MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—A spectacular and vibrant display of fireworks syncing with serenading music has left hundreds of locals here bedazzled.

The first-ever grand pyromusical show held at the Sarimanok Sports Stadium in the most affected area (MAA) illuminated the dark sky of this city for roughly 22 minutes despite the inevitable downpour on Monday, October 23.

The City Schools Division of Marawi (CSDM) led the event in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the city government, with the sponsorship of Japanese philanthropist Kenji Mori, who donated P10 million to bring the program to fruition.

CSDM Superintendent Dr. Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto shared that such an activity has already been conducted in six other localities in the country.
She stated that this was then spearheaded here to bring a tantamount of delight to young learners.

“Ang importante dito ay ang kasiyahan na maidudulot sa mga bata. Iyon ang ultimate goal ni [What is important here is the happiness that it will cause the children. That is the ultimate goal of] Sir Kenji Mori—to see our children happy and love to go to school. All he wants to do is alleviate the teaching and learning processes of our young Maranao learners,” said Alonto.

Moreover, amidst the posted backlash against the organizers for pushing through with this event, the superintendent elucidated that they had already assessed this situation.

She stressed that while they carried on with the fireworks display, this did not connote that their hearts were not with the Palestinians and Muslim brothers and sisters who were agonizing due to warfare.

Alonto expounded that preparations for this had been in place months ago, as they deemed this their means to remember the liberation of their own place from the dreaded battle in 2017.

Additionally, she emphasized that they just wanted to show the world , particularly the Philippines, that the city now could warmly welcome tourists, taking into account that it has opened itself to the world, strengthened friendships, and strengthened relationships with donors to maintain a peaceful image.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na magkakaroon tayo ng kaunting programa ay hindi na natin nararamdaman ang sakit na nararamdaman ng ating Palestinian brothers and sisters [It does not mean that when we have a small program, we do not feel the pain of our Palestinian brothers and sisters]. This is also one way of showing the resilience of the Maranao people—that we withstood and stood against the terrorism that plagued our place in 2017,” said Alonto.

Meanwhile, Mayor Majul Gandamra expressed his awe upon witnessing spectators flood the venue to personally experience the grandeur of the event.

However, he guaranteed that no public funds were misdirected because of this, considering that a huge amount of the expenses were pledged by the Japanese donor.

“We would like to thank Sir Kenji Mori for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you have given to the people of Marawi. Siya ang nagdonate para sa pyromusical display. Walang nasayang na pera ng gobyerno [he donated for this pyromusical display. No money from the government was wasted],” he said.

Before the fireworks display, the program was likewise complemented by the cultural performances of eleven elementary schools here. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)