The word "Mapun" is derived from a Malay term "maaf" which means forgiveness. In the local dialect, ma-pun means "you forgive" that aptly describes the good values that the peace-loving people in this land possess. This is also the main reason why no matter how many names other people call their home place; the natives always refer to this island as TANAH MAPUN, meaning Land of Mapun.

One of the farthest municipalities from Bongao, the center of the Province of Tawi-Tawi, Mapun was originally called Cagayan de Sulu, being part of Sulu Province then. However, its name was changed to Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi when Tawi-Tawi was created as a separate province out of its mother Province of Sulu by virtue of Presidential Decree Number 302 in 1973. The name Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi also signifies that the place is now part and one of the original municipalities comprising the newly created Province of Tawi-Tawi.

On September 5, 1988, Republic Act Number 6672 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino has officially given the island its old name, thus the MUNICIPALITY OF MAPUN was born.

***This website is dedicated for Mapun and its People***

What's New in Mapun?

Mapun opens its doors to the World thru the World Wide Web! Internet connection and access is now available in the island municipality. Get connected with the Mapun people now!


SMART Communications and GLOBE Telecom cellular networks are now available to serve the locality, thus making communications easier.


Book: The Jama Mapun. A Changing Samal Society in the Southern Philippines by Eric Casino, Quezon City, Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University Press

Location Map of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines.

Kinapusan, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi