The city government of Marawi on Thursday urged residents to observe a balance between modesty and cultural sensitivity when engaging in fitness activities.

In a statement, the city government said while it supports every individual’s right to maintain physical health and to participate in sports and fitness activities such as fun runs, it also upholds the values of modesty, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

“In this regard, female runners and sports enthusiasts are respectfully encouraged to wear appropriate sports attire that properly covers the ‘awrah’ during physical fitness activities, especially in public spaces,” the city government said.

“Awrah” is an Islamic term for sensitive parts of the bodies of men and women.

Some conservative groups raised concerns over social media, noticing some individuals, particularly women, had shown slightly inappropriate apparel while jogging in some of the city’s streets.

Marawi City, the provincial capital of Lanao del Sur, was formally named “Islamic City of Marawi” in April 1980 by a council resolution highlighting its predominantly Muslim population, along with the adoption of its religious values and traditions. (PNA)