History

The Orang Dampuans were the ancient people of Basilan. They are believed to be the ancestors of the modern Yakan who populate the island’s interior. Tausugs and Samals settled along the coast bringing Islam to the island and converting the Yakans. During the 17th century, Lamitan in Basilan was a stronghold of Kudarat, Sultan of Maguindanao. In 1637, a strong Spanish force led by Governor General Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera captured Lamitan but in 1663, the Spanish troops on the island were withdrawn.

The Spaniards were not alone in coveting Basilan. The Dutch attempted to seize the island in 1747 but were thwarted by the locals. In 1844, the French tried to occupy the island but likewise failed. Later that year the Spaniards built a stone fort, the Fuerza de Isabela, on Basilan to end further attempts by rival European powers to take it. However, the Spanish hold on the interior remained tenuous.

In 1901, Basilan became part of Zamboanga and an increasing number of Chabacanos and Visayans settled in the town of Isabela to work on rubber plantations. The island became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 288 in 1948. In 1973, through Presidential Decree No. 356, the City of Basilan was turned into the province of Basilan and the town of Isabela became the capital.

Bangsa Moro secessionist guerrillas actively operated in Basilan at the height of the struggle for an independent homeland in the 1970s. In the late 1980s, Basilan became the center of operations of an extremist group called the Abu Sayyaf.

People, Culture and the Arts

The island of Basilan is inhabited by the Yakans, who are said to be of Papuan descent. They are tall, with medium complexion and high-bridged noses. They are a peaceful, industrious Muslim group of farmers and herdsmen. Their dialect is closely related to the Sama. However, majority of them also speak Chabacano. The culture of the people is adapted to land orientation rather than the sea for those living inland. The religion is Islamic with mixed elements from traditional and indigenous beliefs.

The Yakans are well known for their elaborate and colorful dress, which are almost the same for both men and women. They wear a close-fitting jacket with long narrow sleeves, striped trousers that are skin tight below the knee, and noteworthy of these articles of dress is the 15-meter long red sash called the kandit, and headcloth called the pis, and a small betel nut box at the waist. The women’s jackets are usually black with gold buttons, and wear a short skirt over their trousers, plus accessories of rings, bangles, earrings, and a large comb. The Yakans are renowned as among the best of all Mindanao weavers. They use back strap looms to blend cotton and silk into clothing featuring intricate and beautiful motifs. They are also well known for their elaborate weddings and festivals that feature music, games, and horse races.

The best place to see the Yakans is in the town of Lamitan. It is a tumultuous, colorful market, especially on Thursdays and Sundays, were various sea products like sharks, barracudas, and giant turtles are sold. Here, the Yakans in traditional attire, do business with the Samals, Badjaos, Chinese, Chabacanos, and Visayans. Isabela, the provincial capital is a display center of Basilan’s native handicrafts such as mats and buri bags.

Trade and Investments

The province of Basilan occupies a total land area of 1,379 square kilometers. The terrain ranges from undulating to rolling and becomes moderately steep towards the interior of the province. The province has 7 municipalities and has a population of 243,091. About 70%, of the province’s land is devoted to agriculture and planted extensively with coconuts, rubber and coffee. Other crops include palay, corn, cacao, cassava, African oil palm and black pepper. The provincial waters are laden with grouper, tuna, squid, octopus and marlin while inland fishponds are stocked with milkfish, prawns and shrimps. Basilan has the only lobster fattening and culture operations in the region.

Basilan has three private airstrips that cater to light planes. Flying to Zamboanga City is the more convenient means to get to Basilan. The province also has two government wharves that provide regular boat trips to nearby Zamboanga City. The local road network is 865 kilometers long and links all the municipalities and barangays of Basilan. More than half of the roads are categorized as all-weather roads. The province generates enough power capacity to meet local demand and has enough water sources to supply household, business and industrial needs. The local telecommunication facilities offer telegraph and long distance telephone services. Basilan hosts three government banks, two commercial banks and a rural bank.

The investment opportunities in Basilan revolve around the agricultural and marine resources of the province. Production and processing of rubber, coconuts, coffee and marine products rank high based on a product-market mix made by the local government. Specific business ventures include the manufacture of rubber-wood products such as furniture, tiles, gloves, conveyor belts, and latex; the processing of coconuts into oil, coir, desiccated coconut and activated carbon; processing of seaweeds, canning, and production of fishmeal, starch and adhesives. The local government is also developing an eleven-hectare provincial agro-industrial center in Tabiawan, Isabela. Basilan also has myriad natural attractions consisting of a surrounding coastline of white sand beaches, pristine waters, and coral formations, waterfalls and historical sites. Business ventures in tourism and related services and facilities, such as hotels, inns, resorts, and restaurants are very welcome in Basilan.

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