COTABATO CITY—Anticipated to enhance tourism, the construction of the Tawi-Tawi Mat-Weaving-inspired concept for seaport is on track for completion, bringing new opportunities to the region.
Collaboratively initiated by the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, and the municipal government of Simunul, the project’s estimated cost is Php50 million, anticipated to be turned over in the first quarter of the upcoming year.
According to MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, this seaport not only promises improved tourism services but also draws inspiration from Tawi-Tawi’s intricate mat-weaving tradition, making it an attraction in itself.
“The intricate Tawi-Tawi mat-weaving tradition, which is renowned for its symmetrical, lovely, and methodical use of lines, space, and colors, served as inspiration for the exterior wall design, making it a tourist destination unto itself,” he said.
“With tourism on the rise in Tawi-Tawi, particularly on the historic island municipality of Simunul, the passenger terminal will be vital in improving tourism services in this part of the region. It will have a significant impact on tourism in the province and throughout the Bangsamoro region,” Sinarimbo emphasized.
The Seaport will cater to both tourists and Simunul’s residents, being home to the country’s inaugural mosque, the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum mosque, established in 1380 by the eponymous Arab missionary.
Furthermore, the seaport offers an awe-inspiring vista of Bud Bongao or Bongao Peak, the highest elevation in the municipality of Bongao, a favored tourist spot for those visiting Tawi-Tawi. (Majid Nur/BIO)
