For the first time in 23 years existence of ARMM, Tawi-Tawi will finally play host to this year's Palarong ARMMAA (Regional Meet). The meet will officially commence on January 14 and will run up to January 18.
Bongao, the capital town, will host all the events, ceremonies and billeting of the delegations. It is estimated that more than 1,000 athletes, officials and staff will converge in this island town for a week.
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| Tawi-Tawi Governor Hadji Sadikul Sahali visiting Marawi delegation headed by SDS Mona Macatanong. (Photo courtesy Ana Zenaida) |
The LGUs, DepEd districts and other stakeholders have come together to make this meet memorable and pleasant to all.
DepEd-ARMM provided financial subsidy to Tawi-Tawi host division as well as to all the delegations.
RGMujiv Hataman reckons this is a way of bringing ARMM event its farthest province as well as the province closer to its ARMM government.
This is not just a sports event, as it is expected to boast the tourism potential of the province, create economic opportunities for small entrepreneurs and an a rare opportunity for Tawi-Tawi to showcase its development gains for the last two decades.
For example, Bongao, used to be a backwater village has now transformed into a vibrant town with investment pouring in from Chinese and local businesspeople. It has eclipsed in terms of development, its town-neighbors to the North.
Bongao is also a model, a microcosm of cultural and religious diversity in the Sulu Archipelago. As the locals often say, "here in Tawi-Tawi peace is the language of our heart".
