 Prior to gaining separate representation, areas now under the jurisdiction of Tawi-Tawi were represented under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu (1917–1935), Sulu (1935–1972) and Region IX (1978–1984).The enactment of Presidential Decree No.302 on September 11, 1973 created the Province of Tawi-Tawi out of Sulu's western and southern municipalities.