In the past, Maranao society used to preserve and conserved its traditional laws. Granting of honorary titles was based on blood lineage under the Salsila and Taritib or ancient order of customs, traditions and usages observed in the community. It was assumed that such customary laws are still applicable and cherished up to the present time.

But nowadays, the picture changed however, when some of our local leaders exercised considerable influence in our society by granting traditional titles to non-Maranao.

Just recently, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was conferred Sultan a Pithielan a Gaus sa Ranao, Director General Arturo Lomibao was enthroned Sultan a Macapundag sa Ranao. Who else will follow? The list goes on …

In this context, can a concerned Maranao traditional group like the 15 Royal House of Panoroganans and other concerned sector of our society to look into this matter and do something about it? Such situation can be compared to a smooth flow of traffic at a busy intersection. Problems and headaches begin when some drivers become reckless or the pedestrian do not mind the traffic rules.

In this current crisis, it is imperative that we condemn conferring honorary titles to a non-Maranao as this would result in neglecting of this precious heritage handed down and entrusted to us by our forefathers.

Time has really brought a lot of changes in our society such that we are not sure if these changes are really for the better or for worse. Because of what you called GLOBALIZATION, our life seems to be more complicated.

In most cases you could be right. We cannot escape the inevitable onslaught of globalization. However, adapting to the changing needs of our time as a result of globalization does not necessarily mean giving up our cultural heritage, our values and principles. GLOBALIZATION is not synonymous with WESTERNIZATION. We must not let any societal influence rob our prayers; remove us from our own culture, our own Islamic educational system, and our Islamic values.

Times have changed for the worst that even our best of culture as well as our true religion is gradually diminishing. Even our self-respect seems to vanish.

Taritib ago Igma constitutes the identity of a Maranao different from other ethnic groups. Discarding or neglecting it would mean losing our own identity. And the worst part of it is we, Maranaos, are the major players of the menace. And if Allah (swt) will not intervene, we will just wake up one day and see that Ranao is no longer the homeland of the brave and civilized Maranaos, no longer the last frontier if Islam in the country. One day we will wake up in the land dominated by new occupants with an alien way of life, and new hypocrites professing a corrupt Islamic ideology with a warped cultural identity. What a painful thing it is to see that our children will come to a point that they will be asking their parents: Are we American? Are we Pakistan? Are we Arabian? or Korean? What a doom! Indeed, Allah (swt) forbids!

Historical record shows that Maranao in Ranao can say with a straight face that they have never come under the rule of any foreign conqueror. Long before the Spaniards set foot in the Philippine soil, Maranaos were ruled and governed by their own chiefs. They ably conducted their government according to local customs and laws (Taritib ago Igma) modified but conforming to Islamic laws and the teachings of the Qur’an. They proved to be proud, courageous and determined fighters in defense of their faith. They fought for their independence as a people and for their religion. They were willing and ready to sacrifice even their lives for these precious ideals.

So as civilized Maranaos, We must preserve our identity. We must preserve our culture and heritage entrusted to us by our forefathers. To appreciate our heritage, we must take time to study them and trace the rich heritage of ideas handed to from our forefathers. We cannot appreciate something that we do not understand. Through studying, we can understand better and take pride in being a MARANAO.

Our ancient poet has these words:

So alongan ko mona
Na pekirending ko mona
Na pikirang ka ko mona
Na pelobaan ko mona
Da ko mitindeg ko mona
Ka manga wato ko mona