Introduction

 Since its separation from Sulu as province in 1973, Tawi-Tawi has been seeking its own identity and place in the national community. While it remains an integral part of Sulu's historical territoriality, the province look beyond for a meaningful exercise of its new freedom in the larger world of the Asia pacific and Darul Islam. from an aerial panorama, the chain of emerald isles that constitute its geographic landscape displays not only a picturesque work of nature, but also, the unmistakeable design of the unseen Hand. The exhibit from the blend of light, sounds, and colors of Flora, as photography and technology bring to human view and perception the hidden riches and wonders of the island world, adds depths to the significance that Tawi-Tawi merits in national development. It offers to the world unspoiled remains of many lost and disappearing bounties and beauties on nature

History

Bongao used to be a part of the archipelago province of Sulu. The town derived its name from the word "Bangaw" which means, in Tausug and Sama dialects, "heron". There was an abundance of what kind of bird which inhabited the mountains of the island.Shrubs and bushes grew in the lowland and few houses stood up as a sign of people habitation

During the Spanish regime the inhabitants were led by the different leaders according their ethnic origin since there was no local government. When the Americans took over in 1898, a "presidente" was appointed to administer the affairs of the community Bongao. Then was still a municipal district under the jurisdiction of Sulu. During that time the place had its first teacher in the person of  Arolas Tulawie. The following served as "presidente" of bongao

When the Fil-American Forces landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944, a civil government was established all over the Philippines. Tawi-Tawi was then still a part of province of  Sulu. On September 11, 1973, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 302, the new province of Tawi-Tawi was officially created separate from the province of  Sulu.

Geography

Tawi-Tawi archipelago lies at the southwestern tip of the country only hours away by motorized "kimpit" from Sabah, Malaysia.

Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi is one hour and ten minutes away by plane from Zamboanga City. By ship, it takes approximately 26 hours travel time, passing through Jolo, Sulu.

Irregular in shape, with splashes of white sandy beaches and rock-bound coasts, the province has 307 islands and islets with a combined land area of 462 sq. mi. the geographical condition of this island make navigation difficult of extensive reefs. Only light sea craft can pass through some of these "sea trails". However in some area like the capital town of Bongao, the deep harbor is perfectly calm and breathtaking. Inter island vessels and naval boat dock in this harbor. Batu-Batu in balimbing has a good deep port and a landlocked harbor in the area where Philippine navy has its station.

The 11Municipalities of Tawi-Tawi Province.

Municipality of Bongao

The municipality of Bongao includes the 10 sq, kilometer island bears its name, the neighboring island of Sanga-Sanga, and the southern portion of Mainland  Tawi-Tawi. it is the capital town and center of political power, economic, social and cultural activities. As a result, most of the available facilities are found here.As a center of commerce. It is a transhipment point for Tawi-Tawi's export which include marine products and specially dried seaweeds that come from the outlying island. it has become a melting pot of various ethnic groups including Chinese and christian migrants.

Its defining silhouette, Bongao peek, is a relic of volcanic origins. A mountain of granite, it holds social and religious significance for the people. Sanga-Sanga is the most larger island than Bongao. It is the famous the archeological find in Bolobok Cave and its airport, which was build by the Japanese for their forays into Malaysia.

Tawi-Tawi provincial Capitol located at the Barangay Tubig Boh, Bongao Tawi-Tawi

 

The Bongao Airport located in Sanga-Sanga bongao, Tawi-Tawi

  

Sibutu Window, Bongao peeks western windo looks out to the international sea lane that is Bongao to Sibutu channel. On a Clear day one can see the outlines of its closest international traveling partner, Sabah, Malaysia.


the silisad beach of bongao, tawi-tawi

Municipality of Languyan

Languyan's land area is largely untapped forest reserves. Aside from the western portion of mainland Tawi-Tawi, it include the island of Bas-Bas, Tumbagaan, Subbay, Kantipayan, Kakatan and Pearl Bank.The won is predominantly populated by tausug with a small numbers of sama who live along the coast.Those who live the interior are engaged mainly in agriculture.but in the recent times, the town is known for pioneering efforts in pearl farming. Also, natural deep at Languyan Bay gave it a strategic role during second world war for submarine landing of vital guerilla supplies

 
Red Clouds over the Languyan

 
 The Languyan Hall

 
Darul Akram (Municipal Mosque)


Municipality Of Mapun

Mapun is located in the north westernmost part of Tawi-Tawi. It is southeast of Balabac Point, Palawan and is on the far west of Sulu province. Formerly called Cagayn de Sulu by Spanish explorers, it later became known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi after the province was separated from Sulu in 1973. shortly thereafter, the Jama Mapun, its indigenous people, asked that its name be reverted back to Mapun.

Mapun Municipalities includes the islands of Muligi, Kinapusan, and Bacauan which is a nature sanctuary for turtles and birds. Being on the fringers of the Tubbaraha reef, Bancauan’s crystal waters hold a wealth of marine life. Essentially isolated by distance and waters, Mapun has bred not only endemic fauna, but also, a unique island culture as well . Its volcanic past is picturesquely preserved in two lakes and one bay.

  

Kinapusan Island

The undulating contours of kinapusan island in Mapun are rimmed with  white beaches that owe their colors to corals crushed by time, current  and waves over the centuries.

 

 Jurata Bay 

Tranquil remains of a huge eruption that sank its caldera thousands of years ago.





Municipality of Panglima Sugala
 

Panglima Sugala occupies part of the souteastern side of Mainland Tawi-Tawi. From there, the municipalty extends southeast toward Belatan Island, and the isles of Liaburan and Tandoh. The majority of the people who live here are tausug farmers who produce cassava for trade. They supply most of the fruit and vegetable requirements of the surrounding municipalities. The minority Sama and Badjao grow seaweeds and fish.

 

Houses on stilts in Belatan

The most remarkable thing about houses in Tawi-Tawi is that so many of them are on water.

 

Malum River

Snaking its way into the hinterlands, Malum river provides  access to one of the least developed areas of the povince.

  

 Tango Beach
formerly called Pulau Satu. It is a beach which alone island or single island that seems floats solitary splendor.

Municipality of Simunul
 

Simunul Island  a multi-faceted town, known for two dying arts: its boras mats and pottery, its beautiful beaches and its historical landmarks.

 

 Sheikh Makhdum Mosque
found in Tubig Indangan, Simunul, it is the oldest built mosque in the philippines.

 

 

Laa Island

Laa’s natural beauty would beguile anyone. Diving, snorkeling, swimming and its proximity to Bongao make it even more attractive

Municipality of Sitangkai

Sitangkai a tiny island, which is barely one square kilometer in size, Sitangkai proper lends  its name to the whole municipality. Know as the “Venice of the Philippines”, it has a waterways and bridges in place of roads much like its European counterpart. A major commercial hub, it flourished  as a major trading post in the traditional barter trade between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Today, Sitangkai is the biggest producer of seaweeds in the province. 

Municipality of Sibutu
 

SIBUTU ISLAND IS A MUNICIPALITY IN THE PROVINCE OF TAWI-TAWI PHILIPPINES. IT LIES ABOUT KILOMETERS EAST  OF COAST OF SABAH MALAYSIA . IT COMPRISES SIBUTU ISLAND AND FOUR MORE SMALL  AND UNINHABITED ISLAND 3.4 TO 5.9 KM SOUTH OF THE MAIN ISLAND, WHICH ARE FROM NORTH TO SOUTH:  SICOLAN ISLAND AND SALUAG ISLAND, THE LETTER BEING SOUTHERNMOST ISLAND  OF THE PHILIPPINES..

ITS CREATED OUT OF 16 BARANGAY NAMELY:  BARANGAY TALISAY, BARANGAY MOH. GAYA, BARANGAY HADJI TAHA, BARANGAY SIBUTU, BARANGAY DATU AMILHAMJA,  BARANGAY HADJI BIDIN, BARANGAY AMBUTONG  SAPAL, BARANGAY NUNUKAN, TONGSIBALO, SHEIKMHAKDUM, TANDU BANAK, TONGEHAT, TANDU BANAK, TONGEHAT,  TANDU OWAK, TOUNGOH, MOKHTAR.

 

•SIBUTU ISLAND IS THE LAST FRONTIER TO THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES . MAIN PRODUCTS AQUA FISHERIES AND PEARLS. VERY PEACEFUL SEVENTH CLASS MUNICIPALITY IN TAWI-TAWI PROVINCE.

•VERY IDEAL TO INVEST TOURISM AND AQUA-FISHING BUSSINESS SOME FOREIGN NATIONAL FROM TAIWAN AND HONGKONG OFTENLY VISIT THIS ISLAND BUYING SPECIAL VARIETY OF FISH SUCH AS MAMENG AND LAPU-LAPU WHERE LOCAL FOLKS WHO CULTURES THESE FISH.

•ISLAM IS THE MAIN RELIGION OF SIBUTUANS ABOUT 98% PEOPLE.

•THE PEOPLE OF SIBUTU ARE VERY HOSPITABLE.

•THERE ARE PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY. ONE PRIVATE SECONDARY HIGH SCHOOL, OPREATING IN THIS TOWN, THE NOTRE DAME OF SIBUTU, ONE COLLEGE EXTENTION CLASSES UNDER THE MSU-TCTO COLLEGE OF SANGA-SANGA BONGAO TAWI-TAWI.

•THIS TOWN POPULATED MOSTLY BY THE SAMA TRIBE, BAJAO, AND FEW TAUSUG AND FEW BISAYA.

•There are also datu alawaddin bandon hospital.

•In sibutu about 480 househod.  

•SIBUTU ISLAND IS THE LAST FRONTIER TO THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE PHILIPPINES . MAIN PRODUCTS AQUA FISHERIES AND PEARLS. VERY PEACEFUL SEVENTH CLASS MUNICIPALITY IN TAWI-TAWI PROVINCE.

•VERY IDEAL TO INVEST TOURISM AND AQUA-FISHING BUSSINESS SOME FOREIGN NATIONAL FROM TAIWAN AND HONGKONG OFTENLY VISIT THIS ISLAND BUYING SPECIAL VARIETY OF FISH SUCH AS MAMENG AND LAPU-LAPU WHERE LOCAL FOLKS WHO CULTURES THESE FISH.

•ISLAM IS THE MAIN RELIGION OF SIBUTUANS ABOUT 98% PEOPLE.

•THE PEOPLE OF SIBUTU ARE VERY HOSPITABLE.

•THERE ARE PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY. ONE PRIVATE SECONDARY HIGH SCHOOL, OPREATING IN THIS TOWN, THE NOTRE DAME OF SIBUTU, ONE COLLEGE EXTENTION CLASSES UNDER THE MSU-TCTO COLLEGE OF SANGA-SANGA BONGAO TAWI-TAWI.

•THIS TOWN POPULATED MOSTLY BY THE SAMA TRIBE, BAJAO, AND FEW TAUSUG AND FEW BISAYA.

•There are also Datu Alawaddin Bandon hospital.

•In sibutu about 480 household. 

Municipality of South Ubian

South ubian is the easternmost municipality of the province. It cacarries  a mystical aura as the seat of the

indigenous rituals known as pagomboh and  pagdiwata. The island of tabawan, the ancient base of these practices,

continues to be the center of devotion  and local pilgrimage. The municipality also includes  the islands of bubuan,

bintaulan, and south ubian. Fishing, seaweed farming , and trading are the major economic  preoccupation of thesamapeople who predominate in his municipality.


the beautiful beach at Tabawan, South Ubian, Tawi-tawi


MUNICIPALITY OF SAPA-SAPA

Sapa-Sapa is a part of the rim of islands that separate the province from the Celebes sea. Banaran, Mantabuwan, Latuan and Sikubung are the primary islands that comprise a municipality that extends to Baldatal Islam which is adjacent to Mainland Tawi-Tawi. Although the Sama, who call it home, rely on fishing and seaweed farming as principal sources of livelihood, they are best as pearl divers.

The town is the home of myths and legends. The island of Bud si Ayos is said to have been giant’s favorite fishing spot. Added attractions are bird sanctuaries on Banaran, Mantabuwan, and Bumbun; tidal pools and coral reefs along panampangan island; and white sandy beaches and sandbars. The ecology is ideal for such outdoor delights as diving, snorkeling, swimming and picknicking.

Municipality of Tandubas

 

Tandubas is best known for its Pandan Mats. Considered the finest in the philippines, softness, silkness and uniqueness are their hallmarks. The Municipality’s boundaries extend up to the eastern part Mainland of Tawi-Tawi and the adjacent islands of Baliongan, Tandubato, and other smaller islands. Ungus Matata it seat of government, is home to the best sea navigators in the province. In earlier times, they dominated trade with Sulawesi, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.it people are predominantly Sama whose principal economic interest today include seaweed farming, fishing, and barter trading. They are also known for pearl diving and tuna fishing.

 

 Fishing Outpost at Himbah, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi

Tong lakit silantup

Municipality of Turtle Islands

 

Turtle islands ,as it name implies, has more turtle that people. It beaches are one of only sixteen major nesting sites in the world. Since turtles are an endangered species, the area has become the center of conversation efforts which involve the presentation of natal beaches found on six Philippine and three Malay islands. The Municipality includes Boan, Leheman, Baguan, and three other smaller isles with Taganak as the seat of government. It is mere hour’s ride by motorboat from the Malaysian port of Sandakan, where the people sell their catch. The islands are inhabited by Jama Mapun, Tausug and Sama who engage in trading and fishing as a main source of livelihood.

 

A Sanctuary Nature

 

  Tawi-Tawi’s islands have long been places of refuge for the mermaids of myth and legend now called ‘sea cows’ as well as creatures of lore and antiquity like bats and turtles. Today, they call less often. Years of over-fishing, destructive practices, pollution, mismanagement, and degradation of marine habitats have brought them to the brink of extinction. The realization that once gone, they will live only in memories, has set of alarms throughout the globe. A greater understanding of the consequence of man’s use and abuse of the environment has lent a sense of urgency to the need to protect and conserve what is left. This has brought places like Tawi-Tawi, whose remoteness keep out of the mainstream of human endeavor, to the front and center of international efforts to save the environment. Being so far away from “civilization” spared the province from the environmental costs of development and industrialization. In a way, by remaining pristine and underdeveloped, Tawi-Tawi holds much hope for natural life..

  The return of turtles to their natal Tawi-Tawi is a moving phenomenon. One of the municipalities takes its name from this phenomenon: Turtle islands. It is believed  that, as turtle hatchlings crawl to the sea, the magnetic coordinates of their natal site is encoded in their memory. This information brings the female turtle back to lay its egg on the same beach thirty to fifty years later. These unique characteristics of site fixation and long memory make the Turtle Islands so important in worldwide efforts to save the species.

  Tawi-Tawi is at the fringes of one of the world’s largest marine ecosystems: the Sulu-sulawesi Seas, one of the forty-nine areas critical to sustaining the earth’s bio-diversity. it holds 30% of the world’s coral reefs, four hundred known species of marine algae, six of seven species of marine turtles, at least, twenty-three species of marine mammals and one hundred four species of birds within its waters lies Tubbataha reef that holds the treasure chest of marine wealth in the Philippines. On the shorelines and shallow waters are ecosystems that support the coral reefs: Mangrove forest and sea grass beds, which serve as nurseries for fishes and other marine animals. Together, they form the critical foundation for man’s food security and serve as a key barometer to earth’s biological health.

  The islands of Tawi-Tawi are natural island bird sanctuaries. These unfabricated aviaries are found in Bancauan in Mapun; the islands of Banaran, Mantabuan and Bumbun in Sapa-Sapa: the islands of Sibutu and Malamanuk in Sitangkai, as well as Mainland Tawi-Tawi. Herons, Egrets, Frigates, Sea gulls and other birds winter in the province from their home skies in the temperate zone. More importantly, the province is home to birds found in no other place on earth. The ink-necked green pigeon, olive-backed sunbird and the Sulu hornbill are among other endemic birds. While these species are not yet endangered, the limited range and relentless threats to their habitat are reasons for concern. They, too, risk being consigned to memory, a state that the white-belied whistler, red-breasted cockatoo, and the white-breasted sea eagle are close to facing.

   Undoubtedly, the richness of Tawi-Tawi’s ecological wealth and diversity was founded aeons ago when it served as a

highway of the earliest animal migrations into the Philippines. This began as early as two to three million years back

when the second batch of the first wave of faunal migration reached the Philippines via the land bridges on what today

are the archipelagos of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The monkey, flying lemur, civet, boar and tarsier took his route into the

country.

  Indeed, the rich ecological legacy of Tawi-Tawi makes its people stewards of a critical site for earth’s very survival in

the future. The province is spared from the drama and tumult that characterize nature’s extremes. Its benign climate,

relative isolation, and unique features have allowed Tawi-Tawi to nurture a remarkable variety of habitats that have

made the survival of unique flora and fauna in the Philippines the talking point of the nation to the world.

     
orchids


coconut tree


bird

 
 talisay tree

         
goat

 bats

rooster


cow


house lizard

People Tawi-Tawi province

 

•The Sama, the main settlers and the biggest in number, comprises about 40-55 percent of Tawi-Tawi’s population

today. They along the coasts in houses on stilts linked by catwalks. The house interiors are partitioned and often

display ornate shelves. But many to do Sama now live inland in concrete, modern-designed houses, with all the 

amenities, far from the coasts .the Sama have their own dishes, cuisine and culinary arts, which are mainly influenced

by the Malay, the Indonesian and the Filipino diets.

•The Tausug, about 30-40 percent of the population, is the dominant tribe, politically and economically. They are the

migrants from Sulu, once the seat of Moro culture and power. They came to Tawi-Tawi to seek economic opportunities,

intermarried with the natives and even assimilated to the Sama way of life. The Tausugs are agriculture-oriented and

usually lived in concrete houses far from the sea. Tausugs are in history books as fearless and fierce warriors. 

•The Badjao, about to 5-7 percent of the population, are sea gypsies who use to live in traditional dugouts, known as

 Lepa or Pelang. In these households the closely-knit badjao family carries all their worldly possession and valuables

has they travel from one mooring place to another. They feel at home in and around the sea. But most badjao’s today

already live in houses on stilts around the coasts, just like the Sama, yet distinct or separate from them. 

•The Jam Mapun, less than 4% of the population, is a happy people. Also known as Sama Daleya, they have generally

sunny complexion and are given to laughter even in the most trying times. Their peace-loving nature disposes them to

immediately seek reconciliation as a first recourse to resolving social conflicts. Among their blood lines are the alleged

descendants of Arab missionaries who married and settled in Mapun. 

•The Christians of Tawi-Tawi ( Cebuano, Boholano, Ilonggo, Waray, Bukidnense, Ilokano, Manileno, Bikolano etc..)

comprise about 5-6 percent of the population, who are mainly concentrated in the capital town of Bongao, in Sitangkai 

and in Batu-Batu Panglima Sugala. The first wave of Christian make migration to tawi-tawi occurred in the early 1900’s.

they came on the way of establishment of the public school system in the country. They were the pioneer teachers, civil

servants and professionals of tawi-tawi. The second wave occurred in the 1950’s. they came under the auspices of the

government’s national reconstruction and resettlements program. Also, military and constabulary units assigned to

 tawi-tawi during world war ll and during the MNLF insurgency also contributed to the Christian population of the

province. Many settled for good and intermarried with the natives. 

•The Filipino-Chinese group, less than 1% of the population. Control or run big businesses in the province. They have

somehow already integrated themselves into the fabric of Tawi-Tawi life, intermarrying with the Sama, The Jama

Mapun and Tausug. Some still retained their mandarin dialect and religious and cultural traditions.

 The culture of Tawi-Tawi province
•The Pagomboh, someone akin to ancestral worship, is sacred ritual of the Badjao held every September. They perform
it to ensure for themselves a sense of well being and also to preserve accordingly the balance and harmony between
their material spiritual work. This ritual  is also done to cure illness, or when death strikes the family, or when
celebrating a good harvest. The Pagomboh is kept alive today by Badjao and Sama groups mostly found in Tabawan,
South Ubian. It is where the lumah maheya(big house), most sacred site for the ritual, is located. 

•The Pagjinn, someone similar to exorcism, is marked by prolonged trances and frenzied dances. It held during the full
moon on three month intervals. Faith healers and shamans used the Pagjinn as a medium through which to commune
with the spirits to help sustain and enhance their healing powers. 

•the Pagduwaa, literally invocation, is  held every 6 years for 3 days and nights at natural freshwater spring in
 Tabawan, South Ubian. It is characterized by intense and feverish ritual chanting and dancing to timely
accompaniment of the Gong and the Kulintangan ( musical brass instrument ensemble). So frenetic does the dancing
that the dancers in their traces shout in ecstasies and jump into the spring. 
•The Pagtulakbalah, is water-based ritual that is symbolic of spiritual and personal cleansing participated in by
willing devotees on the Wednesday’s of the muslim month of Safar. The officiating Imam and is assistants gathered the
participants in the shore, then after a prayer or incantation splash sea water to the participants who then have to
throw pebbles represent the sins of the devotees. On the last Wednesday of Safar, the Imam and his assistants,
together with the participants gather on the beach to end the ceremony with offering of food, incense, bitter-nuts and
other things intricately arranged in a mini-craft called Maligai. The Maligai is pushed to the sea and set adrift at the
end of the ritual. 
•The Paggunting ( the equivalent of which in christian traditions is baptism) is held to coincide with mauliddin nabi,
the birthday celebration of prophet Mohammad. During the rite, the imam cuts a portion of the child’s forelock the
placed it inside a young coconut or a glass of water.


 
•The Pagtimbang, literally “ weighing”, is when the pregnant women or a child is put in a weighing scale traditionally
made of a pole and a Tadjong, or a shawl. Goods are given away as alms.


Arts and Costumes of Tawi-Tawi Province 
•The Ukkil, literally “curving”, is one that  Tawi-Tawi may claim as a fine art uniquely of its own. Sama mag-ukkil 
applies their artistry  in their household wares, kitchen and wooden utensils, house panels , boats and also in their
grave  markers( usually to determine the sex of the deceased). 

•The Tepo or mat is used as sleeping mat or prayer rug. It can also be put n a frame and hanged as a wall decoration.
 Tawi-Tawi produces the finest sleeping mat in he land. They are tightly-woven, thin straps of colorfully-dyed pandan.
That which can command high price is the most silky-soft and vibrantly colored mat. 

•The Boras is a traditional art form that was popular in Simunul in earlier times. Made of rattan strips decorated with
traditional geometric and floral designed, the boras are good as decorative screens or wall dividers. The smaller
versions are used as prayer mats and as window curtains. 

•The Turong Dulang ( tutup in tausug) is a colorful food cover made of dried pandan strips woven into half-circle. It is
designed to keep food warm and insects-free. 

•The Luhul and Tabil are 2 types of colorful homes  decorations that combine the artistry of the Ukkil. Luhul is a canopy
that hangs from the ceiling usually in the bedroom or living room. It is usually a rectangular piece with a look in
which to hang it. 

•The Tabil has a fringe of thick strip cloth that displays the color used on the main panel. Sometimes , it is used during
a wedding ceremony to shield the bride from guests. It can also be used as a prop for Pangalay Pangantin (dancing
queen) or a sambulayang (huge banner) used during a traditional dance. 

•The Pamakay (costumes) and Pamulawan( gold jewelries) of modern Tawi-tawians redefine functionality, practicality
and comfort.jewelries, particularly,gold items, are not only bodily ornaments, but also savings and investments, and
that which determines rank and status in a society. 
 
•The Patadjung is a simple, versatile shawl. In various colors and designs, it can be used as
 skirt,gown,hammock,blanket,headcover, and shoulder bag. 



•The Sawwal kantiu (loose trouser), chinese contribution,is usually made of cotton on a variety of prints that are either
of stripped, floral or traditional Battik design. 


•The Batawi is a tight-fit feminine dress embellished with tiny gold snipped called Tambuko sewn into a  velvety satin
fabric. Other Batawi acesories are large detachable gold buttons called Dublon. The costumes is worn on spacial 
occasions like wedding. 


•The Badju-lapi for male is a colarless jacket with tight sleeves, and worn with the front open or unbottoned. It is
decorated with silk or cotton cords and Tambuku. 

•The Sawwal Kuput Mahabah (long tight-fitting trouser) is normally used by the traditional male Tausug. It is held at the
waist by a strips of cotton called Kandit (wide belt). For important occasions, the Kandit is embroidered in vibrant
colors and a piece (scarf) is used in tandem with a velvet Kuppiya (hat)
 
•The Sablay for women is a sleeved blouse worn over a patadjung or sawwal kantiu. The quality of its fabric
determines whether it is used for formal or casual affair. 

•The Pangalay (dance)is a generic Sama dance. Tawi-Tawi boasts of being home to this dance, considered by experts to
be “ a classical in itself”. The pangalay steps and sways bear the imprint of historical contacts with our ASIAN
neighbors. For instance, its slow, graceful movements echo that which is found in Thailand and Burma. The same is
true with the martial arts stances and movements of the Kuntao and Silat. Other Dances include the imitation of the
movement and behavior of animals, like the Langka Baluang, or a male dancer mimicking the angry monkey: or the wild
boar trying to crack open a coconut in the Igal Kusah: or the more difficult Igal Tauti, a dance portraying a mad
fisherman who got pricked while trying to catch the Tauti (catfish).
 
•The Lunsay is a unique community song and dance of Mapun and Turtle islands. It is participated by men and women
of all ages gathered in a circle and moving a step forward or backward, and moving spirally. In the dance, they use the
handkerchief to bridge the gap between the groups that communally sing. No musical instruments are used but only the
rhythmic tapping of a woven bamboo or the sound of feet stumped against the ground in quick steps. 
 

•The kalangan, literally “song”, is both Sama and Tausug. It is unique and expressive musical and lyrical expression in
a form of inter-communication between lovers. It is usually accompanied by a gabbang (native xylophone) and biola 
(violin). Among the musical instruments of the Sama and the Tausug of the Tawi-Tawi, aside from gabbang and biola,
are the wind instruments soling, sahunai, and pulau. There are also the agung and the kulintangan made of brass, and
the drum-like tambol. A guitar or a ukulele is also used, especially, when signing the Baleleng, a popular Sama song of
love. The Pakiring ka Pakiring melody is a Sama rendition and improvement of a contemporary Malaysian true. And
then there are the literatures of the people of Tawi-Tawi: hutba (sermon) tarsila (genealogical account), kata-kata (epic,
legend), tarasul iban daman (prose and poetry), kissa (ballad), tigum-tigum (riddles), and hinduh (wise sayings and
proverb).
 

 The historical landmarks, Holy places, Archaeological Sites, Tourist Attractions, and Cultural and Religious Festivities in Tawi-Tawi

 

1. Boloboc Rock shelter

  the cave which is located along the coast of Lakit-Lakit, Bongao is the oldest settlement area known in Tawi-Tawi. Ancient artifacts or implements dating as far back as 3,000 years ago have been found in the site.

2.Sheikh Makhdum Mosque

  found in Tubig Indangan, Simunul, it is the oldest built mosque in the Philippines. It construction dates back to the coming to the islands in 1380 of the Arabian missionary, Karimul Makhdum.

3.Tomb of Sheikh Makhdum

  found in Tandubanak, Sibutu, the tomb is a national heritage site. There have been questions as to whose Sheikh Makhdum is buried here. Is he the one who arrived at Tubig Indangan, simunul in 1380?

4.Tomb of Sayyid Alawi Balpaki

  Sayyid Alawi Balpaki is one of the Seven Saints who came to Tawi-Tawi to propagate and preach Islam. His tomb, found in Languyan, is believed to be sacred so that local believers used to visit the tomb for spiritual benefits and healing.

5.Tombs of Dayang Amina and Sharif Muhammad Sha

  they are also saints and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. They both died in the early 15th century AD. The Tombs are found atop  Bongao peak and are regularly visited by the faithful seeking spiritual benefits and healing.

6.Tombs of the twins Sharif Hasan and Sharif Husayn

  they are descendant of Prophet Muhammad who came to Tawi-Tawi via Johore, Indonesia to live among the natives and preach Islam to them. The tombs are found atop Bud Baliongan in the municipality of Tandubas.

7.Dungon ancient Graveyard

  Dungon, Panglima Sugala was once a place of refuge for the sultan and the royal families of Sulu, particularly, when the spaniards had taken Jolo in the 17th century. At the Dugon Ancient Graveyard are buried many of these blue-blooded Moros.

8.Ruins of an unfinished Palace surrounded by a fort

               found in the hinterland of Mainland Tawi-Tawi, as reported in 1955 by Datu Tahir of Tubig Dakulah, Languyan 

              to Prof. Muhammad Kurais ll, the author of the book, the history of Tawi-Tawi and its people.
         9.Malum River

  the zigzagging and mangrove-lined Malum River is found in the Municipality of Panglima Sugala. It is inhabited by alligators, catfishes, eels, crabs, bivalves and snails. Upper Malum is highly viable for potable water development.

10.Sangay si Apo Islet Beach

  the white-sandy beach is an uninhabited islet situated at the center of Bongao, Panglima Sugala and Simunul. Its cool surrounding waters are replete with fishes, exotic marine organisms, and corals.

11.Panampangan Island Beach

  Panampangan means ;’ a meeting place” which is apt for the beautiful island beach as it is a meeting point of  two municipalities, Panglima Sugala and Sapa-Sapa. Its streched crystal white sands and the exotic dive sites around it are world-class.

12.Ungus Mataha White Sandy Beach

  located in Tandubanak, Sibutu and virtually undisturbed, this is also considered as one of the longest white sandy beaches in the Philippines. It streched, shallow waters also abound in various small fishes, shells, snails, sea urchins, sea anemones, starfishes, and the like.

13.San Miguel Island Turtle and Bird Sanctuaries

  Sea turtles come to this remote, uninhabited island off the coast of Mapun to lay their eggs. Storks, sea gulls and other rare species of birds also nest here. It is a marine protected area.

14.  Rosemin Island Resort and Dive Site

  dedicated to the memory of the deceased daughter of the present governor of Tawi-Tawi, the island resort in Bongao is equipped with modern amenities, including gears and equipment for scuba diving.

15.Remnants of a spanish Garrison in Bongao

  the spaniards built the brick and limestone garrison in 1881 and abandoned it in 1898. they left Bongao for Borneo when news came that the spanish government in Manila has been defeated by the revolutionaries.

16.Japanese WW ll Underground Tunnels and Bomb Shelters

  there are dozens of them found in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Many of these tunnels and bomb shelters have remained intact to this day. Some of them also remained unexplored or undisturbed.

17.Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi Celebration (every November of the year) and seaweed (agar-agar) Festival (every september of the year)

  the twin celebrations mark the founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi and promote the province’s major industry. Colorful street parades, cultural dances and literally shows, beauty pageants and sports competitions highlight the activities.

18.Sheikh Makhdum Anniversary Celebration (every november of the year)

  the celebration takes place right at Tubig Indangan, Simunul, the arrival place of Sheikh Makhdum in 1380. the celebration re-enacts his miracle-associated landing and the happy but solemn welcome ceremony accorded him by the people.

Seaweed Industry 

In this waterworld where there is more sea and reef than land, Tausug and Sama seaweed farmers smell the wind

to determine seasons of harvest and rest. For them, there are only three seasons that matter; these are times

when seaweeds are abundant. May to October is forgettable, a time of hunger and want.

Sitangkai, one of the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi, produces about half of the Philippine seaweed industry’s total

output. It is the world’s biggest producer of seaweeds in one contained location, and recognized as the “Seaweed
Capital of the Philippines” with most (80 percent) residents dependent on seaweed farming for livelihood.

The contrast jars in that despite Sitangkai’s contribution of an equivalent PhP2 billion annually to the country’s
net dollar inflow; and in spite of the 3,000 metric tons of monthly harvest and the extremely hard work of around
20,000 farmers, the measly take-home is only around PhP1,750 per month.

The fact is, for all the titles, the seaweed farmers are still dirt poor. Potable water is imported from Sibutu, another
island. Electricity is supplied by small generator sets for those who can afford these; for most, kerosene lamps
are used for lighting with fuel brought from other islands. Tawi- Tawi islands are, thankfully, “below the wind,” or
the people of Sitangkai, having very little arable land, would have starved if they failed to get food from the
Sitangkai mainland and another island, Tandu Banak.

 Agriculture
         

 Copra is the top agricultural produce, followed by root crops, fruits, and vegetables.
Fishing 
Tawi-Tawi is beset by an almost total lack of management through law enforcement, education and coastal resource management programs. The nearshore fringing reefs are heavily fished and are not considered in good condition in terms of fish density. A survey of fish diversity and abundance at Pababag (Papahag) Island (Bongao) recorded 1738 individuals per 1250 sq meters with 58 species of reef fish (BFAR 2000). These findings are supported by results of a survey conducted by the FISH Project in 2004 (FISH Project 2005), which noted only "scattered abundances" of the species Chaetodontids (butterflyfishes) at Pababag and generally poor to fair coral cover (less than 30%).

Test fishing conducted by FISH Project in Tawi-Tawi Bay however indicated relatively good fish composition, with better quality and high-value species dominating the fish catch, which averaged more than 5kg per fishing run using fish traps (3 days soaking time) (FISH Project 2005).

Along the shores of the main islands, seagrass beds and sandy bottom habitats are common in shallow areas. With generally clear water and protected from storms and wave action (Tawi-Tawi is almost typhoon-free), these areas are where seaweed farming is concentrated.

Offshore capture fisheries are dominated by commercial boats using superlights and purse seines. Many of these boats operate illegally within municipal waters and land their catch in northern Philippines and other ports in Mindanao such as Zamboanga City. No commercial fish landings were recorded in Tawi-Tawi in 1998 (MEDCO 1998), and municipal landings were estimated at only 11,380, indicating that municipal fish catches are mostly for subsistence use or are not recorded.

meant for home consumption, fish is dried and special way and marinated in a less salty brine.

 

a familiar busy day at the bongao, public market in bongao, tawi-tawi

 

Contributers :

Abdilla, Adzra S.

Ragay,Sheryl joy R.

Buldiman, Sharifa-aina A.

Indin, Jiasmin M.
Kalim,Shemarim

Marcera, Faija E.
Nidi, Ninra 
Pepito,Sawida 
Araijaini, Shelwina H.
Ramayla,Kim Ivy
Ratag,Al-Gabriel
Saymaaran,Nurhida
Uniana,cherry an
Welson,Julakrim