“Peace in Tawi-Tawi is made by Tawi-Tawians themselves” – Sahali

The vibrant speech of Tawi-Tawi Governor Hadji Sadikul A. Sahali in opening the four-day anniversary celebration Saturday, and saying that “peace in Tawi-Tawi is of Tawi - Tawians themselves,” has allied this year’s 38th Kamahardikaan theme of “Sustaining Peace and Responsive Local Governance: Paving the way to a Progressive Tawi-Tawi.”

Sahali was truly sincere praising what he saw in the hearts of his people. He saw that peace is the language of their hearts and remarkably stressed that reigning peace in the province is not the work of anybody but the work of the people of Tawi-Tawi themselves.

“Tawi-Tawians love peace and because of this peace we have brought development; continuing development and progress for Tawi-Tawi “dayn ha kusug iban pamikil dihil katuh sin ALLAH” (from the strength and mind given to us by the Almighty),” Sahali said.

Under the scorching heat of the sun, participants to the sports parade vigorously listened to the governor’s brief message followed by Vice Governor Ruby Sahali’s introduction of the guest speaker, Artist Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa, who also gave an artistic remarks while the sports fellows were pictured anticipating their chance of winning a prize at stake that moment.

“Governor Sahali is the best governor I ever met,” was the most pleasant remark that reverberated into the ears of all the constituents. The statement came from Her Excellency, Polyxenia Stefanido, ambassador of Greece to the Philippines while delivering her speech as guest of honor on the final day of the 38th Tawi-Tawi Kamahardikaan .

Stefanido, a former archaeologist before joining Greece Foreign Service, has witnessed in entirety the activities of the 38th kamahardikaan celebration. She was with her retired navy husband.

In her speech, Stefanido said she was fascinated by the activities of the celebration. She also conveyed her appreciation to the people of Tawi-Tawi for their hospitality, especially the Sahalis.

In the same manner, Malaysian Consul-General Mohammad Adzhar Mazlan, upon arrival, has immediately proceeded to Lomboy wharf to witness the fluvial parade at the same time giving a courtesy call to Gov. Sahali. He has also conveyed his appreciation to the people of Tawi-Tawi and to the provincial leadership in a brief message on the culminating day. He said Tawi-Tawi is like Malaysia, which also celebrates its Merdeka (independence) day.

Mazlan reiterated the good relationship of the Philippines and Malaysia. He said Malaysia is fostering the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF and hopes that the process will bring better result.

Meantime, the large number of participants (an estimate of about 5000) who joined the culminating parade has shown anew the increasing people support to the Sahali administration. “Sahali still holds political magic in his hand,” a political analyst said.

Asked to comment on the huge number of parade participants, Gov. Sahali said Tawi-Tawians are united in an effort for the sake of Tawi-Tawi. He said he is happy of the developments in the 38th Kamahardikaan celebration. He thanked the people, LGUs and the government line agencies for their unwavering support that brought the successful celebration of the founding anniversary.

Speaking on the brief program after the culminating parade, Sahali stressed, “Way na tawarun ku kaniyu ha tungud sin parakalah ini, kitah ku in pagtuku niyu kakuh, landuh tuud in pagsarangsukul ku kaniyu (I have nothing to ask more of you in this celebration, I saw how you support me in this endeavor and I thank all of you so much).”

In another development, a monument of Dr. Jose Rizal located in front of Radyo ng Bayan Tawi-Tawi, was unveiled in a simple ceremony before the culminating parade.

Governor Sahali, a mason, together with about a dozen of his brethrens to include Engr. Ben Ajihil, Dr. Aldrin Ibbo, Prof. Abduljim Hassan, and many others unveiled the project. (Nash Tahang)

Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011

The search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi ended when Ms. Danica Zeline B. Yarrada clutched six awards in the coronation night, which influenced the judges’ decision to finally name her winner of the search. She was crowned Budjang Tawi-Tawi 2011 by no less than the Governor Hadji Sadikul Sahali and First Lady Juana Sahali, who was the search chairwoman.

Yarrada hailed from Mapun municipality. She was chosen as Ms. Belleza, Ms. Mosimo, Ms. Tawi-Tawi Tourism, and bested in talent, summer looks and interview.

Ms. Rodeliza Venica Amor Bergantes garnered the First Runner-up post. A Sitangkai maiden that has beauty and brain, she has bested Batawi and Clear Smile categories.

Ms. Arawiwa Sappayani of Turlte Islands likewise garnered two categories. She excelled in Badjao Attire and Evening Gown.

Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi has been the central and traditional highlight activity of every kamahardikaan celebration eve from the time of the past governors. Many say there is no province day without the Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi.

Madame Juana Sahali was quoted as saying that Tawi-Tawi also produces beauties similar to those in the national pageants. Budjang Tawi-Tawi she said is an exposure to Tawi-Tawi beauties who may take a bigger chance forward.

Agal-Agal Festival: A showcase of Tawi-Tawi’s green gold

The crowd-drawing agal-agal festival remains a highlight activity of the annual celebration of the province’s kamahardikaan. In this year’s 38th founding anniversary, influx of domestic visitors has been noted. There were people from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga who came just to witness the festival, which showcased the prime marine industry of Tawi-Tawi.

The provincial government in its effort to boost the industry has indeed strengthened its campaign to promote this festival in its eye-catching theme of celebration, “Promoting Tawi-Tawi as Tourism Destination through Seaweeds Industry.

“We only need a serious and aggressive promotion of our tourism attractions, destinations, and potentials, and add more colors to the celebration to get the much-needed boost in the tourism field,” Sahali pointed out earlier.

In this year’s celebration, delegations from the island municipalities, except for Tandubas, have contested all categories in the agal-agal festival. From costumes and props, choreography and music to float designs have made the contesting municipalities exhaust their imaginations to produce better if not best presentation to capture judges’ appreciation.

Panglima Sugala has bested all other participating municipalities. It got the most impressive performance to outsmart all other contestants. Their presentation, street dancing, costumes, props, music, and float enthralled the judges and the watching crowds.

Green gold

Tawi-Tawi’s agal-agal in a lesser extent is comparable to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserve or a “black gold” as it is known in the corporate circle. Tawi-Tawi is likely parallel to Saudi Arabia’s economic history. If oil is black gold to Saudi Arabia, seaweed (agal-agal) is green gold to Tawi-Tawi. For many Tawi-Tawians, this income earner has become the legendary “pot of gold at the end of a rainbow” for them.