Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

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Bongao is a municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 58,174 people in 10,146 households.

Before the armed rebellion of the MNLF in the early 1970s, Bongao is merely a backwater village but ruled by the prominent noble Halun family, who used to own about 3/4 of the island. The capital of the province is Bato-Bato in the mainland situated in a cove with deep waters suited for anchors of the Philippine Navy. At the height of the armmed rebellion and fearing that the provincial capitol might be overruned, the government transpered it to Bongao. The white-washed, tajmahal-inspired provincial capitol building is located on a hill overlooking the bay and the whole town to the North of the Island against the backdrop of Mount Kabugan and the famous Bud Bongao (Bongao Peak).

The transfer of the seat of government ushered the rapid development of the island as the southernmost center of commerce and trade. Suddenly, the population swell as individuals (and their families) who are in government service move to town.

Today, Bongao is a minscule Cosmopolitan that is becoming a model of multicultural society.

[edit] Barangays

Bongao is politically subdivided into 35 barangays.

Ipil Kamagong Karungdong Lakit Lakit Lamion - It still has a community of Badjao, the traditional residents of the place. Lapid Lapid Lato Lato Luuk Pandan Luuk Tulay Malassa - With a growing popluation and few potable water supply, this unassuming barangay in Sanga-Sanga Island is the sourced of fresh drinking water for the Poblacion. Water is fetch in specially designed bangka (banca or boat) and a galloon is sold for PhP5.00. Mandulan Masantong

Montay Montay Pababag - Is the name of the Island adjacent to Bongao Pagasinan - Is situated near the famous Sanga-Sanga bridge that connects Bongao Island to Sanga-Sanga Island. Pahut Pakias Paniongan Pasiagan - Is the weekend capital for most of the Bongao residents because of fine white beaches. The setting of the famous song "Susulan Tawi-Tawi" is here. This love song is composed by a GI Joe who fell in love with a 'dayang-dayang' (princess). This noble lady is still alive. Bongao Poblacion - This is the main center. It grew from a collection of stilt houses to become the commercial center of the whole province Sanga-sanga - Is home to the Tawi-Tawi International Airport and the Mindanao State University. It is referred as a university town. Silubog Simandagit Sumangat

Tarawakan Tongsinah - From 'Tong'(Point) and 'Cina' (Chinese), used to be a trading post for chinese merchants (Lannang). Tubig Basag Ungus-ungus Lagasan Nalil Pagatpat Pag-asa Tubig Tanah Tubig-Boh Tubig-Mampallam

[edit] External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 2000 Philippine Census Information

Coordinates: 5°02′N 119°46′E