Sulu - Land Of Treasures And Farers Of The Sea

Far-flung Sulu is the southernmost part of the Philippines, lying between the Sulu Sea on the north and the Celebes Sea on the south. Although far, many tourist travel here to see and experience the beauty of island province. One of its famed sites is the Tubbataha Reef. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park was honored by UNESCO in December 1993 as the first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List.

Sulu has other treasures aside from its rich natural resources. Its capital, Jolo, has its own version of Intramuros. The province also has white sand beaches, museums, and other sites worth visiting.

Demographics

1. Population - 849,670 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 2,135.3 sq. km
3. Capital - Jolo
4. Language/Dialect - Tausug, Samal, Cebuano, Chavacano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (0)

Municipalities (19)

• Banguingui (Tongkil)
• Hadji Panglima Tahil (Marunggas)
• Indanan
• Jolo
• Kalingalan Caluang
• Lugus
• Luuk
• Maimbung
• Old Panamao
• Omar
• Pandami
• Panglima Estino (New Panamao)
• Pangutaran
• Parang
• Pata
• Patikul
• Siasi
• Talipao
• Tapul

Walled City
Jolo's walled city is the smallest in the world. Here are located the historic brick walls of Jolo that lay proof to its historic and continuous strife.

Tubbataha Reef
It draws divers from all over the world with its underwater splendor and the rich marine life that abounds in the reef.

Pearl Farm at Marungas Island
Pearls are extensively gathered and a pearl farm is established in the island.

Cultural

American Calvary Monument
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Known as the Sunken Garden, this was built to thank the American soldiers who fought for the people from Jolo.

Sulu Ethnological Museum
Location: Notre Dame of Jolo College, Jolo, Sulu
It is a private museum that has displays relating to the local culture and to Jolo's early trade with Indonesia China and the Arab world. Visitors can watch mat-weaving and purchase fine handicrafts such as cloth, mats, and bags at NACIDA shop at Notre Dame College.

Historical

Walled City / Walls of Intramuros
Location: Jolo, Sulu
The wall measures at 8 ft. high 1-1/2 ft. thick and surrounds the former Spanish garrison of Jolo. It served as a protection against intermittent attacks by Moro sabil-illah (Juramentados). It was constructed by the Spanish occupation army soon after the fall of Jolo on February 29,1878, with labor supplied by Filipino deportados who were prisoners of the Spanish Army.

Plaza Tulay Monument
Location: Brgy. Tulay, Jolo, Sulu
This monument was erected by Spanish Gov. Jose Arolas in 1891 to commemorate three occasions when Jolo was occupied by Spanish forces. One side of the monument bears the inscription “A la gloria de los que con su esfuerzo hicieron esta tierra Espanola “; the second side bears the inscription” Corcuera,17 de Abril de 1638”; the third side , “Urbiztondo, 28 de Febrero de 1851”; the fourth side, “Malcampo, 29 de Febrero de 1876”.

Poon Tao Kong Marker
Location: Jatin Tunggal, Indanan, Sulu
The marker remembers the contribution of Psi Hsien who served as leader ambassador of goodwill of China. He died in 1408 and was given the name Poon Tao Kong, the Celestial. He was a Muslim Chinese Emperor to send Moslem emissaries or tribute collectors to Moslem countries.

Fort of the Princess of Asturias
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Built by the Spaniards, this building was dedicated to the Princess of Spain. When Spanish forces left Jolo in 1899, the Americans made this military headquarters of the Philippines scout then later the Constabulary up to 1942. When Japanese Imperial Forces occupied Jolo the basement of this building served as the dungeon where Filipinos were tortured in 1945.