News Story by Peace Crops
Butig, Lanao del Sur – November 19, 2023
The recently concluded inauguration and turnover of Butig’s new municipal hall surpassed cultural celebration, uniting droves of locals and partners from both private and public agencies in a display of vibrant Meranaw colors. Held on November 19, 2023, the event also drew attendance from town officials of neighboring municipalities in Lanao del Sur, along with esteemed guests from Maguindanao del Norte and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region, marking a significant step toward realizing Butig’s potential as an agrotourism destination.
Municipal Mayor Atty. Dimnatang BL. Pansar, in his welcoming address, expressed profound gratitude to the BARMM government for sponsoring the construction of the new two-story edifice, valued at Php 25 million. He outlined his vision of Butig as a key player in the agrotourism sector, with the Municipal Hall acting as a gatekeeper, unlocking the town’s agrarian potential.
BARMM Minister of Interior and Local Government, Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, echoed Mayor Pansar’s sentiments, underlining the fertile agricultural landscape on the western side of Lanao del Sur. Emphasizing the importance of high-value agricultural groups, he expressed optimism for the region’s growth. These agricultural initiatives, coupled with the commitment to ensuring that the principles of good governance resonate consistently, reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering development even in remote and critical areas throughout the region.
In response, Lanao del Sur Governor Dr. Mamintal Alonto Adiong detailed plans for a food terminal in Marawi City, slated to become a consolidation center for provincial produce. Additionally, he committed to enhancing the farm-to-market roads in Butig, aiming to facilitate efficient transportation of agricultural goods.
Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, representing the BARMM Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, expressed pride in contributing to the realization of the modern municipal hall. The edifice construction program, benefiting six other towns in Lanao del Sur, aims to establish permanent gravitation centers. This initiative seeks to foster active participation and community engagement among constituents, promoting a sense of unity and shared progress throughout the region.
A significant part of the ceremony also included the unveiling of ‘Butig Beyond Beauty,’ a reinvention signaling a departure from a challenging past to a promising hub—introduced as Butig’s Mizalimbago Initiatives.
The event culminated with vibrant Meranaw performances by the cultural troupes of Bayabao Central Elementary School and Tadman Ko Inandang Street Dancers from Butig National High School, showcasing traditional dances that added a touch of local flair to the ceremony. The subsequent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official inauguration of Butig’s Municipal Hall—a significant milestone in the town’s journey towards agrotourism development.
