Key Historical Details on the Division and Evolution:
Marawi City, formerly known as Dansalan, was founded in 1639 and served as the capital of the undivided Lanao province starting in 1907. The province was officially divided into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur via RA No. 2228 on July 4, 1959, placing Marawi City as the capital of Lanao del Sur.
- Original Name & Status: Known as Dansalan, the area was a key stronghold of Maranao culture and resisted Spanish colonization.
- Cityhood: Dansalan was established as a chartered city on August 19, 1940.
- Name Change: On June 16, 1956, Republic Act No. 1552 changed the name from Dansalan to Marawi City.
- The Division (1959): The province was split into two:
- Lanao del Norte: Covered the northern portion, with Iligan City as the capital.
- Lanao del Sur: Covered the southern portion, with Marawi City as the capital.
- Regional Integration: In 1971, through P.D. No. 742, Lanao del Sur was included in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
- Modern Status: Marawi remains the capital of Lanao del Sur, which is now part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).