The Dayawan Torogan served as the symbol of ancestry of royalty whose genuine affection for Mindanao

remains high until today. Back in 1935, when the Republic is crafting the 1935 Philippine Constitution under the
tutelage and patronage of America, the Dayawan Torogan serves as historic witness to the signing of the
Dansalan Declaration that rejected the inclusion of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan in the Philippine islands
should it be granted independence from the Americans. The historic signing was held in this regal house.
The Dayawan Torogan was left to rot and decay by the very people and agencies tasked to preserve it
considering its place in history and its over-arching influence in Mindanao by the Maranaos which spans
culture, tradition, arts, craftsmanship and sheer royalty.
The Torogan, as a symbol of legacy and Mindanaoan aspirations must be preserved, restored and protected.
Having been named as a regional museum of living traditions as well as declared as a National Cultural
Treasure by the National Historical Institute as stated in their information placard (while in the book by Dr.
Madale, said declaration was done and granted by the National Museum), I was appalled at how the Torogan
was left to rot and its advanced state of decay is eating away its very foundation in the historic past of
Mindanao.
The columns of the Dayawan Torogan were vandalized by election paraphernalia. The apparent tests of time
have eaten most of the columns and the floor of the Torogan has holes in it due to the rainwater coming in from
damaged roofing.
The Dayawan Torogan
When the NHI has declared the Dayawan Torogan as a National Cultural Treasure, it places it significance
and importance among the ranks of those worthy of visit and praise, like those Christian Churches and other
government buildings appropriately declared as such. The Dayawan Torogan is a far outcry from a declared
site. It is in complete disarray; a sorry and sad state of decay is apparently seen.
The Dayawan Torogan is constructed in the early 18th century by Sultan Boowa Ayop, the founder of the Royal
House of Dayawan. Further on, in the 19th century, it was strengthened and repaired by rebuilding the entire
Torogan the then Sultan Conding with the assistance of Datu Cotawato and with the help of Datu Bacarat, Bae
Dalomabi and Bae Cuyog.
The Dayawan Torogan is the symbol of early Filipino Muslim leaders influence on cultural heritage,
architecture, arts, and craftsmanship. The Torogan was build not with a single nail as it was made by
connecting its hinges together. The Okir, a Maranao craft was prominently installed in its walls and sides. By
far, even in its decayed state, the Dayawan Torogan remains grandiosely regal.