THE TOROGAN AS A NATIONAL TREASURE

Around a year ago, the National Museum has given a mark of distinction to one of our country’s existing architectural heritage. By issuing Declaration No. 4-2008, the Museum declared the Maranao torogan, most specifically the Kawayan torogan as National Cultural Treasure.

According to R.A. 4846, otherwise known as The Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act, national cultural treasures are defined as "unique objects found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value, which is significant and important to the country."

Anthropologist Dr. Jesus Peralta, one of the panel of experts who signed the declaration, describes the torogan as the "imposing stately house of the Maranao elite found in the province of Lanao del Sur in Mindanao,” which is “composed of a single cavernous hall under a widely flaring ridged, bonnet type roof.”

What makes the torogan distinct, according to Peralta, “are the floor end beams (panolongs) that project frontally into butterfly shapes that are ornately carved and painted, alternately into the niaga/naga (serpent/dragon) and pako rabong armalis (assymetrical growing fern) with the facade panels and interior posts and sidings painted and carved.”

That declaration last year was very timely as several Maranao torogans all over Lanao have already succumbed to decay and wear. The Kawayan torogan, specifically identified in the declaration, is the only remaining habitable torogan to date. Located in Bubung Malanding, Marantao, Lanao del Sur, it was built during the American period by Sultan Kawayan Makaantal. Parts of the structure have reportedly collapsed, hence its immediate rehabilitation was of utmost importance.

The cost of rehabilitating the Kawayan torogan was assessed at P2.5 million. Since then the Museum has been busy sourcing for funds to complete the rehabilitation. Aside from the fund allocation secured from the NCCA, Senator Edgardo Angara was reported to have pledged P1 million for the project.
Targetted for completion in one year, rehabilitation work to be done included, among other things, repair of roof, replacement of termite-infested wood, repair of existing panolong and fabrication of the missing or deterioated ones and re-touching of panolong pigment.

Now, a year has passed since the Maranao torogan was declared as National Cultural Treasure. It is my hope that this declaration would not remain on paper only. Rather, it has served, or will still serve, as a means to bring attention to "last standing example of the finest of traditional vernacular architecture of the Philippines." It is also my hope that the planned rehabilitation of the Kawayan panolong will be completed soon.