by integrating cultural expressions like the Okir Art Exhibit, fostering resilience, unity, and a renewed sense of identity among the Meranaw community.
The Okir Art Exhibit is designed as a strategic cultural and economic initiative to showcase the profound artistic heritage of the Lanao del Sur province. Beyond its cultural significance, the exhibit serves as a vital component of the post-conflict recovery efforts for Marawi City, providing a platform for local artisans to access broader markets. By positioning Okir as a premier cultural product, it aims to align traditional craftsmanship with modern trade, tourism, and MSME development goals.
The event is open free to the public during SM CDO Downtown’s Mall Hours from 10AM to 9PM for the duration of the 3-day exhibit. (Mike Baños)
