Tawi-Tawi will celebrate its 36th founding anniversary from September 23 to 27 this year with a coastal area cleanup and mangrove reforestation alongside vibrant festivities that depict not only the culture of the province but also tourism and recreational activities for its people.

“The aim of this event is to show the nation that Tawi-Tawi is a safe and productive haven for people to come and visit,” Governor Sadikul Sahali said. “In fact, we have invited some governors and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to come to Tawi-Tawi to grace the event.”

The celebration, dubbed the “Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi Festival”, has prompted the entire province to put up colorful buntings and streamers, and fruit vendors were already lining the busy commercial district of the capital town, the governor added.

Highlight of the event will be a cultural presentation showcasing the colorful ethnic cultures of the Sama, Badjaos, Jama Mapuns and Tausugs, who make up the province’s indigenous peoples.

The best of Tawi-Tawi also showcases a beauty pageant with a tourism and environmental feel. The Mutya ng Tawi-Tawi has its candidates going from town to town, planting trees and talking about nature and the environment.

On the other hand, people are also excited to watch the much-awaited Fluvial Parade.

The event also aims to promote marine sports like the “Paglomba-lomba ma Tahik Tawi-Tawi,” an aquatic competition geared to promote local boat racing that could be harnessed into a tourist attraction.