Celebrating Roots: Iligan Honors Higaonon Heritage in Month-Long Indigenous Celebration

Iligan Showcases Higaonon Heritage in Indigenous People and Heritage Month 2025

The City Government of Iligan, through the Office of the Maranao Higaonon and Other Cultural Communities (OMaHCC), will formally open the Indigenous People and Heritage Month celebration on October 20, 2025, at the Anahaw Amphitheater.

The activity recognizes the Higaonon people for their enduring culture, traditions, and contributions to Iligan’s tri-people identity. With the theme centered on inclusivity and heritage preservation, the event seeks to promote understanding and pride in Indigenous identity within the community.

According to Nasrollah Mangoranda, Officer-in-Charge of OMaHCC, several events and cultural showcases have been prepared throughout the month-long celebration to highlight the diverse expressions of Indigenous life in Iligan.

Partners and Collaborators

This year’s observance is organized in partnership with:

• Department of Education (DepEd)
• City IPMR Office
• ECOWEB
• National Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (NICP)

Together, these partners aim to foster dialogue, preserve cultural knowledge, and strengthen Indigenous representation in Iligan’s local development agenda.

Join Iligan’s Celebration of Culture and Identity

Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the activities honoring Iligan’s Higaonon community and to celebrate the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. The celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous traditions and deepen appreciation for Iligan’s diverse roots.

Support Iligan’s Indigenous People and Heritage Month. Celebrate culture, unity, and community.