He’s 22 years young, and is currently serving as vice mayor of the town of Pantao Ragat, a fourth-class municipality in Lanao del Norte. Sultan Mohammad Daud Nabil “Ayran” Dimaporo Lantud followed in the footsteps of his parents when he ran for the second-highest post of his hometown.
His father is Lacson Mangotara Lantud, the present mayor of Pantao Ragat, while his mother, Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud, was the former mayor. Given his age, the younger Lantud is focusing his work on the town’s youth, and he’s encouraging them to be more active in sports.
“I want to build a covered tennis court and basketball court because I want to develop a sports program for the youth, to keep them from getting into trouble, like for example drugs. I want to encourage them to get into sports and cut the bad vices they may be doing,” Ayran said.
Lantud plans to hold tennis and basketball clinics once the renovation and construction of the courts are completed. Likewise, he has been organizing fun runs to promote fitness and establish camaraderie among his young constituents.
Just three years ago, Lantud was officially crowned Sultan of the Royal House of Cabasagan in Pantao Ragat. His father had bestowed him that right, being the descendant of the first Sultan of Cabasagan. Mohammad was just 20 when he was given this honor, making him the youngest Sultan of Lanao royalty.
Lantud said he decided to toss his hat into the political arena last year because he was inspired by the work of his parents, who labored to uplift the lives of the people of his hometown.
“They have always had the will to help and serve the people of Pantao Ragat. I decided I wanted to do my share, especially when I was crowned Sultan,” he said.
“As a public servant, I’m confident that I can provide the needs of the people of Pantao Ragat,” Lantud added. “Right now, I’m getting to know my constituents well. I interact with them, and we discuss the problems that have been besetting them, and we find ways to improve their way of life.”