BONGAO, Philippines – The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi has urged the 11 town mayors to showcase their municipality’s respective ecotourism potentials and destinations, products and produce during the celebration of the province’s 38th founding anniversary from September 24 to 27.

Dubbed “38th Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi,” Governor Sadikul Sahali said the provincial government will center its celebration on the promotion of the province’s eco-tourism potentials and destinations, products and produce.

Sahali said this year’s celebration can be considered one of the best, and an appropriate time for the town officials to showcase their respective eco-tourism potentials, and products.

Sahali cited this capital town as the microcosm of religious and cultural diversity. He said this town’s Bongao Peak offers a breathtaking view of nearby Sabah in Malaysia, while the Bolobok Cave is one of the oldest caves – since 800 A.D. – which is located in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, and considered to be the original settlement of its early inhabitants.

The town of Simunul, he said, is the site of the oldest Mosque in the Philippines, and home of the revered Sheikh Makdum – the pioneer for the spread of the Islamic religion in the country.

It was at Tubig-Indangan in Simunul where the first Muslim missionary Sheik Karimul Makdum set foot to build the first mosque in the country in 1380 A.D.

Sahali said that the town of Sapa-Sapa is also a good tourist destination since it is known as the home of descendants of the Malay royalty of the Federal State of Borneo.

Adding that the island-town of Sitangkai is known as the “Venice of the South.”

Sahali assured the visitors that Tawi-Tawi is a peaceful and safe province, citing police and military statistics and reports.

First-class fish and crustaceans, like lobsters and coconut crabs, are abundant in the province of Tawi-Tawi due to its fair tropical climate, the governor said.

Sahali maintained that staying in Tawi-Tawi is not a problem since this capital town hosts several hotels, inns, beach cottages, and restaurants to cater the needs of local and foreign tourists.