Sama Tawi-Tawi: Supply & Support Vessel Of Balangays

Another historical milestone for Butuan happened on July 16, 2010 when the 3rd Balangay boat was launched at Luna Compound, in Barangay Bading, Butuan City.
Christened Sama Tawi-Tawi, the boat functions as a supply and support vessel for the Balangay Diwata ng Lahi and Balangay Masawao Hong Butuan in their journey to the waters of Southeast Asia.

The design was patterned to the "kumpit", a trading and commercial boat of the Sulu Seas, made of wood with only a steel underbelly, having a dimension of 75 feet long, 15 feet wide and about 9 feet tall.

It also has an 85 horsepower diesel marine engine, kitchen, a bridge, sleeping quarters, enlarge storage bunks and two toilets.

The only similarity with the two other Balangays, Sama Tawi-Tawi has a mast near the bow to unfurl the colorful vinta-like sails, a famous symbol of the seafaring people of Mindanao.

Sama Tawi-Tawi, was named for the Sama people of Tawi-Tawi in Sibutu, who according to history is the last true bastion of the Badjao boat-builders.(photos by Sato Rayon, Butuan Balangay crew)

3 Balangays Off to Conquer Southeast Asia Seas

The pride of Butuan and Filipino people, credits to Fung Yu


Balangay Sama Tawi-Tawi credits to Ivy Amante


Balangay Diwata ng Lahi credits to Minda Ponce


Balangay Masawa Hong Butuan credits to Dr. Ted Esguerra

What was only a dream to recreate 1 Balangay to relive Philippine history turned out as an inspiration that 2 more were built and sailed towards international waters, hoping to reach China to become part of the World Expo 2010.

The 3-Balangays namely: Diwata ng Lahi, Masawa Hong Butuan and the latest is the Sama Tawi-Tawi have started their journey from Zamboanga port taking the 14,000 kilometer voyage to Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and China before going back to the Philippines.

"We want the balangays to not only be the source of unity for the country but also as a source of unity for the whole of Asia," said Art Valdez, team leader for The Voyage of the Balangay.

The Voyage of the Balangay started in Manila on September 1, 2009 and arrived in Zamboanga City on May 1 after 70 multi-port stopovers, covering 2,500 kilometers which lasted for 8 months.

The 3 boat flotillas are expected to reach Vietnam in time for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in September 2010.

The Balangays are also expected to dock in mainland China by mid-October for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

The World EXPO has provided an unparalleled opportunity for the tourism industry and an opportunity for Butuanons and the Filipino nation to feel with pride the message of Art Valdez who said: “We want the Balangays to not only be the source of unity for the country, but also as a source of unity for the whole of Asia.”

The theme of the exposition is "Better City – Better Life" and what it does to China hopefully will be trickled down to the Philippines....and perhaps to Butuan?

Masao Beach

El Rio de Butuan, now called Masao is the only beach in Butuan City known by its history as Magellan's Landing Site.

Every year on March 31, Butuan City celebrates MAZAUA DISCOVERY DAY to commemorate a historic milestone.

In 1995 a bill was filed by then Congresswoman Charito B. Plaza of Agusan del Norte claiming the Easter mass on March 31, 1521 was held at Butuan not Limasawa. The bill's contention was that the wooden boat called "balanghai" dug up at Butuan proved it was Mazaua.

The National Historical Institute officials "adopted" the finding of the Gancayco Panel which dismissed the Ginés de Mafra account as fake and forthwith unilaterally reverted the discussion to pre-de Mafra context which was back to whether the "site of the first mass" was Limasawa, the isle without anchorage, or Butuan, which is not an isle.

The NHI re-affairmed its previous pronouncements that Limasawa is Magellan's port.

Despite NHI's decision, Butuan Historians believes otherwise based on documents.

Magsaysay Bridge under-going Repairs

Constructed during late 50's and now the DPWH implemented a major repair of the old Magsaysay Bridge, another big development for Butuan

Butuan Historical Park Construction Underway

Phase I of the construction of the Butuan MDG (Millennium Development Goal) Historical Park along Agusan River costing almost 150M pesos.

The Boardwalk Project was envisioned to be Butuan's next tourist destination as it provides recreational waterfront experience for residents and visitors.

This would be the city's primary location for outdoor community gatherings. The Boardwalk provide a safe and scenic route, offering views of the Agusan River and Magsaysay Bridge.

New Retablo of St. Joseph Cathedral, A Divine Genre of Art

Senora Sta. Ana


Patron Saint, St. Joseph












Bishop Juan de dios Pueblos, the new Parish Priest of St. Joseph Cathedral during the dedication of the new Retablo & Blessing of Altar with priests & bishops from other parts of the country

On June 23, 2010 at 4pm Butuan again made history with the dedication of the new Retablo and blessing of the altar table with its new Parish Priest Bishop Juan de dios Pueblos attended by bishops & priests from Tagbilaran, Zamboanga, etc

This is a project of Parish Vice Rector Reverend Father Joesilo Amalla, costing 10M pesos, made by the famous Ecclesiastical Artist Wilfredo Tadeo Layug of Betis Galleria in Pampanga

Reverend Father Joesilo Amalla proudly announced that the diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph Cathedral was the first church in Caraga Region to acquire a Retablo or Lamina, literally meaning 'behind the altar'.

In Spanish, Retablo means a painting or sculpture rising from behind the altar of a church.

For the people of Butuan, it means a token of devotional thanksgiving to almighty and saints, and an inspiration.

Sama Tawi-Tawi to join Voyage of the Balangay, Soon

Masawa Hong Butuan souvenir item put on sale at Butuan Boat Building site



Miniature replicas of "Balangay Diwata ng Lahi", "Balangay Masawa hong Butuan" with the "Sama Tawi-Tawi" at the center (photos from Pierce Martin Chiong Chua & Marilou Monet-Solidum)


Progress of Sama Tawi-Tawi

Almost 90% complete, the Balangay boat builders once again will make history with the third boat called "Sama Tawi-Tawi" which will be joining Diwata ng Lahi and Masawa Hong Butuan in their journey to Southeast Asia and Madagascar.

"Sama Tawi-Tawi" will serve as the service vessel of the two Balangays, carrying provisions and serving as communications center.

Unlike the two Balangays, it now has a marine diesel engine, a cabin with head and radio system, and it will be launched on July 3, 2010 in the morning, still at the Butuan Boat Building site in Luna Compound, Bading, Butuan City.

A brief history: Tawi-Tawi is inhabited by several ethnic groups, including the SAMA, Tausug, Jama Mapun and Badjao (Sama Delaut). The 'Sama' comprise the majority, inhabiting almost all of the island municipalities.

Within the Sulu sea basin alone, the majority of the coastal people belong to the Sama cultural community. The term "Sama" is a derivative of the word "Sama-sama" meaning togetherness. Sama may be described as a cohesive and peace loving people.

Each Sama sub-group is identified geograohically according to the name of their coastal settlement. This include: Sama Simunul, Sama Balimbing, Sama Sibutu, Sama Ubian and Sama Tawi-tawi. Each of them have varied ancestral background, outlooks in life, economic life ways and types of social up-bringing.


(photo from Minda Monica Ponce)

The Diwata ng Lahi and Masawa Hong Butuan currently docked at Zamboanga