The Office of MP Rasol Mitmug, Jr. recently announced the winners of 2021 PAMANA photography contest.

The photo contest highlighted the Bangsamoro heritage to raise public awareness on the region’s rich and fascinating history of cultural heritage and to promote discussion on how policymakers and the community can work together for its conservation and protection.

Amierah Asim was declared the overall winner for a photo of Bud Bongao’s over-viewing peak. The mountain is a treasure throve of biodiversity and one of the last remaining moist forests in the Sulu archipelago. “I’m hearing a lot of stories about Tawi-Tawi before. So when I got the opportunity to go there, I have nothing to feel but excitement. But due to health protocols and also because we are fasting that time, most of beaches were closed and health measure so tight. I only visited Bud bonao, but it never disappoint [sic] my expectation. It actually set standard for more places to-go in Tawi-Tawi. What is more appreciative and inspiring is the responsible tourism of this spot, I couldn’t imagine developing a tourism site without compromising natural habitat while preserving its history,” Asim said, when asked about what fascinated her most during her travel in the province

Meanwhile, Mark Maulurana, of South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, earned second place for his entry “Sunduk,” the grave markers of Sama of Tababawan which commemorate and mark the resting places of the dead. The markers consist of two components, the kubul, a low openwork fence that surrounds the grave, and the “Sunduk”, an upright element at the center of the enclosure. The form of sunduk reflects the gender of the deceased.

And Nakim Nakano from Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, received third place for his photo of an elderly woman weaving a mat or tepoh amidst pandemic as means of livelihood.

For the People’s Choice Award determined by public voting, Almirah Amin’s photo of a Meranaw woman performing kulintang emerged as the winner with 4,300 facebook likes.

MP Mitmug Choice Award, a special and surprise award, was given to Ingrid Albarracin for her entry “The Venice of the South” (see first photo) which captures the stilt houses and floating market of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

The photo contest which ran for three weeks received an overwhelming response with over 250 entries from all over the country. The winners were determined by the judging criteria indicated in the contest mechanics. Judging panel is spearheaded by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage as the partner institution.

Check out all shortlisted photos here: https://web.facebook.com/AttyRasMitmug/posts/578556043547750