03:27Thousands of locals from all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi province gathered in Bongao on Wednesday to celebrate the annual Agal-Agal Festival, a vibrant event showcasing the rich cultural heritage and significance of seaweed in the region. The festival features tribes from different islands adorned in colourful costumes, performing traditional dances during a lively street parade.
Tawi-Tawi is renowned as the largest producer of agal-agal (seaweed) in the Philippines, often dubbed the "Seaweed Capital of the Philippines" and the "Carrageenan Capital of the World."
Although the market price of seaweed has been declining, many residents continue to cultivate it, recognising its vital role as a primary source of income, particularly for underprivileged communities.
“Even though the price of Agal-Agal is dwindling down, most of us still propagate it because this is our main source of income, especially for the underprivileged; this is our saviour to survive daily,” explained Alkasbi Andung, a tourist officer and participant in the festival.
The Agal-Agal Festival has been celebrated annually since 2001, serving not only as a tribute to the abundance of seaweed production but also as a means of promoting cultural diversity and tourism. The week-long event coincides with the Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi, marking the province's founding anniversary, and features various activities including trade fairs, fun runs, a colourful fluvial parade, and cultural shows.
Historically, seaweed farming in the region dates back to the Sama Dilaut, also known as the Badjao people, who are thought to have begun cultivating seaweed as early as the 1700s. Seaweed is a key ingredient for carrageenan, which is used to thicken and emulsify various food products, making it an essential resource in both local and international markets.
The festival activities culminate on September 27, with the highlight being the Igal Ma Lan, a street dancing event that showcases the diverse cultures of Tawi-Tawi’s ethno-linguistic groups, including the Sama, Jama Mapun, and Tausug. Participants engage in graceful performances to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the kulintang, agung, and gandang, dressed in elaborate costumes that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, the festival includes the Lepa Festival, celebrating the unique wooden boats used by the Badjao people, and the Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi, a beauty pageant that highlights the charm and talent of local women, reinforcing the cultural pride of the community.
This year's celebration continues to highlight the vital role of seaweed in the lives of Tawi-Tawi's residents, serving as both a means of livelihood and a cultural touchstone for the diverse communities that inhabit this beautiful province.
Celebrate seaweed saviours! Thousands celebrate Agal-Agal Festival in Tawi-Tawi, honouring sea meadow's cultural and economic significance
Thousands of locals from all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi province gathered in Bongao on Wednesday to celebrate the annual Agal-Agal Festival, a vibrant event showcasing the rich cultural heritage and significance of seaweed in the region. The festival features tribes from different islands adorned in colourful costumes, performing traditional dances during a lively street parade.
Tawi-Tawi is renowned as the largest producer of agal-agal (seaweed) in the Philippines, often dubbed the "Seaweed Capital of the Philippines" and the "Carrageenan Capital of the World."
Although the market price of seaweed has been declining, many residents continue to cultivate it, recognising its vital role as a primary source of income, particularly for underprivileged communities.
“Even though the price of Agal-Agal is dwindling down, most of us still propagate it because this is our main source of income, especially for the underprivileged; this is our saviour to survive daily,” explained Alkasbi Andung, a tourist officer and participant in the festival.
The Agal-Agal Festival has been celebrated annually since 2001, serving not only as a tribute to the abundance of seaweed production but also as a means of promoting cultural diversity and tourism. The week-long event coincides with the Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi, marking the province's founding anniversary, and features various activities including trade fairs, fun runs, a colourful fluvial parade, and cultural shows.
Historically, seaweed farming in the region dates back to the Sama Dilaut, also known as the Badjao people, who are thought to have begun cultivating seaweed as early as the 1700s. Seaweed is a key ingredient for carrageenan, which is used to thicken and emulsify various food products, making it an essential resource in both local and international markets.
The festival activities culminate on September 27, with the highlight being the Igal Ma Lan, a street dancing event that showcases the diverse cultures of Tawi-Tawi’s ethno-linguistic groups, including the Sama, Jama Mapun, and Tausug. Participants engage in graceful performances to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the kulintang, agung, and gandang, dressed in elaborate costumes that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, the festival includes the Lepa Festival, celebrating the unique wooden boats used by the Badjao people, and the Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi, a beauty pageant that highlights the charm and talent of local women, reinforcing the cultural pride of the community.
This year's celebration continues to highlight the vital role of seaweed in the lives of Tawi-Tawi's residents, serving as both a means of livelihood and a cultural touchstone for the diverse communities that inhabit this beautiful province.
Thousands of locals from all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi province gathered in Bongao on Wednesday to celebrate the annual Agal-Agal Festival, a vibrant event showcasing the rich cultural heritage and significance of seaweed in the region. The festival features tribes from different islands adorned in colourful costumes, performing traditional dances during a lively street parade.
Tawi-Tawi is renowned as the largest producer of agal-agal (seaweed) in the Philippines, often dubbed the "Seaweed Capital of the Philippines" and the "Carrageenan Capital of the World."
Although the market price of seaweed has been declining, many residents continue to cultivate it, recognising its vital role as a primary source of income, particularly for underprivileged communities.
“Even though the price of Agal-Agal is dwindling down, most of us still propagate it because this is our main source of income, especially for the underprivileged; this is our saviour to survive daily,” explained Alkasbi Andung, a tourist officer and participant in the festival.
The Agal-Agal Festival has been celebrated annually since 2001, serving not only as a tribute to the abundance of seaweed production but also as a means of promoting cultural diversity and tourism. The week-long event coincides with the Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi, marking the province's founding anniversary, and features various activities including trade fairs, fun runs, a colourful fluvial parade, and cultural shows.
Historically, seaweed farming in the region dates back to the Sama Dilaut, also known as the Badjao people, who are thought to have begun cultivating seaweed as early as the 1700s. Seaweed is a key ingredient for carrageenan, which is used to thicken and emulsify various food products, making it an essential resource in both local and international markets.
The festival activities culminate on September 27, with the highlight being the Igal Ma Lan, a street dancing event that showcases the diverse cultures of Tawi-Tawi’s ethno-linguistic groups, including the Sama, Jama Mapun, and Tausug. Participants engage in graceful performances to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the kulintang, agung, and gandang, dressed in elaborate costumes that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, the festival includes the Lepa Festival, celebrating the unique wooden boats used by the Badjao people, and the Search for Budjang Tawi-Tawi, a beauty pageant that highlights the charm and talent of local women, reinforcing the cultural pride of the community.
This year's celebration continues to highlight the vital role of seaweed in the lives of Tawi-Tawi's residents, serving as both a means of livelihood and a cultural touchstone for the diverse communities that inhabit this beautiful province.