Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Marawi City, Lanao del Sur is within Region XV – BARMM, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Marawi City

• As of the 2020 Census, Marawi City had a population of 207,010.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 201,785, reflecting a modest growth rate of approximately 2.6% over five years.
• Marawi is the cultural and spiritual heartland of the Maranao people, whose name means “people of the lake.” The Maranao are known for their rich Islamic traditions, torogan architecture, okir wood carving, and epic literature such as the Darangen.
• The major dialect spoken is Maranao, with Tagalog and Cebuano also present due to trade and migration. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration across the city.

Location of Marawi City

• Marawi City is located in the western part of Mindanao, within the province of Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 8.0031°N latitude and 124.285°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 87.55 square kilometers, comprising 96 barangays. Its terrain includes rolling hills, valleys, and the northern shore of Lake Lanao, the second largest lake in the Philippines. The climate is tropical highland, with cooler temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Marawi serves as the capital of Lanao del Sur. The City Hall is located in Barangay Bangon, which also houses the Provincial Capitol and other government offices.
• Most people reach Marawi via land transport. From Cagayan de Oro or Iligan City, travelers take buses or vans to Marawi (approximately 2–3 hours). The nearest airport is Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, while the closest major seaport is the Port of Iligan.

Tourist Attractions of Marawi City

• Lake Lanao: A sacred body of water central to Maranao culture and hydroelectric power generation.
• Torogan Houses: Traditional royal dwellings of Maranao sultans, featuring intricate okir carvings and panolong beams.
• Mindanao State University (MSU): A scenic and historic academic center overlooking Lake Lanao, known for its Islamic architecture and cultural programs.
• Maulid Festival: Celebrated annually to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, featuring Qur’anic recitations, cultural performances, and Islamic lectures.

Economy of Marawi City

• Marawi’s economy is anchored in:
  • Education: MSU and other institutions contribute significantly to employment and regional development.
  • Trade and commerce: The city is a hub for halal goods, textiles, and traditional crafts.
  • Agriculture and fisheries: Surrounding barangays produce rice, corn, and inland fish from Lake Lanao.
  • Public services and reconstruction: Post-siege rehabilitation efforts have spurred infrastructure and livelihood programs.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, Marawi plays a vital role in Lanao del Sur’s economy and ranks among the key urban centers in BARMM.

Educational Institutions of Marawi City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Mindanao State University – Main Campus: Offers programs in Islamic studies, engineering, law, agriculture, and liberal arts. It is a premier institution in Mindanao and included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • Jamiatu Muslim Mindanao: A private Islamic university offering Qur’anic studies, Arabic language, and teacher training.
  • Dansalan College Foundation: A Protestant institution known for peacebuilding and interfaith education.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades across the city.

History of Marawi City

• Marawi was originally known as Dansalan, a port town on Lake Lanao and the capital of the undivided Lanao Province. It was settled as early as 1639 and became a chartered city on August 19, 1940 under Commonwealth Act No. 592 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon.
• On June 16, 1956, the city was renamed Marawi through Parliamentary Bill No. 261 in the defunct Batasang Pambansa. The renaming emphasized its Islamic identity and aimed to attract cultural and financial support from Muslim nations.
• Marawi is the only officially designated Islamic City in the Philippines. It has long been a center of Islamic scholarship, Maranao culture, and resistance to colonization. The city’s torogan houses and Darangen epic are recognized as national cultural treasures.
• In 2017, Marawi was devastated by a five-month siege involving extremist groups. Since then, the city has undergone extensive rehabilitation, with efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring heritage, and empowering displaced communities. Today, Marawi stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal.

Elected Officials of Marawi City

• As of the 2025 elections, Marawi City is led by:
  • Mayor: Shariff Zain L. Gandamra (Lakas)
  • Vice Mayor: Majul U. Gandamra (Lakas)
  • Representative – 1st District of Lanao del Sur: Ziaur-Rahman A. Adiong (Lakas–CMD)
  • City Councilors: Mohammad Shaquille L. Gandamra, Sajid D. Munder, Lailyn M. Dimal, Borgie B. Dalidig, Sultan Jawar R. Domato, Nasrollah M. Basman, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Marawi City Election Results.

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