The Panampangan Island, known as the longest sandbar in the Philippines, with its sand dollar bounty and palm trees, sings its own beauty in its blue waters.
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The Philippine Department of Tourism support to boost ARMM tourism in Tawi-Tawi

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DOT support to boost ARMM tourism in Tawi-Tawi

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has vowed full support to the tourism program of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), particularly the “Cradle of Islamic Philippines” in Tawi-Tawi.

Aerial view of Simunul Island - tourism in Tawi-Tawi

Aerial view of Simunul Island – tourism in Tawi-Tawi

DOT Assistant Secretary Eden Josephine L. David said she shares ARMM’s “vision of showcasing the authentic Filipino” in the backdrop of Muslim Mindanao, and uplift the livelihood of its people.

David said she sees bright prospects for ARMM’s tourism industry. “With improved accessibility by sea and air connectivity via Zamboanga (find hotels), we can help develop and turn the area into a major gateway and hub for cruise ships,” she said.
The DOT official, who recently visited Tawi-Tawi, lauded ARMM local tourism department’s efforts under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Vision 2025 and the Joint Tourism Development (JTD) Cluster is the development of the Philippine-EAGA (P-EAGA) Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) Sites.

The Sheikh Karimul Makhdum mosque is known to be the first mosque in the Philippines built in 1380, established by the Arab missionary, from whom the mosque was named after.
The Sheikh Karimul Makhdum mosque is known to be the first mosque in the Philippines built in 1380, established by the Arab missionary, from whom the mosque was named after.

On behalf of DOT Sec. Wanda Tulfo-Teo, Assist. Sec. David assured support for the Western Mindanao region’s tourism development projects in line with the DOT’s “Go South, Go Mindanao” campaign.

DOT-ARMM Secretary Ayesha Dilangalen said a tourism plan set to be launched this coming June is geared towards enticing hotel and restaurant operators to provide basic services to domestic tourists.

The Panampangan Island, known as the longest sandbar in the Philippines, with its sand dollar bounty and palm trees, sings its own beauty in its blue waters.
The Panampangan Island, known as the longest sandbar in the Philippines, with its sand dollar bounty and palm trees, sings its own beauty in its blue waters. tourism in Tawi-Tawi

“We are pushing for community-based and sustainable eco-tourism because we want our locals to be involved, as well as benefit from the visitors’ experience here,” said Dilangalen.

The ARMM official is also vouching for the faith-tourism to flourish, particularly in Simunul Island, where the country’s first mosque was built by Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, a site frequented by pilgrims from nearby provinces and neighboring Malaysia.

The mosque has preserved its original pillars made of ipil wood, intricately carved and sculpted.
The mosque has preserved its original pillars made of ipil wood, intricately carved and sculpted.

Also known as a sacred site is the Bud Bongao, home to holy shrines and tombs of the datus and Sheikh Makhdum’s followers.

The Sama and the Tausug, are known to climb to the peak to pray for healing and their children’s good health.

Children of Simunul bask in the afternoon sun, taking turns in diving from the boat deck.
Children of Simunul bask in the afternoon sun, taking turns in diving from the boat deck. – tourism in Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-Tawi’s emerging tourist destinations include Panampangan Island, which offers white sand beaches, palm and coconut trees and clear blue waters perfect for picnics, water sports adventures on its famous sandbar, the longest in the country.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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