BANGUINGUI, Sulu, Philippines – The municipal government here has embarked on a massive promotion of its tourism potentials aimed at persuading local and foreign tourists to visit this town for their vacation.

According to Mayor Abdulwahid Sahidulla, they have many tourism destinations to offer, like the 14 island-villages of Bakkaan, Bangalaw, Danao, Dungon, Kahikukuk, Poblacion Luuk, North Paarol, Sigumbal, South Paarol, Tabialan, Tainga-Bakkao or (Talinga-bakau), Tambun-bubu, Tattalan, and Tinutungan.

Sahidulla said the 14 villages are literally surrounded by white sand beaches and pristine waters coupled with panoramic views of various islands and islets of this town.

As he attributed the peaceful atmosphere here to the majority of residents who belong to the Bangungui tribe.

As this developed, Sahidulla sponsored a “bancarera” or pumpboat racing here over the weekend and invited top government officials, police and military officers, including some travel agents from Zamboanga City to witness the natural beauty of the island.

The local chief executive here also disclosed that the “untouched forested areas” of this town is also serving as the home of the Philippine eagle and other endangered species, while the mangrove areas around the island are also serving as habitat of various species of fish.

Other coastal areas of the town are also being utilized by the marginal sea farmers for planting seaweeds and high-value shell products, Sahidulla said.