Tawi-Tawi is an island province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It comprises Tawitawi Island and other islands and islets that surround it. The municipality of Bongao is the capital of this province. Its municipalities were once part of the Sulu province until 1973, most of which lies in the islands in the Sulu Archipelago. Dry and wet are its two seasons. Its economy relies on agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and commerce. The main agricultural products of this province are copra, root crops, fruits, and vegetables. The languages used by its inhabitants are Arabic, Sama, Tausug, Tagalog, English, and other dialects.
Tawi-Tawi Zip Codes, Postal Codes, and Area Code
Here are the postal codes (zip codes) and area codes of eleven municipalities in Tawi-Tawi. Its postal code (zip code) is 7500 – 7510, and the area code is 068.
| City / Municipality | Postal Code / Zip Code | Area Code |
| Bongao | 7500 | 068 |
| Languyan | 7509 | 068 |
| Mapun (formerly Cagayan de Sulu) | 7508 | 068 |
| Panglima Sugala (formerly Balimbing) | 7501 | 068 |
| Sapa-Sapa | 7503 | 068 |
| Sibutu | 7510 | 068 |
| Simunul | 7505 | 068 |
| Sitangkai | 7506 | 068 |
| South Ubian | 7504 | 068 |
| Tandu Bas | 7502 | 068 |
| Turtle Island (Taganak) | 7507 | 068 |
Key Areas of Tawi-Tawi
Here are the key areas of Tawi-Tawi that serve as the center for transportation and other economic and cultural activities. These areas display the captivating beauty, rich cultural heritage, and history of the province of Tawi-tawi.
1. Bongao. Bongao is the capital of Tawi-Tawi. It is home to Sanga-Sanga Airport, the primary airport in the province. Its territory consists of Bongao Island, Pababag Island, Sanga-Sanga Island, and the western end of Tawi-Tawi Island. This town comprises thirty-five barangays divided into two geographical regions: the Mainland and the Islands.
2. Mapun. This island municipality in the Sulu Sea is formerly known as Cagayan de Sulu until 1984, then as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi until 1988. The people residing in this town are called Jama Mapun or “people of Mapun.” Its local dialect is Pullun Mapun, which refers to the Mapun language. There are also serene attractions in this town.
3. Panglima Sugala. It is categorized as a third-class municipality. It was formerly known as Balimbing. This town consists of seventeen barangays, each with puroks and some have sitios. The barangay Batu-batu of this town was once the province’s capital before it was transferred to Bongao in 1979.
4. South Ubian. South Ubian is home to Tabawan Island, the heritage island in Tawi-Tawi, where there are numerous ancestral heritage houses and cultural practices of intangible heritage. This town also has beautiful natural attractions, making it a good destination.
5. Sitangkai. This town lies in the southernmost portion of the Philippines. It is very close to Indonesia and Malaysia. Boats are used as the main transportation in this town, making it known as the Venice of the South. Fishing is one of the major sources of livelihood for its residents. It also serves as the trading port of goods to and from Malaysia.
FAQs
What is the main industry of Tawi-Tawi?
The main industry in Tawi-Tawi is the seaweed (agar-agar) industry. The other industries are agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, trade, and business. These industries are the main sources of livelihood for its residents.
What is the ethnic dance of Tawi-Tawi?
The ethnic dances in Tawi-Tawi are Igal, Tariray, Linggisan, Igal tawti, and Langka Budjang. These ethnic dances are performed during special occasions or ceremonies.
Why is it called Tawi-Tawi?
The Province of Tawi-Tawi is named after its main island. The island has an abundant banyan tree, which is called Jawi-jawi. The early Spanish accounts named the island Tauitaui and Tavi-Tavi or Tavitavi.