Heritage

We aim to preserve heritage through community engagement and sustainable practices, focusing on safeguarding and promoting local tapestry and traditions.

History of Miagao

Each town of each province bordering the Sulu Sea is rich in its history. Yet, much has been lost over centuries and younger people barely know about their history because of the lack of reading resources, distractions from daily life’s struggles and social media. The town of Miag-ao is Sulu Garden Foundation’s test case on how to re-stimulate awareness and concern about local history and heritage preservation.

We are accomplishing this through social media, conferences and the collection of important documents and books where Miag-ao is mentioned. Records in Spanish and Kinaray-a languages are translated into English and added to the Miag-ao History Library in Sulu Garden. As an example, work is being undertaken to preserve the 1907 book called “Maragtas” written by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro, Miag-ao’s revolutionary leader, first municipal mayor, a writer of songs and the town’s true ‘Renaissance Man.’ Maragtas is the legendary story of the arrival of the Ten Datus of Borneo who settled on this island of Panay in the 12th century.

Click here to read the digitized copy of the book.

History of Miagao

Traverse through time and connect with our roots by commemorating Miagao's historical milestones through Elias N. failago's book, "History of Miagao". This is the main reference guide to local history but since then had become rare. Now, residents and students can access the story and the digitized link to download this book.

Books and Reference to History of Miagao

Important books and references that relate to Miag-ao are archived as digitized copies freely accessible to the public.

War Stories

The war stories of Miagao reflect its rich history of struggle and resilience. Years of research have enabled us to compile stories that influenced the lives of the people of Miagao. Here are articles specifically discussing Miagao’s stories, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the historic events that occurred over the centuries.

Salakayan Novella

Experience the 1754 Battle of Salakayan through the eyes of a young comisario, an Iranun warrior, and a Basque Spaniard.

Philippine Ammerican War

Tan Pedro Monteclaro and the arrival of the US Army in Miag-ao during the Philippine-American War.

Indigenous Technologies

Mountain and coastal villages develop unique ways to cope with the adversities and needs over the centuries. We are documenting methods and processes that are still in use today before it becomes entirely lost from the memories as the elders pass away. We have documented the unique salt farming technology dating back centuries that fisher folks still used today. However, with the influx of cheaper commercial salt and a more educated younger generation who find better-paying jobs, this salt-making technology will soon become extinct along the shores of Miag-ao.

Asinderos de Miag-ao

The art of farming Budbud Salt

Searching for the mystery vines of the Aetas in the uplands of Miag-ao

Historic Miagao Group

Historic Miagao groups include the indigenous Christianized Visayan tribes and the Muslim Moro warriors. These groups played significant roles in the town’s history, particularly during conflicts like the Battle of Miagao in 1754. Their interactions and alliances have shaped Miagao’s cultural heritage and identity.

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