The Sultan is a government doctor
Due to the lack of doctors in the province, Mamacotao had to treat diseases beyond his specialization, such as tetanus in newborn babies, incomplete abortion, delivery of live and stillborn babies, surgery on amputated limbs and fingers.
Dr. Gamal Grande Mamacotao, Sultan of Macadar. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AYUNAN GUNTING
It is believed that the sultan is the embodiment of power, wealth and prestige on earth in the olden times.
But times have changed for Dr. Gamal Grande Mamacotao, the third-generation Sultan of Macadar, who expresses the qualities of new leaders devoted to Islam — Maranao culture and traditions — and committed to serving the public through his medical services.
Macadar is a modest principality in the town of Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur. It came from the Maranao word mala a kadr — the Place of Great Destiny.
Historically, a runaway princess from Johor, Malaysia, who married a prince of Butig, Lanao del Sur, was feted by his cousins in Macadar.
The weeklong wedding festivities were attended in that place by royalties. It was also known for its highway treaded by US cavalry to their base, Camp Vicars.
Sultanates
The "succession" had been made possible by the sultanates who had endorsed Mamacotao for the sultanate. The following sultanates endorsed Mamacotao:
1. Sacrain D. Guro, Sultan sa Domalondong, member, 16 Royal House of Ranao (Panoroganan)
2.Ashraf T. Pandapatan, Sultan sa Basagad, chairman, 28 Mbabaya sa Taritib and 4 Demarcation of Ranao
3.Mangontawar B Amatonding, Sultan sa Ragayan, vice chairman, 28 Mbabaya sa Taritib and 4 Demarcations of Ranao
4. Abdul Hamidullah T. Atar, Sultan sa Marawi, executive secretary, 28 Mbabaya sa Taritib and 4 Demarcations of Ranao
5. Taha M. Mohamad, Sultan sa Malalis, treasurer, 28 Mbabaya sa Taritib and 4 Demarcations of Ranao