Atty. Angelo Azura Jimenez, 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, arrived today at the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. He was escorted from the Sanga-Sanga airport to the campus and was welcomed by the University officials.
The Institute previously announced the 22nd President of the country’s premier national university will be sharing his Commencement Address on August 2, 2023, 3:00 pm at the Henry V. Kong Gymnasium.
Atty. Jimenez has never set foot at Tawi-Tawi before, making this occasion his first visit. Tawi-Tawi is located at the southernmost tip of the Philippines, often referred to as being closer to Malaysia than the rest of the Philippine archipelago.
Tawi-Tawi belongs to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and is considered to be the heart of the Sulu Archipelago.The province has a land area of 3,626.55 square kilometers or 1,400.22 square miles, with a population of 440,276 as determined in the 2020 Census. Moreover, Tawi-Tawi has 11 municipalities with 203 barangays.
BARMM, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi evoke menacing security concerns of terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and even the typical kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) having ties with the infamous Abu Sayyaf group.
Moreover, the logistical challenges of remote travel and the perceived lack of tourist facilities and organized tours deter tourists from flocking the region.
Tourists have yet to discover the vibrant culture, geographical wonders, and the most splendid beach resorts the island has to offer.
However, those who brave this off-beaten path will be treated to Tawi-Tawi’s vibrant culture, geographical wonders, gastronomic delights, and the most stunning beaches, in their rawest beauty, untouched by commercialization and overcrowding.
Atty. Jimenez’s firsthand taste of Tawi-Tawian hospitality began the moment he arrived at the Sanga-Sanga airport and will continue throughout his stay. Bihing Tahik Resort in Barangay Pahut will be his sanctuary in Sanga-Sanga.
Bihing Tahik means seaside in the Sinama dialect. The resort is well-renowned for its velvety, white sand, pristine, aquamarine waters, the freshest sea breeze, and the most picturesque sunrises and sunsets that could rival the country’s premier resorts.
The most delectable part of this trip will be the cornucopia of cuisines Atty. Jimenez will partake in as he will be treated to gastronomic delights unique to the history and daily lives of the Tawi-Tawians.
Tawi-Tawi’s waters are abundant with rich marine life. The most prized seafood are mostly exported to other places and are marketed for higher prices. But in here, Atty. Jimenez has vast choices from agar-agar and other types of seaweed, crabs, high-end fish, squid, and even high-grade lobsters, sea centipede (alupihang dagat), and octopus.
Due to its strategic location, the diverse flavors of Tawi-Tawi evoke a blend of culinary cultures in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the dominant Muslim cuisines of the Philippines. A blend of spices, native chilies, coconut milk, and hearty broths from seafood dominate the food scene in the region.
As Atty. Jimenez dines on rich flavors, we not only look forward to his first morning at Bihing Tahik, we also anticipate his message as he inspires the new generation of young professionals who are destined to shape the region. For the future of Tawi-Tawi is in the hands of the new graduates.
One day, we wish to see more tourists confidently considering Tawi-Tawi as a major beach and resort destination that would lead the Philippines hospitality industry, apart from the usual choices such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol.
If Tawi-Tawi could leave an indelible mark on the heart and mind of UP’s 22nd President, immeasurable experiences definitely await future local and international visitors to the region.