Provincial Tourism Office - Tawi-Tawi

10/09/2026

Guests from the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnun, were received at the Provincial Capitol by no less than the very accommodating and hospitable Gov. Yshmael I. Sali, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and PLGU Department and Unit Heads. Who all expressed appreciation and gratitude for choosing Tawi-Tawi as their tour destination and area for benchmarking activities.

Thank you so much! Palanjal kam! 🙏🤗

10/09/2026

IN FULL FORCE. Thirty-Seven (37) officials from the Municipality of Manolo Fortich led by Mayor Rogelio Quiño, his wife Tessie Quiño and his son Vice-Governor Clive Quiño of Bukidnon Province arrived at Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, for a benchmarking tour and activities.

The team was warmly welcomed by the Provincial Tourism Officer Pershing M. Taiyab, with the performers of the Pusakah Tawi-Tawi Performing Arts Guild whose lovely ladies donned the leis while others were lively entertaining them with a graceful cultural presentation.

Palanjal kam ni lahat kami Tawi-Tawi! 🤗🤗🤗🤝🤝🤝

05/09/2026

Agal-Agal: Rooted in Heritage, Strength for the Future.

This September 26, 2026, witness the streets of Tawi-Tawi come alive with the colors, rhythms, and living traditions of our people as we celebrate the Agal-Agal Festival 2026!

Join us in honoring the hardworking seaweed farmers whose hands sustain livelihoods and strengthen Tawi-Tawi’s proud identity as the Philippines’ largest producer of agal-agal. Experience the vibrant Igal Ma Lan, featuring authentic Tausug and Sama dances and music that bring the story of our seaweed-farming communities to life.

📍 IGAL MA LAN (Street Dance) Parade
🕕 6:00 AM | Tubig Boh Intersection

🏟️ Final Showdown
🕗 3:30 PM | MBHTE Sports Complex

For 25 years, we have celebrated our seaweed, our people, and our heritage. Come and be part of this milestone celebration!

14/08/2026

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism Officer Pershing M. Taiyab represents the province at the Regional Travel Fair 2026, held in Cotabato City from August 14–16, 2026, and organized by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

His participation in the fair’s sessions and engagements provides an important platform to strengthen Tawi-Tawi’s presence in the national tourism landscape, build meaningful connections with tourism stakeholders, and showcase the province’s rich culture, natural wonders, and growing tourism potential.

As Tawi-Tawi continues to open its doors to more travelers and opportunities, the Provincial Government through this office remains committed to promoting the province as a distinctive and compelling destination in the Bangsamoro and the Philippines.

26/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

As part of the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi's continuing initiative to establish and maintain an updated registry of legitimate tour agencies and tour operators promoting and marketing Tawi-Tawi tour packages, we are pleased to announce that another batch have successfully completed the verification process and have been officially recognized as Verified Tour Operators under the Provincial Tourism Office Registry, namely:

JONAH'S TRAVEL AND TOURS
TRAVELNATION TRAVEL AND TOUR SERVICES
TOSS TRAVEL AND TOURS
MINDANAO ISLAND TRAVEL AND TOURS
ITRAVEL TOURIST LANE
LEPA TRAVEL AND TOURS
ISLAND TREKKER TRAVEL AND TOURS

This signifies that the above-listed agencies have submitted the required documentary requirements, undergone validation by this Office, and is duly engaged in the promotion and operation of tourism-related services within the Province of Tawi-Tawi.

The issuance of the Certificate of Verification affirms these agencies inclusion in the official registry of tourism stakeholders maintained by the Provincial Tourism Office and serves as a measure to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and visitor confidence in local tourism services.

We congratulate the above-listed operators on this milestone and we look forward to thier continued contribution to the growth and promotion of Tawi-Tawi as a premier tourism destination.

Verified Today. Trusted Tomorrow. Promoting Quality Tourism in Tawi-Tawi.

19/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

As part of the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi's continuing initiative to establish and maintain an updated registry of legitimate tour agencies and tour operators promoting and marketing Tawi-Tawi tour packages, we are pleased to announce that the following have successfully completed the verification process and have been officially recognized as Verified Tour Operators under the Provincial Tourism Office Registry:

PROJECT PH 81 TRAVEL AND TOURS
MTR TRAVEL SPECIALIST
KAH SIDANG TRAVEL AND TOURS

This verification signifies that the above-listed agencies have submitted the required documentary requirements, undergone validation by this Office, and is duly engaged in the promotion and operation of tourism-related services within the Province of Tawi-Tawi.

The issuance of the Certificate of Verification affirms these agencies inclusion in the official registry of tourism stakeholders maintained by the Provincial Tourism Office and serves as a measure to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and visitor confidence in local tourism services.

We congratulate PROJECT PH 81 TRAVEL AND TOURS, MTR TRAVEL SPECIALIST, and KAH SIDANG TRAVEL AND TOURS on this milestone and look forward to thier continued contribution to the growth and promotion of Tawi-Tawi as a premier tourism destination.

Verified Today. Trusted Tomorrow. Promoting Quality Tourism in Tawi-Tawi.

17/06/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

As part of the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi's continuing initiative to establish and maintain an updated registry of legitimate tour agencies and tour operators promoting and marketing Tawi-Tawi tour packages, we are pleased to announce that LAYAG TAWI-TAWI TOUR SERVICES has successfully completed the verification process and has been officially recognized as a Verified Tour Operator under the Provincial Tourism Office Registry.

This verification signifies that the agency has submitted the required documentary requirements, undergone validation by this Office, and is duly engaged in the promotion and operation of tourism-related services within the Province of Tawi-Tawi.

The issuance of the Certificate of Verification affirms the agency's inclusion in the official registry of tourism stakeholders maintained by the Provincial Tourism Office and serves as a measure to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and visitor confidence in local tourism services.

We congratulate LAYAG TAWI-TAWI TOUR SERVICES on this milestone and look forward to its continued contribution to the growth and promotion of Tawi-Tawi as a premier tourism destination.

Verified Today. Trusted Tomorrow. Promoting Quality Tourism in Tawi-Tawi.

15/06/2026

Provincial Tourism Office Staff Complete Cultural Mapping Training to Strengthen Heritage Preservation Efforts in Tawi-Tawi

The Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) - Tawi-Tawi, successfully conducted a five-day Training on Cultural Mapping from June 8 to 12, 2026. The activity gathered personnel from the Provincial Tourism Office and representatives from tourism, culture, and arts offices across the province to enhance their knowledge and skills in documenting and safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Tawi-Tawi. The training was facilitated by Mr. Glenn Francis C. Lanticse of BCPCH-BARMM, who provided comprehensive discussions on the principles, methodologies, and standards of cultural mapping based on the guidelines of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

A highlight of the training was the active participation of the Provincial Tourism Office staff in the various workshops, simulations, and actual field mapping exercises. Participants were immersed in practical applications of cultural mapping tools and techniques, enabling them to identify, document, and assess tangible and intangible cultural properties within local communities. These activities reinforced the importance of systematic cultural documentation as a foundation for heritage conservation, cultural education, and sustainable tourism development.

The training also featured a special session by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Dr. Noor Mohammad Saada, who presented the technical aspects and planning frameworks necessary for the formulation and enhancement of local Culture and Arts Development Plans. His presentation provided valuable guidance to municipal and provincial tourism and culture offices in integrating cultural heritage concerns into local development strategies, ensuring that cultural resources remain an integral component of community growth and governance.

Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Pershing M. Taiyab, JD, MPA, and BCPCH-BARMM Tawi-Tawi Commissioner Elmasia L. Madjilon underscored the significance of cultural mapping as a vital tool for preserving the diverse heritage of the Bangsamoro region, particularly in Tawi-Tawi. By adhering to nationally recognized standards and methodologies, cultural mapping contributes to the identification, protection, promotion, and transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. The initiative reflects the continuing commitment of both institutions to strengthen cultural stewardship, foster greater public appreciation of heritage resources, and support evidence-based cultural development across the province.

25/05/2026

Building a stronger, more professional, and more responsible tourism front line for Tawi-Tawi.

Last Sunday, May 25, 2026, the Provincial Tourism Office convened all qualified and registered local tour guides for a Meeting–Orientation and ID Release held at Mang Café Conference Room. The activity marked an important step in strengthening the province’s tourism service standards and ensuring that every registered guide carries not only authority, but also responsibility.

During the orientation, tour guides were formally reminded that they now serve as an extension of the Provincial Tourism Office’s arms in the field and stand among the frontliners and ambassadors of the Tawi-Tawi tourism industry. As the first point of contact for many visitors, they carry the important role of shaping tourist experiences while protecting and promoting the identity, culture, safety, and reputation of our province.

The session covered essential discussions on:
▪️ Tour Guide Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
▪️ Basic Tourism Rules and Regulations
▪️ Tawi-Tawi Tourism Policies and Standards
▪️ Roles, Scope, and Responsibilities of Registered Tour Guides
▪️ Visitor Care, Cultural Sensitivity, and Destination Stewardship
▪️ Preparation for the next step -- DOT/MTIT-accreditation

The official Tour Guide IDs were likewise released during the activity. These IDs shall serve as their official registration document, with validity until 30 June 2028.

To conclude the program, all qualified guides participated in an Oath of Commitment administered by Hji. Pershing M. Taiyab, signifying their dedication to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence in representing Tawi-Tawi to every visitor they serve.

Together, we continue to build a tourism industry that is organized, professional, culturally grounded, and proudly Tawi-Tawi.

24/05/2026

Mabuhay! Simula na ngayong araw ang registration for tour operators/agencies, and organizers.

Send in your documents to our emails address.

Help us build a strong tourism industry in Tawi-Tawi.

CALL FOR REGISTRATION OF TOUR ORGANIZERS, TOUR OPERATORS/AGENCIES OPERATING IN TAWI-TAWI

In support of the sustainable, safe, ethical, and lawful development of tourism in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, all individuals, groups, businesses, and entities engaged in organizing, marketing, facilitating, coordinating, handling, or operating tours within Tawi-Tawi are hereby encouraged to register with the Provincial Tourism Office for tourism profiling and registry purposes.

This initiative aims to:
▪️ Protect the local tourism industry from illegal, unregulated, exploitative, and unsafe tourism activities;
▪️ Promote tourist safety, accountability, and quality tourism services;
▪️ Safeguard local communities, culture, heritage, environment, and natural resources;
▪️ Strengthen coordination among tourism stakeholders; and
▪️ Encourage responsible, community-based, and culturally sensitive tourism practices in Tawi-Tawi.

This applies to:
▪️ Tour Organizers;
▪️ Tour Operators and agencies
▪️ Freelance or Independent Travel Guides/Coordinators; and
▪️ Online-based Tour Sellers, Coordinators, or Booking Facilitators organizing, marketing, coordinating, or conducting tours involving destinations within Tawi-Tawi.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

For Tour Operators and Travel & Tour Agencies, please submit the following:
✅ Valid Business Registration
▪️ DTI Registration for sole proprietorships; or
▪️ SEC Registration for corporations or partnerships; or
▪️ CDA Registration for cooperatives.
✅ Valid Business Permit issued by the concerned LGU
✅ Department of Tourism (DOT) Accreditation (if applicable)
▪️ National DOT Accreditation; or
▪️ Regional or MTIT Accreditation for agencies operating within BARMM.
✅ Company or Agency Profile (office address, contact information, list of personnel, and tour services/package offered)
✅ Proof of Partnership or Local Coordination in Tawi-Tawi (e.g., Certification or memorandum of partnership/engagement with a registered or recognized Tawi-Tawi-based tourism service provider, or local partners assigned for Tawi-Tawi tours, with proof of engagement or coordination).

For Freelance Travel Guides, Coordinators, or Independent Tour Organizers:
✅ Valid Government-Issued Identification Card
✅ BIR Certificate of Registration
✅ Department of Tourism (DOT) Tour Guide Accreditation or Relevant Tourism Training/Certification (if available)
✅ Proof of Legitimate Coordination or Engagement with a Local Contact in Tawi-Tawi, preferably a registered or recognized tourism-related establishment, organization, guide, coordinator, or community-based tourism partner within Tawi-Tawi

*Proof of local coordination is intended to support visitor safety, emergency coordination, cultural sensitivity, responsible tourism management, and proper coordination with local stakeholders.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Only entities that have submitted their profiles and completed documentary verification may be included in the Provincial Tourism Registry and identified according to their registration or verification status for tourism information, coordination, and referral purposes.

Submission of requirements does not automatically constitute registration, accreditation, endorsement, licensing, recognition, or approval unless officially confirmed by the Provincial Tourism Office.

This registration initiative is intended solely for tourism profiling, coordination, visitor information, tourism planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, and maintenance of a tourism service directory. It does not create a new permit, fee, franchise, accreditation system, or authority to operate.

Nothing in this registration initiative shall be interpreted as replacing or superseding existing requirements under national laws, BARMM regulations, provincial ordinances, municipal regulations, DOT policies, business regulations, environmental laws, consumer protection laws, or public safety regulations.

Activities found to be operating in violation of applicable laws, regulations, or public safety standards may be referred to the appropriate authorities for proper action.

Operators, organizers, and tourism stakeholders are strongly encouraged to practice responsible, culturally sensitive, environmentally sustainable, ethical, and community-centered tourism.

Submitted information shall be processed and maintained in accordance with applicable data privacy, records management, and government transparency policies. Information submitted may be used solely for tourism registry, coordination, planning, monitoring, public inquiry, stakeholder communication, and other official tourism-related purposes.

Registration starts on May 25, 2026.

Processing may take approximately five (5) to seven (7) working days upon complete submission of documentary requirements.

Approved registration shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of approval, subject to updating or revalidation of records when necessary.

Registration shall remain open on a rolling basis.

PLEASE NOTE:
✅ Registration does not constitute accreditation, licensing, permit issuance, certification of legitimacy, or guarantee of service quality.
✅ Registration is primarily for tourism profiling, coordination, monitoring, directory, recommendations, and information purposes.

Registered or listed entities may be identified according to the following status categories:
▪️ Profile Submitted
▪️ Under Verification
▪️ Verified
▪️ DOT/MTIT Accredited (if applicable)
▪️ No Records Submitted

The Provincial Tourism Office shall maintain a registry/database of tour agencies, tourism organizers, and tourism service providers operating in, coordinating with, or serving destinations within Tawi-Tawi for tourism coordination, information, planning, monitoring, public inquiry, and stakeholder engagement purposes.

This registry is established as an administrative tourism information and coordination mechanism of the Provincial Tourism Office and shall not be interpreted as creating additional licensing requirements, restricting lawful business activities, or superseding the authority of national, BARMM, provincial, or municipal regulatory agencies.

For inquiries, coordination, or submission details, please contact us through the official page of the Provincial Tourism Office – Tawi-Tawi, or visit our office at:

2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol
Tubig Boh, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

Scanned or PDF copies of documents may also be sent through our Facebook inbox or via email:

📧 [email protected]
CC: [email protected]