Traditional Food and Agricultural Heritage in Butig, Lanao del Sur: Preserving Mёranaos Identity Through Community-Based Promotion

Abstract

This study explored the traditional food and agricultural practices of the Municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur, emphasizing their cultural significance and potential for community development. Known as one of the oldest Mёranaos settlements, Butig boasts a rich heritage of halal food, native pastries, and sustainable farming. Through ethnographic methods, including observation and interviews, the research documents indigenous delicacies such as tiyatag, tamokonsi, browa, and community-farmed staples like rice, corn, and coconut. Findings highlighted the role of food in Mёranaos identity formation, religious observance, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. The paper argued that the revitalization and promotion of traditional food and agriculture serve as tools for cultural preservation, economic sustainability, and community empowerment. Recommendations include policy support, culinary tourism initiatives, and community education programs to enhance local pride and market reach. This approach aligns with the broader goals of food sovereignty, heritage conservation, and rural development in Muslim Mindanao.