Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on the island of Mindanao. The province covers roughly 15,055.51 square kilometers and is composed of 39 municipalities and 1,159 barangays. The capital of the province is Marawi City, which also serves as the provincial center. Lanao del Sur is known for its rich Maranao culture and heritage and is home to natural and cultural attractions such as Lake Lanao, Torogan houses, and the iconic Grand Mosque of Marawi.

History

Lanao del Sur was originally part of the larger Lanao Province during the Spanish colonial period. The area was inhabited predominantly by the Maranao people, known for their rich culture, Islamic traditions, and governance under local sultanates. During the American period, Lanao was organized as a special province in 1903 under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the Maranaos. In 1959, Lanao Province was divided into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, with Marawi designated as the capital of the southern portion, cementing its role as the cultural and political center of the Maranao people. Throughout the 20th century, Lanao del Sur experienced both economic and political development, as well as social challenges stemming from armed conflicts in Mindanao. The province became part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989 and later the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019, granting it greater autonomy. Despite facing natural disasters and the devastation of Marawi City during the 2017 siege, the province continues to preserve its cultural heritage, traditional arts, and Islamic institutions, while rebuilding its communities and promoting socio-economic growth.