The Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi is composed of several islands located southwest of Sulu Province. It is the province that is nearest to Sabah of Malaysia in Borneo Island. The province can be reached via the airport or seaport of Zamboanga City and then take a boat or fastcraft. The main island is Tawi-Tawi Island where the capital, Panglima Sugala, is located. This island is mostly plain. Climate is characterized by rainfall which is evenly distributed throughout the year.

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol

The Samal and Badjao tribes are the majority among the people of Tawi-tawi.

Although it has rich fishing grounds, the province has the highest poverty incidence at 78.2% in 2006.

Farm and fishery production of Tawi-Tawi in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of Tawi-Tawi in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

Tawi-tawi is a major producer of seaweed. In 2007, there were 3 banks operating in the province with total deposits of 628 million pesos.

The province of Tawi-Tawi is composed of 11 municipalities namely:

The marine resources of Tawi-Tawi can be the basis of developing manufacturing industries. Fish canning or bottling as well as seaweed processing can thrive in the province. The province can also lead in processing halal foods for export.

1. Bongao Peak - a sacred place for Muslims
2. Sitangkai - has Stilt villages and is considered the Venice of the Far East
3. Sheik Makhdum Mosque - in Tubig Indanan, a national historical landmark
4. Turtle Island - a protected area for turtles
5. Sibutu Natural Wildlife Sanctuary

Capitol photo credit to equilibrium2008.wordpress.com

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