IN honor of Women’s Month 2015, the culture and tourism agencies of the municipality of Taraka, Lanao del Sur, mounted another gathering of the Maranao Women Performers and Entrepreneurs on March 23 and 24. Barangay captains, along with members of the private sector and academe, attended the colorful event, which had the theme “So Kilangka-An ko Malong E To-Os ko tiardi.” “We celebrate their success as empowered Maranao women, by showcasing their talents in preserving our culture and arts and their personal advocacies,” Taraka Mayor Nashiba Gandamara Sumgagayan said in an interview that aired on Aksyon TV.
The celebration featured young and old Maranao women rendering in their own style Maranao songs and dances, and displaying how to wear the malong. Sumagayan shared her gratitude to all Muslim woman-entrepreneurs at the event who have become truly an inspiration to many, like Dr. Hadja Aminah P. Usudan and Dr. Minang Shariff, Maranao women whose hearts are in culture and arts advocacies.
Lanao del Sur is enlivened by the proud Maranaos, who largely inhabit it. Taraka is one of the oldest municipalities in the province, and its burgeoning growth has been attributed in no small part to such empowered women, including Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan who has leveraged her nurturing tendencies as a mother for the benefit Taraka.
“Being a mother of five grown-ups and a toddler, and also a public servant can really be tough, given the exacting demands of both roles,” says the wife of former Taraka Mayor Odin Sumagayan. “But despite my hectic schedule as the chief executive of the municipality of Taraka, I see to it that I can attend to the needs of my family, especially with school matters and personal concerns.” Sumagayan dedicates a good chunk of the day to her work, attending meetings, reviewing the latest news developments, and making sure that her constituents are being served and not the other way around.
“Considering my everyday routine at the office, I seldom cook our everyday meals. Pero kahit hindi ako nakakapagluto araw-araw, I see to it na during special days and even ordinary days whenever I have the time, especially when my family craves for my pasta, their all-time favorite, and grilled fish, nagluluto talaga ako.”
She continues: “Actually we always bond every day because we set a rule in the house that during dinner, dapat all must be at the dining table—except, of course, if one of us is out of town—since it is only during dinner that we can be together.” Sumagayan feels proud and confident to have raised her children in the way they should be raised. Her secret? Knowing when to be extra kind or extra firm. This helps her be both respected and adored at home, helping strengthen the close relationship she already has with her family.
She believes that it is a mother’s foremost responsibility to teach her children the right values. “We always remind our children that family is very important because they will stand by you when everyone else turns their backs on you.”
And, of course, she underscores the importance of faith.
“Above all, always give thanks to Allah for all the blessings they have and will have for the rest of their lives. By being role models to our children, we have taught them the importance of humility.”
Story & photos by Ayunan Gunting