The 51st Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi, held throughout September 2024, marks the anniversary of Tawi-Tawi’s founding and highlights the province’s rich cultural heritage. The celebration kicked off with a torch parade on September 1, involving participants from various government and security sectors. The festivities lead up to the foundation day on September 27, coinciding with the Agal-Agal Festival, which showcases Tawi-Tawi’s seaweed farming tradition and its historical significance.
Key events during the month-long celebration include sports competitions, cultural performances, and street dancing. The Agal-Agal Festival is renowned for its fluvial parade, cultural shows, and the Igal Ma Lan dance competition, where various ethno-linguistic groups such as the Sama and Tausug display their traditional dances. Another highlight is the Lepa Festival, celebrating the craftsmanship of the Sama-Dilaut people, known for their traditional houseboats, or “lepa,” which reflect their seafaring lifestyle.
Major Events and Activities:
- Torch Parade and Opening Ceremony: The event began with a torch parade on September 1, involving various government sectors, military units, and local organizations. The parade set the tone for the rest of the festivities, which includes sports competitions and cultural performances.
- Agal-Agal Festival: This festival, held in tandem with Kamahardikaan, celebrates the province’s seaweed farming tradition. Seaweed, known locally as “agal-agal,” plays a crucial role in Tawi-Tawi’s economy, being a significant source of livelihood for many locals. The festival features a fluvial parade, street dancing, and cultural performances representing the ethno-linguistic groups of the province such as the Sama, Jama Mapun, and Tausug.
- Igal Ma Lan Street Dance: This vibrant street dance showcases traditional dances such as the pangalay or igal, langka silat, and langka kuntaw. Participants don elaborate costumes and perform to the beat of traditional instruments like the kulintang and agung, representing the unique culture of Tawi-Tawi.
- Lepa Festival: Introduced in 2019, this festival celebrates the boat-building traditions of the Sama-Dilaut or Badjao people. The lepa, a traditional wooden boat, symbolizes the seafaring lifestyle of these indigenous groups. These intricately designed houseboats are part of Tawi-Tawi’s cultural identity, reflecting its connection to the sea.
- Modern Initiatives: The 51st Kamahardikaan also features events aimed at promoting development and transparency in local governance. One such initiative is the Website Development Training for municipal governments, ensuring better communication and engagement with citizens through online platforms.
The Kamahardikaan and Agal-Agal festivals not only honor the province’s historical milestones but also promote its local industries, particularly seaweed farming, which is vital to the region’s economy. These celebrations draw tourists and locals alike, bringing vibrant displays of culture, history, and unity to the forefront.
This year’s celebration reflects Tawi-Tawi’s growing efforts to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing modern advancements, such as municipal website development training held during the festival to enhance governance and public engagement.
