CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Bangsamoro Government launched an Okir Art Exhibit here on April 16, 2024 to showcase the diverse masterpieces of Meranaw artists. The event also opened discussions on the potential of okir art to propel economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) through its Tales of Marawi Project, the Bangsamoro Commission for Cultural Preservation and Heritage (BCPCH), and Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, the masterpiece artworks of Meranaw artists in different parts of Lanao del Sur were curated for public viewing on April 16-18 at the Event Hall of SM-CDO Downtown.
Okir is a pattern or design characterized by intricate geometric and flowing designs often seen in various Meranaw art forms such as architecture, woodcarving, weaving, brasswork. It is also commonly used to design mosques, houses, furnitures, and traditional Meranaw clothing.
The exhibit was divided into three distinct themes — Okir a Bai (Queen’s Art) featuring the creations of langkit weaver Saadira Shiek Basmala, Okir a Datu (King’s Art) featuring the woodworks of Lantong Pangcoga, and The Future: Okir and Visual Arts featuring the paintings and calligraphy artworks of Architect Edris Tamano.
Diverse okir-inspired accessories, clothing, and souvenirs were also on display courtesy of Aretes Style and LN Collectible Handicraft Producer Cooperative.
MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik believes that exhibits like this popularize BARMM’s provincial and regional tourism which, in return, “perhaps possibly attract more investors”.
MTIT Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo also emphasized the importance of preserving the Meranaw’s cultural links while exerting “every effort to rebuild and reconstruct the buildings and structures that serve as our home and shelter in Marawi City”.
On the part of the national government, Congressman Ziahur-Rahman Adiong said that the House of Representative’s Committee on Creative Industry is currently working on improving the art industry and converting it into a sustainable source of livelihood to further improve BARMM’s halal industry.
Alongside socio-economic development, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim’s 12-point priority agenda for 2023-2025 also include the preservation of Bangsamoro culture, heritage, and diversity. To realize this goal, BCPCH-Lanao del Sur Commissioner Robert Alonto said that BARMM will remain steadfast in exploring ways to promote the region’s creative industry “handed down as a legacy to us by our Bangsamoro forefathers.”
Other key officials present during the event were BCPCH Chairman Salem Lingasa, Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, Department of Trade and Industry’s Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia, Department of Tourism-Region 10 Dir. Gen. Marie Elaine Unchuan, Department of Trade and Industry -Region 10 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Almer R. Masillones, Tales of Marawi Project Manager Ruhollah Alonto. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
