A flotilla of colorful lepas dot the Bongao Wharf on Wednesday, September 24, 2019 as the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi launched the 1st Tawi-Tawi Lepa Festival.
Participated by not less than 70 lepas from Tawi-Tawi's 11 municipalities, the event was among the highlights of the 46th Kamahardikaan Sin Tawi-Tawi celebration.
Residents and visitors flocked to Bongao Port to witness the unique floating parade of Lepa boats.
Lepa is the houseboat of the Sama D'laut or the Badjaos, the sea faring and "sea gypsies" people. The lepas are used for their permanent living as well as fishing, transportation and even weddings.
Also present during the event was presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte along with local officials of Tawi-Tawi headed by Governor Yshmael "Mang" Sali.
The elaborately decorated lepas sailing into the waters with men and women in their traditional garments, singing, and dancing to the tune of gongs and drums was a real feast for the eyes.
The Lepa is another thing that Tawi-Tawi can be really proud of. And the conduct of Lepa Festival will surely attract more tourists for Tawi-Tawi, we hope this will be continued in the coming years.