To help preserve and enrich Islamic culture in Sarangani, the provincial government is pushing for the creation of a School of Living Traditions (SLT) for Moro communities in the province.
Sarangani is home to a significant population of Maguindanaon, Maranao and Taosug Moro peoples. The municipality of Malapatan is home to a vibrant inaul and malong weaving tradition by a Maguindanaon women’s association, and an ancient Moro royal sailboat called the “ginakit.”
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts defines an SLT as a place where a living master, or culture bearer or specialist teaches skills and techniques of doing a traditional art or craft.
It is the country’s response to the Unesco’s call for the preservation of ethnic traditions to ensure their transmission to the next generations.
The province is known for the Lamlifew Village Museum, the first of its kind in the country, which is host to an SLT for the Blaan indigenous peoples in Malungon town.
The provincial government is advocating the creation of SLTs for Tagkaolo in Malungon, and for Tbolis in Kiamba and Maitum.
Sarangani was recognized as the Best in Cultural Preservation Efforts in Asia by the Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta) in Myanmar in January 2015.